Pius IkeThe richest footballers in the world are mostly exceptionally talented players who earned their honors on the field of play, before translating their abilities to their finances. Football pays good money; and very good players earn very good money.
Football clubs are willing to pay outrageous amounts to lure outstanding players, not just for the feats they perform on the field, but for the attention they draw to the clubs.
Brands and companies are also willing to pay huge sums in endorsement deals to have these stars promote their products and services.
Top 100 Richest Footballers In The World
1. Mathieu Flamini – 🇫🇷 – Retired
Net Worth: $14 billion
Former Arsenal and AC Milan midfielder, Flamini co-founded GF Biochemicals, a company producing sustainable levulinic acid. His green-tech empire skyrocketed his wealth far beyond football earnings. Though modest on the pitch, his business acumen made him one of the richest athletes globally, blending environmental innovation with entrepreneurial brilliance.
2. Faiq Bolkiah – 🇧🇳 – Active
Net Worth: $20 billion
Brunei prince and footballer, Bolkiah’s wealth stems from royal inheritance. Though his football career includes stints at Leicester City and Thai club Chonburi FC, it’s his family’s oil-rich fortune that places him atop global rankings. He’s a rare blend of royalty and sport, with unmatched financial backing.
3. Lionel Messi – 🇦🇷 – Active
Net Worth: $850 million
Messi’s legendary career spans Barcelona, PSG, and Inter Miami. With record-breaking contracts, endorsements from Adidas and Pepsi, and ventures in fashion and hospitality, he’s built a global brand. His humble persona and unmatched talent make him both a marketing icon and football’s golden standard.
4. Cristiano Ronaldo – 🇵🇹 – Active
Net Worth: $800 million
Ronaldo’s journey from Sporting CP to Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and Al-Nassr is iconic. His CR7 brand spans fashion, fitness, hotels, and fragrances. With unmatched social media reach and relentless drive, he’s a commercial juggernaut and one of sport’s most recognizable figures.
5. David Beckham – 🇬🇧 – Retired
Net Worth: $450 million
Beckham’s career at Manchester United, Real Madrid, and LA Galaxy was just the beginning. He co-owns Inter Miami CF and has lucrative deals with Adidas, Haig Club, and fashion brands. His style, charisma, and business savvy make him a global ambassador for sport and luxury.
6. Neymar Jr. – 🇧🇷 – Active
Net Worth: $350 million
Neymar’s flair lit up Santos, Barcelona, PSG, and now Al-Hilal. His massive contracts and endorsements with Puma and Red Bull fuel his fortune. Off the pitch, he’s invested in esports, NFTs, and entertainment, making him a modern icon of football and pop culture.
7. Dave Whelan – 🇬🇧 – Retired
Net Worth: $230 million
Whelan’s football career was brief, but his business empire through JJB Sports made him a multimillionaire. As former owner of Wigan Athletic, he combined sport and retail with great success. His story is one of entrepreneurial grit and football passion.
8. Wayne Rooney – 🇬🇧 – Retired
Net Worth: $216 million
England’s all-time top scorer, Rooney starred for Everton, Manchester United, and DC United. Post-retirement, he’s ventured into coaching and media. His wealth stems from elite contracts, endorsements, and autobiographies. Rooney remains a respected figure in English football’s modern era.
9. Karim Benzema – 🇫🇷 – Active
Net Worth: $200 million
Benzema’s rise from Lyon to Real Madrid and now Al-Ittihad is marked by consistency and brilliance. A Ballon d’Or winner, he’s earned elite contracts and endorsements. His calm demeanor and clutch performances make him a quiet titan of the game.
10. Zlatan Ibrahimović – 🇸🇪 – Retired
Net Worth: $190 million
Zlatan’s career spanned Ajax, Juventus, Inter, Barcelona, PSG, and Milan. Known for his confidence and goalscoring, he built a brand around dominance and charisma. His wealth includes endorsements, real estate, and media ventures, reflecting his bold personality.
11. Kylian Mbappé – 🇫🇷 – Active
Net Worth: $180 million
Mbappé’s explosive rise from Monaco to PSG made him one of football’s highest earners. With Nike deals, philanthropy, and media ventures, he’s a modern icon. His maturity, speed, and global appeal position him as the future of football.
12. Ronaldo Nazário – 🇧🇷 – Retired
Net Worth: $160 million
“O Fenômeno” dazzled for Barcelona, Inter, and Real Madrid, winning two World Cups. Post-retirement, he became a club owner and businessman. His charisma and legacy keep him relevant in football and media circles, with investments in sports and entertainment.
13. Gareth Bale – 🇬🇧 – Retired
Net Worth: $145 million
Bale’s career at Tottenham and Real Madrid was marked by speed and power. He won multiple Champions League titles and retired early to focus on golf and business. His wealth includes Adidas endorsements and real estate investments.
14. Paul Pogba – 🇫🇷 – Active
Net Worth: $125 million
Pogba’s flair and personality made him a global star at Juventus and Manchester United. Despite injury setbacks, he remains a fashion-forward figure with strong social media influence. His deals with Adidas and Pepsi add to his fortune.
