Football, also known as soccer, is not only the most popular sport in the world but also a multi-billion dollar industry. The players who excel at the highest level of the game, including the top 10 richest footballers in the world, are not only revered for their skills on the field but also rewarded handsomely for their efforts.
In fact, these football icons have managed to amass fortunes in the billions of dollars, placing them among the wealthiest individuals in the world. Join us as we explore their net worth, career highlights, salaries, and much more, offering a fascinating glimpse into the financial prowess of these remarkable athletes. So, let’s dive into the list and explore the wealth and achievements of these footballing icons.
Top 10 Richest Footballers In The World
1. Faiq Bolkiah | $20 billion
Topping the list of the richest footballers in the world is Brunei prince Faiq Bolkiah. With an estimated net worth of a staggering $20 billion, Bolkiah has surpassed all his peers in terms of wealth. He currently plays as a winger for Chonburi F.C. in Thailand and represents the Brunei national team. As a member of the Brunei royal family, Bolkiah’s fortune stems from his family’s vast wealth, with his father being the Prince of Brunei and his uncle, the Sultan of Brunei.
2. Lionel Messi | $600 million
Lionel Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, takes the second spot on the list with a net worth of $600 million. Messi currently plays as a forward for Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1 and captains the Argentina national team. Throughout his illustrious career, Messi has won numerous accolades, including a record-breaking seven Ballon d’Or awards. His skill, vision, and goal-scoring ability have made him a fan favorite and a highly marketable athlete, resulting in lucrative endorsement deals with global brands.
3. Cristiano Ronaldo | $500 million
Following closely behind Messi is Cristiano Ronaldo, another footballing legend. With a net worth of $500 million, Ronaldo has established himself as one of the wealthiest athletes in the world. The Portuguese forward currently plays for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia and captains the Portugal national team. Ronaldo’s incredible goal-scoring ability and his charismatic persona have made him a global icon. He has won five Ballon d’Or awards and has a significant presence in the world of fashion and endorsements.
4. David Beckham | $450 million
David Beckham, the former English footballer, secures the fourth position on the list with a net worth of $450 million. Beckham, known for his precision passing and free-kick expertise, played as an attacking midfielder for clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, AC Milan, and Paris Saint-Germain during his career. Beyond his on-field success, Beckham’s brand extends into various business ventures, including ownership stakes in Inter Miami CF and Guild Esports.
5. Dave Whelan | $210 million
Dave Whelan, an English footballer turned successful businessman, holds the fifth spot on the list with a net worth of $210 million. Whelan played as a winger for Blackburn Rovers and Crewe Alexandra during his playing days. However, it is his ventures off the field that have contributed significantly to his wealth. Whelan went on to become the owner of Wigan Athletic Football Club and successfully led the team to the Premier League. Additionally, he has invested in various business ventures, including the retail industry, which has further bolstered his net worth.
6. Neymar Jr. | $200 million
Brazilian superstar Neymar Jr. comes in at the sixth position on the list with a net worth of $200 million. Neymar currently plays as a forward for Paris Saint-Germain, alongside Lionel Messi. Known for his incredible dribbling skills and flair on the field, Neymar has been a prominent figure in both club and international football. His marketability has led to numerous endorsement deals with major brands, adding to his impressive wealth.
7. Zlatan Ibrahimovic | $190 million
Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic secures the seventh spot on the list with a net worth of $190 million. Ibrahimovic has had an illustrious career, playing for top clubs such as Barcelona, AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, and Manchester United. Known for his acrobatic goals and charismatic personality, Ibrahimovic has established himself as one of the most recognizable figures in the footballing world. His wealth is a result of his successful playing career, endorsement deals, and business ventures.
8. Kylian Mbappe | $180 million
At just 24 years old, French forward Kylian Mbappe is already one of the brightest stars in world football. With a net worth of $180 million, Mbappe has quickly risen through the ranks to become one of the wealthiest footballers. He currently plays for Paris Saint-Germain and has showcased his incredible speed and goal-scoring ability on multiple occasions. Mbappe’s young age and immense potential have attracted significant endorsement deals, contributing to his growing fortune.
9. Wayne Rooney | $170 million
Wayne Rooney, the former English footballer, holds the ninth position on the list with a net worth of $170 million. Rooney, known for his versatility and goal-scoring prowess, played for clubs like Everton, Manchester United, and D.C. United during his career. Rooney’s success on the field, coupled with endorsement deals and business ventures, has contributed to his substantial wealth. He has since transitioned into coaching and management, further expanding his involvement in the sport.
10. Ronaldo Luís Nazário | $160 million
Rounding out the list is Brazilian football legend Ronaldo Luís Nazário, commonly known as Ronaldo. With a net worth of $160 million, Ronaldo has left an indelible mark on the sport. Throughout his career, he played for clubs like Barcelona, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, and AC Milan. Ronaldo’s clinical finishing and speed made him one of the most feared strikers of his generation. His wealth comes from his successful playing career, endorsements, and investments in various business ventures.
Conclusion
The top 10 richest footballers in the world in 2023 have not only achieved incredible success on the field but have also built impressive fortunes through their talent, marketability, and business ventures. From Faiq Bolkiah’s royal wealth to the immense earnings of Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and David Beckham, these footballing icons have solidified their positions as some of the wealthiest individuals in the world. Their stories serve as a testament to the global reach and financial power of the beautiful game.
FAQs
Who is the richest footballer in the world?
Faiq Bolkiah, with a net worth of $20 billion.
Who is the highest-paid football player?
Lionel Messi, with an annual salary of $130 million.
How much is Lionel Messi worth?
Lionel Messi has a net worth of $600 million.
Who is the richest retired footballer?
David Beckham, with a net worth of $450 million.
How much is Cristiano Ronaldo worth?
Cristiano Ronaldo has a net worth of $500 million.
Who is the youngest player on the list of richest footballers?
Kylian Mbappe, at 24 years old.
How much is Neymar Jr. worth?
Neymar Jr. has a net worth of $200 million.
What is Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s net worth?
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has a net worth of $190 million.
How much is Kylian Mbappe worth?
Kylian Mbappe has a net worth of $180 million.
What is Wayne Rooney’s net worth?
Wayne Rooney has a net worth of $170 million.
How much is Ronaldo Nazário worth?
Ronaldo Nazário has a net worth of $160 million.
Who has won the most Ballon d’Or awards?
Lionel Messi, with seven Ballon d’Or awards.
Which club does Lionel Messi currently play for?
Lionel Messi currently plays for Paris Saint-Germain.
Which club did Cristiano Ronaldo most recently play for?
Cristiano Ronaldo currently plays for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia.
What position did David Beckham play?
David Beckham played as an attacking midfielder.
Which club did Neymar Jr. play for before joining Paris Saint-Germain?
Neymar Jr. previously played for Barcelona.
Which club did Zlatan Ibrahimovic play for the longest?
Zlatan Ibrahimovic had multiple stints with AC Milan.
Which country does Kylian Mbappe represent in international football?
Kylian Mbappe represents France.
Which club did Wayne Rooney start his professional career with?
Wayne Rooney began his career with Everton.
Which country is Ronaldo Nazário from?
Ronaldo Nazário is from Brazil.
