Richest footballers in the world: The top 10 most financially successful players ranked as both Messi and Ronaldo miss out on top spot

Football has grown into one of the most powerful industries worldwide, with its biggest stars amassing extraordinary wealth through record-breaking contracts and lucrative endorsement deals.

In this piece, we rank the ten richest footballers on the planet, focusing on their overall net worth rather than just what they earn on the pitch.

Today's footballers are no longer defined solely by what they earn on the pitch, with many expanding their wealth through business ventures, real estate, personal brands, and sponsorship deals — often leading to surprising names among the richest in the sport.

This ranking is not only about who has the deepest pockets, but also about the different ways their wealth is built, managed, and grown.

From savvy investments to global influence — and in some cases, even family heritage —t hese ten footballers stand as the wealthiest figures in the sport, showcasing the vast financial reach of the beautiful game.

Top 10 richest footballers in the world

10 – Kylian Mbappe

Estimated net worth: $180m

Teams: Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, AS Monaco

Kylian Mbappe is not only the first name on our list, but he is also the youngest player to feature in this top 10.

The Frenchman has already achieved a lot in his career, from winning multiple trophies and league titles to lifting the World Cup back in 2018.

Through a combination of high salaries, big bonuses, and major endorsements, Mbappe has been able to build a financial empire, which is estimated to be worth around $180m.

Mbappe has accumulated personal sponsors over the years, linking up with a number of global brands such as Nike, Hublot, EA Sports, and Dior.

The forward has already featured on the front cover of TIME magazine and has also launched his own production company.

9 – Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Estimated net worth: $190m

Teams: AC Milan, LA Galaxy, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Juventus, Ajax, Malmo FF

Zlatan Ibrahimovic enjoyed a storied career as a professional footballer, one which entertained millions of fans and also generated millions of dollars.

Through a combination of his physical dominance, acrobatic goals, unpredictability, and charisma, the Swede was able to become one of the most captivating individuals in modern football.

With over 500 career goals to his name, Ibrahimovic certainly knew how to make an impact on the field. However, with a host of successful business ventures under his belt, it is clear that the striker is not a one trick pony.

The Swede was able to turn his big personality into a commercial asset when he released his autobiography – one which unsurprisingly became a bestseller.

Ibrahimovic also made waves in the athletic apparel industry with his personal brand called A-Z Sportswear, while beefing up his finances with a series of high-profile sponsorship deals with the likes of Nike, Volvo, Samsung, and Nivea.

Over the years, the former striker has built a financial empire worth upwards of $190m – a number which has been supplemented by years of hefty cheques from some of the world’s biggest clubs.

8 – Karim Benzema

Estimated net worth: $200m

Teams: Al-Ittihad, Real Madrid, Lyon

Karim Benzema has not only achieved great things as a footballer, but the Frenchman has also quietly amassed a fortune worth upwards of $200m.

The striker first broke onto the scene with Lyon in Ligue 1, before joining Real Madrid and becoming a crucial figure at the club following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.

The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner swapped Spain for Saudi Arabia by joining Al-Ittihad and secured an unprecedented salary, which is reportedly worth over $100m per year.

When you couple that with his numerous endorsement deals and various other business ventures in the fashion industry, it is easy to see how the Frenchman has been able to accumulate such incredible wealth.

7 – Dave Whelan

Estimated net worth: $210m

Teams: Blackburn Rovers, Crewe Alexandra

Dave Whelan is the first name on the list who made his fortune once his career as a professional footballer was over.

Whelan’s career saw him represent both Blackburn Rovers and Crewe Alexandra during the 1950s and 60s, until a serious leg injury marked an end to his time as full back.

Turning from football to business, the Englishman went on to make millions by building up and eventually selling retailer JJB Sports.

Whelan returned to football when he bought Wigan Athletic in the 1990s, leading the club through their greatest period of success – including an unprecedented FA Cup final victory over Manchester City back in 2013.

The businessman has since retired with an estimated fortune of $210m.

6 – Wayne Rooney

Estimated net worth: $220m

Teams: Derby County, D.C. United, Everton, Manchester United

Regarded as one of England’s greatest ever footballers, Wayne Rooney has certainly been able to match his footballing achievements with financial success.

The forward made the bulk of his $220m fortune during his iconic 13-year spell with Manchester United – a run which saw him claim 16 major honours, including five Premier League titles.

At his peak, Rooney was a marketing draw, which helped him secure a number of global endorsement deals with the likes of Nike, Coca-Cola, and EA Sports.

