For many decades now, football has continued to be the most famous and viewed sport in the world. People’s love for the game contributes to its global success, which has now made it a multi-billion-dollar industry.
So many footballers, both active and retired, are very successful. They’ve been able to delve into other aspects such as business, investment, brand endorsements and other income-generating opportunities. But for this article, only the top richest footballers in the world are discussed below:
1. Faiq Bolkiah
Faiq Bolkiah is a professional football player from the Brunei royal family. He was born on 9 May 1998 in Los Angeles, United States of America, to Prince Jefri Bolkiah; his uncle, Hassanal Bolkiah, is the current Sultan of Brunei. Faiq has served as the captain of the Brunei national team and represented the team in matches. He is the richest footballer in the world, with an estimated 20 billion dollars.
2. Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi is an Argentine professional player born on 24 June 1987. He is the most decorated footballer and is widely referred to as the greatest player of all time. Messi is a top goalscorer with records. He has won many trophies for his country, Argentina and the club where he spent most of his playing years, Barcelona. He is also one of the richest footballers in the world, with different investments and endorsement deals. Lionel Messi’s worth is 650 million dollars.
3. Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo was born on 5 February 1986. He is regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. He is a Portuguese professional footballer who plays for his country’s national team and Saudi Pro League Club, Al Nassr. Ronaldo has won many trophies for his club and country, and he is also a top goalscorer of all time. He is currently worth 550 million dollars.
4. David Beckham
David Beckham is a former English footballer born on 2 May 1975. He is the president and co-owner of Inter Miami CF and Salford City. Beckham is well recognised throughout the world as one of the greatest midfielders that ever played including his skills in free-kick taking. He won many trophies during his career and league titles in four different countries: France, Spain, England and the United States. David Beckham’s worth is 450 million dollars.
5. Neymar Junior
Neymar Junior was born in Mogi das Cruzes, Sao Paulo, Brazil to Neymar Santos Senior and Nadine da Silva. Neymar’s father is a former footballer who inspired and trained him. Junior plays for Brazil’s national team and Al Hilal, a Saudi Pro League club. He is currently one of the top players, known for dribbling and has scored many goals. His fortune is 250 million dollars.
6. Dave Whelan
Dave Whelan was born on 24 November 1936 in Bradford but raised in Wigan. He is an accomplished former footballer who has also excelled in business. During his active years, Dave played for Crewe Alexandra and Blackburn Rovers. Despite his retirement as a footballer, he has been active; he was once the Chairman of Wigan Athletic Club before his grandson, David Sharpe, took over the International Entertainment Corporation. Dave Whelan’s net worth is 210 million dollars.
7. Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is a Swedish former soccer player born on 3 October 1981 to a Muslim father, Sefik Ibrahimovic and a Christian mother, Jurka Gravic. Ibrahimovic is recognised as one of the greatest strikers of all time. He won trophies and scored many goals for his club and country. He is valued at 190 million dollars.
8. Wayne Rooney
Wayne Rooney is a former player and football manager regarded as one of the outstanding players of his time. He was born on 24 October 1985 in Liverpool to Thomas Wayne Rooney and Jeanette Marie. Rooney is a top goalscorer for Manchester United and the England national team. He played as a midfielder and as a forward. His current value is 170 million dollars.
9. Ronaldo Luis Nazario
Ronaldo Luis Nazario, famously known as “Ronaldo,” was born on 18 September 1976 as the third child of Nelio Nazario and Sonia dos Santos Barata. Ronaldo is a former professional football striker revered as one of the greatest players of all time. He owns a football club called Serie A Cruzeiro, and he’s the president of La Liga club Real Valladolid. Ronaldo is a recipient of numerous awards, which include World Player of the Year and Ballon d’Or awards. His net worth is 160 million dollars.
10. Kylian Mbappe
Kylian Mbappe is a French player born on 20 December 1998 in Paris. He is the captain of France’s national team and a forward for his club, Real Madrid. Mbappe is revered across the world for his outstanding performance on the field, such as speed and dribbling. His net worth is 110 million dollars.
Read Also: 2024: Top 10 richest football clubs in the world
