Let’s have a look on the top 10 richest footballer in the world. Football as the most popular game all over the world not only admires and captures hurt but also generates immense wealth for its top players. Profitable contracts, endorsements to business ventures, and investments. These athletes have gained fortunes that extended well beyond that pitch. From Lionel Messi to Ronaldo all are on the top list. 

Top 10 richest footballer in the world

NAME	NET WORTH	DATE OF BIRTH	Current/Last TEAM	COUNTRY
Faiq Bolkiah	$20 billion	9th May, 1982	Ratchaburi F.C.	Los Angeles, United States
Lionel Messi	$600 million	24th June, 1987	Inter Miami	Rosario, Argentina
Cristiano Ronaldo	$500 million	5th Feb, 1985	Al Nassr FC	Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
David Beckham	$450 million	2nd May 1975	Paris Saint-Germain F.C.(2013)	London, England
Dave Whelan	$210 million.	24th Nov, 1936	Crewe Alexandra F.C.	Bradford, England
Neymar Jr.	$200 million	5th Feb, 1992	Al Hilal SFC	Mogi das Cruzes, Brazil
Zlatan Ibrahimovic	$190 million	3rd Oct,1981	AC Milan	Malmö, Sweden
Kylian Mbappe	$ 180 million	20th Dec, 1998	Paris Saint-Germain F.C	Paris, France
Wayne Rooney	$ 170 million	24th Oct, 1985	Plymouth Argyle F.C.(Head Coach)	Liverpool, England
Ronaldo Luis Nazario	$160 million	18th Sep, 1976	Sport Club Corinthians Paulista	Itaguaí, Brazil

Top 10 richest footballer in the world

1. Faiq Bolkiah- $20 billion

A player from Los Angeles, United States ranked on the top on the list of the top 10 richest footballer in the world. He is the richest football players right now with $20 billion in net worth he overshadowed many big names like Messi & Ronaldo.

 Bolkiah as a professional football player started his career in 2009 as a member of A.F.C. Newbury, with a one-year contract with Southampton Academy. Since childhood, Bolkiah was rich as he belonged to the renowned Royal house “Royal family of Brunei“. That’s another reason for him to be rich.

2. Lionel Messi- $600 million

The Argentina superstar is known for his incredible skills and many record-breaking achievements have signed a lucrative contract with Inter Miami of $20.4 million for two-and-half-year. 

He started his early career in 2003 as a 75th-minute substitute during a friendly match against Porto. In 2006 Messi won his first Champions League Trophy. With all his records and wealth he ranked in the 2nd position of Top 10 richest footballer in the world.

• Book- The “GOAT” Messi and more.
• Movie- Lionel Messi: The Greatest.

Records	Most Copa América games by any player, Most goals across all Copa Américas, most goals 474, hat-tricks 36, and assists in La Liga 192.
Awards	World Soccer Player of the Year(2012,2011,2009), The Best FIFA Men’s Player(2024,2023,2019), FIFA World Player of the Year(2009), UEFA Men’s Player of the Year Award(2015,2011), Golden Boy(2005)

Also Read- top 10 handsome cricketers in the world

 

3. Cristiano Ronaldo-$500 million

The Portuguese forward is one of the highest-paid foot players in the world. Ronaldo captures many hurts with his unmatchable discipline and dedication to his fitness and game. Ronaldo signed a huge profitable contract with Al Nassr FC with $200 million per year, which is one of the highest for any football player, and he stands in the 3rd position in the list of the Top 10 richest footballer in the world.

CR7 started his early career playing for Andorinha from 1992 to 1995. At the age of 12, Sporting CP signed him for a fee of $1,500. Ronaldo first signed a profitable contract of $12 million with Manchester United  F.C.

• Book-Cristiano Ronaldo: The Rise of a Winner.
• Movie-Cristiano Ronaldo: The World at its Feet(2014).

Records	With 14 strikes to his name, CR7 has the most European Championship goals. He is the first and only player to score 50 goals in Euro qualifying and finals.
Awards	FIFA World Player of the Year(2009), The Best FIFA Men’s Player(2017), UEFA Men’s Player of the Year Award(2014), FIFA Puskás Award (2009), FIFA Ballon d’Or(2015,2014), Goal 50 (2012,2008).

4. David Beckham – $450 million

Next in the list of top 10 richest footballer in the world. David is ranked 4th in the list of the top 10 richest footballers in the world. He is a former football player and a businessman in current. Bron in London, England a British footballer was signed for Manchester United in 1991, was first contract for.

During his football career, David was always surrounded by many controversies. Recently on Netflix, a documentary “Beckham” unpacks some of the most controversial moments.

