Top 10 Richest Footballers 2024

June 27, 2024 17:50 PM

This article continuously updates to reflect changes in players' net worth over time, ranking the wealthiest footballers worldwide across different countries and leagues.

1. Faiq Bolkiah

Net worth: $20 billion

Faiq Bolkiah, with an estimated net worth of around $20 billion, holds the distinction of being the richest footballer in history. As an heir to Brunei's royal family, his immense wealth stems from the country's vast oil reserves. Brunei, located on Southeast Asia's Borneo island, ranks among the world's wealthiest nations per capita, with his uncle, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, also counted among the globe's richest individuals.

Benefiting from his family's fortune, Faiq Bolkiah has pursued a career in professional football, leveraging his wealth to become the wealthiest footballer globally. Known for their extravagant spending on luxury goods and real estate, his family epitomizes opulence and affluence on an international scale.

2. Mathieu Flamini

Net worth: $10 billion

Mathieu Flamini has built a distinguished career playing for top football clubs such as Arsenal, AC Milan, and Marseille, ranking as the second-richest footballer globally. Despite earning substantial income from his football career and likely benefiting from endorsements and sponsorships, Flamini's wealth is not solely derived from sports.

In 2008, Flamini laid the foundation for his wealth by co-founding GFBiochemicals with his business partner Pasquale Granata. GFBiochemicals specializes in producing levulinic acid, a renewable chemical utilized in pharmaceuticals, food products, cosmetics, and other industries. The company has made significant investments in research and development to promote levulinic acid as a sustainable alternative to petrochemicals.

Today, Flamini's company stands as the world's leading mass producer of levulinic acid, marking a significant achievement in the renewable chemicals sector.

3. Lionel Messi

Net worth: $600 million

Regarded as the greatest football player of all time, Lionel Messi's exceptional skills on the field, coupled with numerous endorsements and sponsorships, place him among the top three wealthiest footballers globally.

Throughout his illustrious career, the Argentine has amassed a plethora of titles and awards, including eight Ballon d'Or trophies, the most prestigious individual honor in football and a World Cup, the pinnacle team achievement in the sport.

Messi's immense wealth stems from lucrative endorsement deals with Adidas, Pepsi, Huawei, and other major brands. His appearances in advertisements for Gillette, Tata Motors, and Mastercard have also contributed significantly to his earnings, amounting to millions of dollars.

In addition to his endorsement income, Messi's contracts with football clubs have been exceptionally lucrative. His 2017 deal with FC Barcelona was valued at over $600 million, solidifying his status as one of the highest-paid athletes globally.

According to Forbes, Messi topped the list of highest-paid athletes in 2022 following his move to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), where he reportedly signed a two-year contract worth over $41 million annually.

After leading his team to victory in the 2022 World Cup, Messi set a new record for the most liked social media post in history. His popularity extends to Instagram, where three of his posts rank among the platform's top five most liked of all time, further cementing his legendary status beyond the football pitch.

4. Cristiano Ronaldo

Net worth: $500 million

Cristiano Ronaldo, renowned as the first team sports athlete to amass over $1 billion in career earnings (pre-tax), ranks as the third wealthiest footballer globally.

Throughout his illustrious career, the Portuguese icon has garnered millions in salary, bonuses, and endorsements while representing prestigious clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus.

Ronaldo made waves in 2016 with a landmark $1 billion lifetime contract signing with Nike, joining NBA stars Michael Jordan and LeBron James in this exclusive agreement.

Beyond mainstream leagues, Ronaldo set a historic precedent as the highest-paid athlete ever with his $215 million annual salary from Saudi club Al Nassr.

In addition to his status as one of the richest footballers globally, Ronaldo is also among the most marketable athletes worldwide, securing lucrative endorsements with brands like Nike, Coca-Cola, and Tag Heuer, among others.

His diverse business ventures, including a clothing line, fragrance brand, and hotel chain, further bolster his financial standing among the world's elite athletes.

With a massive social media following exceeding 600 million, Ronaldo leverages his immense popularity to secure high-profile endorsement deals and income opportunities, reportedly earning up to $2.44 million per sponsored post on Instagram, marking him as the platform's highest earner.

5. David Beckham

Net worth: $450 million

David Beckham, ranked as the fifth wealthiest footballer globally, has achieved immense success both on and off the field. The Englishman's illustrious career spanned prestigious clubs such as Manchester United, Real Madrid, Milan, PSG, and Los Angeles Galaxy.

Known as one of the highest-paid footballers in history, Beckham's talent and achievements on the pitch secured him lucrative contracts and endorsements throughout his career.

Renowned for his marketability, Beckham has partnered with top brands such as Adidas, Armani, H&M, and Pepsi, capitalizing on his appealing appearance and charismatic persona. His marriage to Victoria, a former Spice Girl turned fashion designer, further enhances his celebrity status and industry connections.

