Top 10 Richest Footballer In The World In 2025
Top 10 Richest Footballers in the World (2025)
Apart from being the most watched and most popular sporting activity, football generates unnumberable wealth. With immense attention being given to the game, few of the top footballers have been building actual financial empires with lucrative contracts, sponsorships, and shrewd investments.
Here is a list of some of the richest footballers in the world in 2025.
1. Faiq Bolkiah – $20 Billion (Brunei)
A member of the Bruneian royal family, Faiq Bolkiah tops the list not due to football but because of his inherited fortune. Despite playing professionally for Ratchaburi in Thailand and captaining Brunei’s national team, his wealth is almost entirely from his family’s $20 billion empire.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo – $850 Million (Portugal)
The Al-Nassr forward remains a global icon with massive earnings from football and endorsements. CR7 was once paying $392 million. His partnerships with companies such as Nike and Herbalife, and of course his brand, contribute largely to his income. This astronomical sum was made by CR7 through his lifetime Nike contract and is supposedly worth $1 billion.
3. Lionel Messi - $650 million (Argentina)
Playing for Inter-Miami, Messi makes a lot of money through a $ 60 million salary from Inter-Miami and deals with Adidas, Pepsi, and Budweiser. He owns a sports-tech firm, Play Time, and hotels under the “MiM” brand, reinforcing his post-career financial growth.
4. David Beckham – $450 Million (England)
Beckham, though retired, earns entirely through off-pitch ventures. His co-ownership of Inter Miami, global brand endorsements (like Adidas, Haig Club, and H&M), and collaborations with fashion and grooming lines have solidified his billionaire image in the lifestyle industry.
5. Neymar Jr. – $250 Million (Brazil)
Once among the highest-paid at Al-Hilal, Neymar now plays for Santos in Brazil. His wealth stems
s from contracts and endorsements with Puma, Red Bull, and more. His flashy lifestyle and investments in entertainment also boost his income.
6. Dave Whelan – $230 Million (England)
A former player turned businessman, Whelan built JJB Sports into a major UK retail chain. He also owned Wigan Athletic, which won the FA Cup in 2013. His wealth is business-based, not from football earnings.
7. Wayne Rooney – $216 Million (England)
Rooney made millions during his playing days at Manchester United and D.C. United. Post-retirement, he earns through coaching, punditry, and brand deals with Nike and EA Sports.
8. Karim Benzema – $200 Million (France)
Now playing for Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, Benzema earns around $100 million per year. Endorsements with Adidas and EA Sports add to his fortune, though 96% of his income stems from football.
9. Zlatan Ibrahimović – $190 Million (Sweden)
Despite retiring, Zlatan’s empire includes endorsements with Volvo and Nike, investments in esports, and a personal fragrance line. His personality remains a key asset in post-football ventures.
10. Kylian Mbappé – $180 Million (France)
Recently moved to Real Madrid with a massive signing bonus and €15M annual salary. Mbappé also endorses Dior, Oakley, and Nike. His rise continues both financially and professionally.