Records	In 265 league appearances he scored 61 goals for United and 81 goals in Champions League. He also won six premier league titles.
Awards	Premier League Player of the Month(1996), BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award(2001), UEFA Club Footballer of the Year(1999), MLS Best XI(2011), Men’s PFA Young Player of the Year(1997), Best MLS Player ESPY Award(2012,2008) and more.

5. Dave Whelan – $210 million

Dave Whelan is a well-known footballer and a successful businessman. David’s most of the wealth comes from his businessman. He said goodbye to professional football in 1966. Later he successfully established a football club “Wigan Athletic Football Club”. After 20 years of being a chairman, he hand over the ownership to his grandson. Currently, with his net worth of $210 million, he is ranked in the top 10 richest footballer in the world.

• Awards- Freedom of the Borough

6. Neymar Jr.- $200 million

Neymar, the Brazilian athlete, has made headlines not only for his on-field performances but his multi-million net worth of $200 million. Neymer Jr. recently signed a two-year contract of  $300 million and up to $ 400 million based on commercial club deals. Which literally made him one of the richest footballers in the world.

• Book- Neymar: My Story: Conversations with My Father.
• Movie- Neymar: The Perfect Chaos(2022).

Records	79 goals in128 matches.
Awards	FIFA Puskás Award(2012), UEFA Champions League Top Goalscorer(2015), Bola de Ouro(2011), FIFA FIFPro World XI(2017)

 

7. Zlatan Ibrahimovic- $190 million

Zlatan Ibrahimović is known for his remarkable career as one of the finest footballers and off-field ventures, contributing significantly to his estimated net worth of $190 million. 

Recently he signed a contract of $11,440,000 dollars with Manchester United F.C. for one year. With that, he ranked in the 6th position in the list of the top 10 richest footballer in the world.

• Book: I Am Zlatan Ibrahimović (autobiography).
• Movie- Asterix & Obelix: The Middle Kingdom(2023)

Records	Won 34 trophies in his football career.
Awards	FIFA Puskás Award(2014), MLS Newcomer of the Year Award(2018), Golden Foot(2012), Serie A Footballer of the Year(2011,2009,2008), MLS Best XI(2019,2018), Best MLS Player ESPY Award(2019) and more

8. Kylian Mbappe- $180 million

As of the latest updates Kylian Mbappe belongs in the 7th position of the top 10 richest footballer in the world. This 25-year-old athlete signed a contract of $5 million with Real Madrid after leaving the Paris Saint-Germain F.C. He was the record goalscorer with 256 goals in 308 appearances.

Records	Leading run scorer with 255 goals for Paris Saint-Germain, AS Monaco 27 goals, France 46 goals total 328 goals in 442 games.
Awards	Golden Boy(2017), FIFA World Cup Golden Boot(2022), Kopa Trophy(2018), French Player of the Year(2018) and more.

9. Wayne Rooney- $170 million

Wayne Rooney’s current net worth is estimated to be around $170 million. Wayne’s wealth accrued through his successful football career. 

in addition to his football earnings, Rooney benefited from the endorsement deals with various brands this year. He was appointed as the “Head Coach” of Plymouth Argyle F.C. in 2024.

• Books- Wayne Rooney: My Decade in the Premier League (autobiography).
• Movie- ROONEY (Netflix Series).

Records	Won 120 caps for England between 2003 to 2018. Leading run scorer by 53 goals in 120 internationals, breaking Bobby Charlton’s record of 49 in 2015 against Switzerland.
Awards	MLS Best XI(2018), FIFPro World Young Player of the Year(2005), BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year(2002), FifPro Special Young Player of the Year(2005)

10. Ronaldo Luis Nazario- $160 million

In football history, few names resonate with as much prestige as Ronaldo Luis Nazario de Lima, mostly known simply as Ronaldo. Beyond his on-field exploits, his journey from the streets of Brazil to the summits of European football and beyond is a testament to his enduring legacy. With almost $160 million he stands in the top 10 richest footballer in the world.

Records	Third-highest goal scorer of Brazil, Highest goals in a single La Liga season, and more.
Awards	FIFA World Player of the Year(2002,1998,1997) World Soccer Player of the Year(2002,1997,1996), European Golden Shoe(1997), FIFA World Cup Golden Ball(1998), Golden Foot(2006), Bravo Award(1998, 1997), Serie A Footballer of the Year (1998) and more

FAQ- Top 10 richest footballer in the world.

• Who is the top 5 richest footballer?
• Dave Whelan
• Who is the 20 billion dollar football player?
• Bolkiah 
• Which footballer is a billionaire?
• Faiq Bolkiah
• How rich is Messi?
• $650 million
• Who is the richest ex-football player?
• Jerry Richardson
• How much is Ronaldo worth?
• $500 million
• How rich is Messi?
• $650 million.