As a prominent figure among the world's wealthiest footballers, Beckham has launched his own fragrance line and collaborated with various companies, spanning from whisky to eyewear.

A savvy entrepreneur, Beckham has invested in diverse football ventures, including Inter Miami FC, a London-based football academy, and Salford City FC. His partnership with Global Brands Group underscores his strategic approach to brand development and commercial interests in sports and entertainment.

Over the years, Beckham has expanded his portfolio with investments in luxury properties across London, Los Angeles, and Miami. Collaborations with leading property developers further cement his status as a formidable presence among the globe's richest footballers.

6. Dave Whelan

Net worth: $210 million

David Whelan, renowned as the sixth wealthiest footballer globally, began his career in sports before transitioning into entrepreneurship. Initially playing for Blackburn Rovers and Crewe Alexandra during the 1950s and 1960s, Whelan's football journey was curtailed by injury.

In the 1970s, Whelan pivoted into business and founded JJB Sports, a chain of sports stores that rapidly expanded across the United Kingdom, eventually becoming a leading sports retailer with numerous outlets.

In 2007, Whelan reportedly sold his stake in JJB Sports for £190 million, just prior to the company encountering financial difficulties and entering administration in 2012.

Beyond JJB Sports, Whelan's wealth derives from diverse ventures including ownership of multiple health centers and a property development company, further solidifying his position among the world's richest footballers.

7. Neymar

Net worth: $200 million

Brazil's Neymar, widely regarded as one of soccer's most talented players, ranks as the seventh wealthiest footballer globally. His career soared in 2017 when he made a record-breaking transfer from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain for €222 million, significantly boosting his annual earnings to €30 million net.

Since then, Neymar has signed multiple contract extensions with PSG, further elevating his income and solidifying his status among the world's wealthiest footballers.

Beyond his football earnings, Neymar commands substantial endorsement deals with major brands such as Nike, Red Bull, and Beats by Dre. Forbes reported that Neymar earned approximately $20 million from endorsements alone in 2021.

In addition to his on-field success and endorsements, Neymar has diversified his wealth through strategic investments. He co-owns NR Sports, a company managing his and other athletes' images, including Olympic gold medalist Thiago Braz. Moreover, Neymar has ventured into the restaurant business with his chain "Neymar Jr. Steakhouse," further enhancing his financial portfolio.

8. Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Net worth: $190 million

Zlatan Ibrahimovic ranks as the ninth wealthiest footballer globally, thanks to his highly successful career spanning clubs such as Ajax, Barcelona, Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, and Los Angeles Galaxy, among others.

Throughout his illustrious career, the Swedish icon has garnered numerous titles, honors, and accolades, establishing himself as one of the premier footballers of his era.

Beyond football, Ibrahimovic has ventured into business with his own clothing line, fragrances, and investments in various companies. He is also recognized as a prominent brand ambassador with endorsement deals with Nike, Volvo, and Samsung.

In 2019, Ibrahimovic expanded his influence in the football industry by becoming a co-owner of Swedish club Hammarby. This move included acquiring a stake in Anschutz Entertainment Group Sweden (AEG), which is a primary investor in Los Angeles Galaxy, further cementing his footprint in global football ownership.

9. Kylian Mbappe

Net worth: $180 million

He wasn't the first teenage athlete to achieve worldwide stardom in soccer, but Kylian Mbappe made history at 19 years old in the 2018 World Cup and has continued to elevate his career with the French national team, soon to join Real Madrid.

Despite France's defeat to Argentina in the dramatic 2022 World Cup Final, Mbappe's hat trick underscored his continued high-level performance. Let's explore Kylian Mbappe's net worth in 2024.

Mbappe is set to depart Paris Saint-Germain after his current season concludes, despite a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal reportedly worth up to EUR 700 million. The deal included an opt-out clause allowing Mbappe to join Real Madrid after one season with Al Hilal.

His decision to join Real Madrid for the upcoming season was finalized in June 2024, with details of the agreement made public. Mbappe secured a staggering EUR 150 million signing bonus and will earn EUR 15 million annually over a five-year period.

Mbappe's long-standing desire to play for Real Madrid fuels his excitement about the move. This transfer is expected to significantly boost Mbappe's already substantial net worth.

10. Wayne Rooney

Net worth: $170 million

Wayne Rooney, the retired English football icon celebrated for his prowess as a striker, is revered as one of the greatest players in Premier League and English football lore. His tenure with Manchester United yielded an impressive haul of 13 trophies, highlighted by five Premier League titles and a UEFA Champions League triumph.

Rooney initially rose to prominence as the youngest goal scorer in Premier League history while donning the Manchester United jersey. Following his retirement from professional football in 2021, Rooney left an enduring legacy of achievement and excellence that continues to resonate with fans worldwide.