Football is not only a global sport, but – for many stars – also a path to great wealth.
Die richest footballer in the world have achieved enormous wealth thanks to outstanding careers, smart investments and attractive advertising contracts.
In this article, we take a look at the top 20 richest footballers in 2024.
Guess what: Who is the richest footballer in the world?
1. Faiq Bolkiah – Net worth: approx. 20 billion USD
Faiq Bolkiah, the richest footballer in the world, comes from the royal family of Brunei. Although he keeps a low profile in football, his family background has given him a net worth of $20 billion. Bolkiah currently plays for Thai club Chonburi FC, but his financial power comes mainly from the wealth of his father, the Prince of Brunei.
| Faiq Bolkiah | |
|---|---|
2. Lionel Messi – Net worth: approx. 650 million USD
One of the greatest footballers of all time, Lionel Messi has built a net worth of $650 million. The Argentine star currently plays for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS). Messi is known for his incredible skills on the pitch, but his lucrative endorsement deals with brands such as Adidas and Pepsi have also contributed to his enormous wealth.
| Lionel Messi | |
|---|---|
3. Cristiano Ronaldo – Net worth: approx. 600 million USD
Another giant of football, Cristiano Ronaldo has amassed a net worth of $600 million. The Portuguese superstar currently plays for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia. With an annual salary of $210 million and a host of endorsement deals, including his own brand CR7, Ronaldo has established himself as one of the highest-earning athletes in the world.
| Cristiano Ronaldo | |
|---|---|
4. David Beckham – Net worth: approx. 450 million USD
David Beckham, the English football star and fashion icon, has a net worth of $450 million. Although he has retired from playing football, he remains an influential figure in football and beyond. Beckham is the co-owner of Inter Miami and has numerous business interests, including his own clothing line and perfume collection.
| David Beckham | |
|---|---|
5. Dave Whelan – Net worth: approximately $210 million
Dave Whelan, a former English footballer, has been extremely successful as a business person since his playing career. With a fortune of $210 million, built largely through his chain of sports shops and as owner of Wigan Athletic, he remains a major figure in English football.
| Dave Whelan | |
|---|---|
6. Neymar Jr. – Net worth: approx. 200 million USD
Neymar Jr., the Brazilian superstar, has joined the ranks of the richest footballers with a net worth of $200 million. He currently plays for Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia and earns about $78 million annually. Neymar is also active off the pitch and has deals with global brands such as Puma and Red Bull.
| Neymar Jr. | |
|---|---|
7. Zlatan Ibrahimovic – Net worth: approx. 190 million USD
Zlatan Ibrahimovic, known for his exceptional skills and great self-confidence, has built a fortune of 190 million USD. The Swede, who recently ended his career, remains a colorful character in football and invests in various business areas.
| Zlatan Ibrahimovic | |
|---|---|
8. Kylian Mbappé – Net worth: approx. 180 million USD
Kylian Mbappé, the French prodigy, has already earned a fortune of $180 million at a young age. He currently plays for Paris Saint-Germain and is one of the highest-paid players in the world. Mbappé is also a popular face for endorsement deals and is likely to become even richer in the coming years.
| Kylian Mbappé | |
|---|---|
9. Wayne Rooney – Net worth: approx. 170 million USD
Wayne Rooney, England’s all-time leading goalscorer, has amassed a fortune of $170 million. After a glittering career at Manchester United and in the MLS, Rooney is now a coach. His income comes not only from football, but also from endorsements and media appearances.
| Wayne Rooney | |
|---|---|
10. Ronaldo Nazário – Net worth: approx. 160 million USD
Ronaldo Nazário, also known as “El Fenómeno”, is one of the greatest football legends of all time. With a net worth of 160 million USD, he has established himself as an entrepreneur after his playing career. Ronaldo is currently the owner of the Spanish football club Real Valladolid.
| Ronaldo Nazario | |
|---|---|
11. Gareth Bale – Net worth: approx. 145 million USD
Gareth Bale, the Welsh winger, has built a fortune of $145 million during his career. Known for his speed and goal threat, Bale played for clubs such as Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid. After retiring, he is now investing in various business ventures.
| Gareth Bale | |
|---|---|
12. Thierry Henry – Net worth: approx. 130 million USD
Thierry Henry, the French football legend, has built a fortune of $130 million. After a successful career at Arsenal and Barcelona, Henry now works as a coach and TV pundit and remains an influential figure in football.
| Thierry Henry | |
|---|---|
13. Paul Pogba – Net worth: approx. 125 million USD
Paul Pogba, the French midfielder, has a net worth of $125 million. Despite a career plagued by injuries, he remains one of the highest-paid players at Juventus. Pogba also has significant endorsement deals that add to his wealth.
| Paul Pogba | |
|---|---|
14. Andrés Iniesta – Net worth: approx. 120 million USD
Known as one of the best midfielders of his generation, Andrés Iniesta has built a fortune of $120 million. After his successful time at FC Barcelona, he played in Japan and invested in various business projects.
| Andres Iniesta | |
|---|---|
15. José Mourinho – Net worth: approx. 120 million USD
One of the most successful football managers, José Mourinho has built a fortune of $120 million. He has won numerous titles with clubs such as Chelsea, Inter Milan and Real Madrid and remains a central figure in international football.
| Jose Mourinho | |
|---|---|
16. Mesut Özil – Net worth: approx. 120 million USD
Mesut Özil, the German midfielder, has amassed a net worth of $120 million. After a successful career, including spells at Real Madrid and Arsenal, he is now involved in various business ventures.
| Mesut Ozil | |
|---|---|
17. Zinedine Zidane – Net worth: approx. 120 million USD
Zinedine Zidane, the French football hero and former manager of Real Madrid, has a net worth of $120 million. Famous for his achievements as both a player and a manager, he remains a respected figure in football.
| Zinedine Zidane | |
|---|---|
18. Eden Hazard – Net worth: approx. 100 million USD
Eden Hazard, the Belgian winger, has amassed a net worth of $100 million. Although his time at Real Madrid was marred by injuries, Hazard remains a household name in football.
| Eden Hazard | |
|---|---|
19. Pelé – Net worth: approx. 100 million USD
One of football’s greatest icons, Pelé amassed a fortune of $100 million throughout his career. Despite his death, Pelé remains one of the most recognizable figures in football and is honored around the world for his achievements.
| Skin | |
|---|---|
20. Philipp Lahm – Net worth: approx. 100 million USD
Philipp Lahm, the German world champion and former captain of FC Bayern Munich, has built up a fortune of 100 million USD. After his active career, he is involved in various projects and as a sports official.
| Philipp Lahm | |
|---|---|
Other assets at a glance
Here you can find further data and analyses on the assets and salaries of various well-known personalities.
