Top 10 Richest Footballers in the World in 2025: Football has evolved from a simple game into a global phenomenon, drawing billions of dollars through the passion of fans, lucrative sponsorships, and massive player contracts. In the world of football’s financial elite, some players have turned their athletic prowess into extraordinary wealth. While names like Faiq Bolkiah have made headlines for their incredible net worth, these money-making maestros have transformed the sport into a global business, dominating both on and off the pitch.
Let’s the List of Top 10 Richest Footballers in the World in 2025
10. Ronaldo Luis Nazario – $160 Million
Brazilian football icon Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima rounds up the top 10 richest footballers with a net worth of $160 million. Ronaldo’s achievements both on and off the field, including being a Ballon d’Or recipient and a successful businessman, showcase his enduring influence in the football world.
9. Wayne Rooney – $170 Million
Retired English football star Wayne Rooney secures the ninth spot with a net worth of $170 million. Rooney’s illustrious career with Manchester United, marked by numerous trophies and records, cements his legacy as one of England’s greatest players.
8. Kylian Mbappe – $180 Million
French football sensation Kylian Mbappe ranks eighth among the wealthiest footballers globally, with a net worth of $180 million. Mbappe’s speed, scoring prowess, and accolades at a young age make him a standout talent in today’s football landscape.
7. Zlatan Ibrahimovic – $190 Million
Swedish football legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic occupies the seventh position with a net worth of $190 million. Ibrahimovic’s illustrious career, marked by spectacular goals and numerous league titles, showcases his enduring impact on the sport.
6. Neymar Jr. – $200 million
Brazilian football player Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior, better known by his amiable nickname Neymar Jr. or just Neymar, is a forward for Al Hilal and a member of the Brazil national team. Neymar, who is regarded as the best Brazilian football player of all time, has had a profound impact on the game.
Throughout his remarkable career, he has won three Copa del Rey championships, two La Liga crowns, and a 2015 UEFA Champions League championship with Barcelona. Beyond his achievements with clubs, Neymar was essential to Brazil’s victories, helping the country win the Copa América in 2019 and win the gold medal at the Olympics in 2016.
5. Dave Whelan – $210 million
Dave Whelan, born in 1936, began his career as a winger for Blackburn Rovers and Crewe Alexandra. Notably, he secured the Football League Third Division North title with Blackburn Rovers in 1959–60. Following his retirement from football in 1966, Whelan transitioned into a successful businessman. He founded the Wigan Athletic Football Club, serving as its owner and chairman for two decades.
Eventually, he passed the ownership to his grandson before it moved to International Entertainment Corporation. Whelan’s net worth is currently estimated at $210 million.
4. David Beckham – $450 million
David Beckham, renowned as one of the finest players of his time, showcased his skills as an attacking midfielder throughout his illustrious career. His global fame transcended the sport, garnering immense popularity worldwide. Beckham’s journey in football took him through prestigious clubs such as Manchester United, Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, AC Milan, and Paris Saint-Germain.
Throughout his illustrious career, David Beckham collected an impressive array of trophies, boasting 19 major titles. His achievements include six Premier League titles, a La Liga championship, and an MLS Cup. Even after hanging up his boots in 2013, Beckham’s impact and legacy continue to echo across the world of sports, inspiring fans and athletes alike.
Currently, Beckham holds the esteemed position as the fourth-richest footballer globally, boasting a net worth of $450 million. His enduring impact on the sport and his ventures beyond the pitch solidify his status as an icon in the realm of football.
3. Cristiano Ronaldo – $500 million
Cristiano Ronaldo, a Portuguese footballer, leads both the Portugal national team and Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr as a forward. With a net worth of $500 million, he ranks as the third wealthiest footballer globally.
Ronaldo boasts five Ballon d’Or awards, the most by any European player, and holds the record for the highest number of international football goals.
Renowned as one of the greatest players in football history, Ronaldo’s rivalry with Lionel Messi fuels constant comparisons of their records and skills on the field.
2. Lionel Messi – $600 million
Lionel Messi, widely acclaimed as one of the greatest footballers of all time, hails from Argentina and currently serves as a forward for Inter Miami. With a staggering net worth of $600 million, he ranks as the second wealthiest footballer globally. Messi’s legendary performances on the field have solidified his status as a football icon, earning him admiration worldwide.
As captain of the Argentina national team, he continues to showcase his exceptional talent. Notably, Messi has clinched eight Ballon d’Or awards, a remarkable feat that sets him apart in football history. His achievements have led to books and films being dedicated to him, cementing his legacy as a 21st-century sports icon.
1. Faiq Bolkiah – $20 billion
With a whopping $20 billion in net worth, Bruneian-born football star Faiq Bolkiah is currently the richest footballer in the world. His royal ancestry—his uncle is the Sultan of Brunei, and he is the Prince of the Kingdom—is partly responsible for his enormous wealth. Bolkiah, who comes from a wealthy family, plays professional football as a winger for Thailand’s Chonburi F.C. and the Brunei national team. Bolkiah earns only $1,000 a week from football, which is a small sum considering his enormous wealth. He plays midfield for the Portuguese team Maritimo at the moment.
FAQs
Who is the Richest Footballer in the World in 2024?
Faiq Bolkiah – $20 billion