Since hanging up his boots, Rooney has entered the managerial game, taking charge of Derby County, D.C. United, Birmingham City, and Plymouth Argyle – all without much success.

5 – Neymar Jr

Estimated net worth: $250m

Teams: Santos, Al-Hilal, Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona

Whether Neymar Jr has lived up to his full potential as a footballer is an open debate, but one unquestionable fact about the Brazilian is that he is one of the most marketable football stars of all time.

The forward, who has played at the top level across three different continents, has entertained millions of fans with his exciting playing style, flair, and creativity.

While spells for PSG and in Saudi Arabia have undoubtedly helped him earn a fortune, it is endorsement deals which have turned Neymar into a financial powerhouse – one that is worth over $250m.

Deals with Puma, Red Bull, Qatar Airways, and Netflix have all added millions of dollars to his bank account, while investments into esports and entertainment have also contributed.

Neymar, who is known for his lavish lifestyle, has also pumped a lot of money into philanthropy, giving back through his own institute and charity work in Brazil.

4 – David Beckham

Estimated net worth: $450m

Teams: Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan, LA Galaxy, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Preston North End

David Beckham retired from professional football back in 2013, but he has remained one of the most commercially successful athletes of all time.

The Englishman boasts a net worth of over $450m, mainly thanks to decades of endorsement deals with global brands, his real estate ventures, and his ownership stake in Major League Soccer outfit Inter Miami.

Beckham was not only a successful footballer but also became a cultural icon during the late 90s and early 2000s – particularly thanks to his relationship with Spice Girl and model Victoria Beckham.

The former England international has worked with brands like Adidas, H&M, Breitling, and Haig Club whisky, while also supporting global charities such as UNICEF.

Beckham is also making strides in Major League Soccer through his involvement with Inter Miami, bringing global eyeballs to the competition following the transfer of Lionel Messi in 2023.

3 – Lionel Messi

Estimated net worth: $650m to $850m

Teams: Inter Miami, Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona

When it comes to achievements in football, Lionel Messi’s resume is simply unparalleled.

With seven Ballon d’Or wins, four Champions League titles, and a World Cup victory under his belt, Messi has certainly cemented his status as one of the greatest individuals in football history.

The Argentine has been able to balance his footballing achievements with accumulating financial wealth, primarily through wages, brand endorsements, and business ventures.

Despite his soft spoken nature, Messi has made deals with Adidas, PepsiCo and Apple, while his move to Inter Miami included equity in the club and revenue sharing with league sponsors.

Messi’s fortune is approaching the $1billion mark – something the Argentine is expected to achieve in the near future as his endorsement deals and other business ventures continue.

2 – Cristiano Ronaldo

Estimated net worth: $800m to $1bn

Teams: Al-Nassr, Manchester United, Juventus, Real Madrid, Sporting Lisbon

The debate over who is the greatest footballer will rage on for eternity, but there is no question that Cristiano Ronaldo is a money printing machine in the sports world.

Having claimed almost every possible major honour, the Portuguese forward has cemented his place as a footballing titan and a global icon.

Putting his physical achievements to one side, Ronaldo is also a titan in the business world, accumulating a net worth which is touching the $1billion mark.

While Ronaldo has made plenty of money from playing contracts, the bulk of his wealth comes from an enormous portfolio of sponsorships, which include Nike, Binance, and Herbalife.

The growth of his personal CR7 brand has also contributed to his growing wealth, with the Portuguese star selling his own fragrances, underwear, hotels, gyms, bars, and restaurants.

His digital footprint dwarfs any other professional athlete, with 600 million Instagram followers keeping close tabs on one of football’s greatest individuals.

1 – Faiq Bolkiah

Estimated net worth: $20bn

Teams: Ratchaburi, Chonburi, Maritimo

It may come as a shock to many, but the richest footballer on the planet is not Lionel Messi, nor is it Cristiano Ronaldo. Instead, it is Faiq Bolkiah who takes the accolade – someone who you have probably never heard of.

The Brunei winger has never won the Ballon d’Or, nor has he ever competed in the Champions League. Nevertheless, he boasts a net worth upwards of $20billion – bigger than some nations.

Bolkiah’s staggering wealth comes from being a member of the Brunei royal family, with the footballer being the nephew of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah.

With such a profound royal inheritance, Bolkiah could have gone into any industry imaginable. Despite this, it was his passion for football which saw him join academies at Southampton, Chelsea, and Leicester City.

While he failed to make a breakthrough at a top-flight European club, Bolkiah was able to forge a career in Asia, with teammates often describing him as a humble and grounded individual.