15. Thierry Henry – 🇫🇷 – Retired
Net Worth: $130 million
Henry’s elegance and goals lit up Arsenal and Barcelona. Post-retirement, he’s a respected pundit and coach. His endorsements and media roles, including work with CBS and Sky Sports, contribute to his enduring wealth and influence.
16. Andrés Iniesta – 🇪🇸 – Retired
Net Worth: $120 million
Iniesta was the heartbeat of Barcelona and Spain’s golden generation. He won multiple Champions Leagues and a World Cup. Post-Europe, he played in Japan and UAE. His humility and intelligence led to ventures in wine, education, and tech.
17. Mesut Özil – 🇩🇪 – Retired
Net Worth: $120 million
Özil’s vision and passing defined his time at Real Madrid and Arsenal. He retired in 2023 and now focuses on esports, fashion, and philanthropy. His wealth reflects both football success and savvy business moves.
18. Eden Hazard – 🇧🇪 – Retired
Net Worth: $100 million
Hazard’s peak years at Chelsea earned him global acclaim. Though injuries marred his Real Madrid stint, he retired in 2023 with major contracts and endorsements. He now focuses on family, philanthropy, and business ventures.
19. Antoine Griezmann – 🇫🇷 – Active
Net Worth: $95 million
Griezmann’s creativity and work ethic made him a star at Atlético Madrid and Barcelona. A World Cup winner, he’s a marketing favorite with deals from Puma and gaming brands. His youthful appeal and branding are top-tier.
20. Samuel Eto’o – 🇨🇲 – Retired
Net Worth: $95 million
Eto’o won titles with Barcelona and Inter Milan, becoming one of Africa’s greatest. Now a football administrator and businessman, his wealth comes from elite contracts, endorsements, and development projects. He’s a symbol of excellence and leadership.
Richest Footballers (Rank 21–100)
| Rank | Name | Nationality | Status | Net Worth (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 | Sergio Ramos | Spain | Active | $85 million |
| 22 | Roberto Baggio | Italy | Retired | $80 million |
| 23 | Raheem Sterling | England | Active | $75 million |
| 24 | Mohamed Salah | Egypt | Active | $70 million |
| 25 | Andrés Guardado | Mexico | Retired | $65 million |
| 26 | Gerard Piqué | Spain | Retired | $80 million |
| 27 | Xavi Hernández | Spain | Retired | $70 million |
| 28 | Dani Alves | Brazil | Retired | $60 million |
| 29 | Andrea Pirlo | Italy | Retired | $60 million |
| 30 | Fernando Torres | Spain | Retired | $55 million |
| 31 | James Rodríguez | Colombia | Active | $55 million |
| 32 | Luka Modrić | Croatia | Active | $55 million |
| 33 | Toni Kroos | Germany | Active | $60 million |
| 34 | Manuel Neuer | Germany | Active | $55 million |
| 35 | Philipp Lahm | Germany | Retired | $50 million |
| 36 | Petr Čech | Czech Republic | Retired | $50 million |
| 37 | Cesc Fàbregas | Spain | Retired | $45 million |
| 38 | Ángel Di María | Argentina | Active | $45 million |
| 39 | Marcelo Vieira | Brazil | Active | $45 million |
| 40 | Ivan Rakitić | Croatia | Active | $40 million |
| 41 | Wesley Sneijder | Netherlands | Retired | $40 million |
| 42 | Clarence Seedorf | Netherlands | Retired | $45 million |
| 43 | Michael Owen | England | Retired | $40 million |
| 44 | Rio Ferdinand | England | Retired | $35 million |
| 45 | John Terry | England | Retired | $40 million |
| 46 | Didier Drogba | Ivory Coast | Retired | $35 million |
| 47 | Ashley Cole | England | Retired | $30 million |
| 48 | Joe Hart | England | Active | $25 million |
| 49 | Hugo Lloris | France | Active | $30 million |
| 50 | Keylor Navas | Costa Rica | Active | $30 million |
| 51 | Thibaut Courtois | Belgium | Active | $35 million |
| 52 | Christian Pulisic | USA | Active | $25 million |
| 53 | Alphonso Davies | Canada | Active | $20 million |
| 54 | Sadio Mané | Senegal | Active | $30 million |
| 55 | Riyad Mahrez | Algeria | Active | $28 million |
| 56 | Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang | Gabon | Active | $30 million |
| 57 | Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain | England | Active | $20 million |
| 58 | Jordan Henderson | England | Active | $25 million |
| 59 | Virgil van Dijk | Netherlands | Active | $35 million |
| 60 | Harry Kane | England | Active | $40 million |
| 61 | Son Heung-min | South Korea | Active | $45 million |
| 62 | Marcus Rashford | England | Active | $30 million |
| 63 | Jadon Sancho | England | Active | $25 million |
| 64 | Mason Mount | England | Active | $20 million |
| 65 | Declan Rice | England | Active | $20 million |
| 66 | Bukayo Saka | England | Active | $15 million |
| 67 | João Félix | Portugal | Active | $25 million |
| 68 | Pedri | Spain | Active | $15 million |
| 69 | Gavi | Spain | Active | $12 million |
| 70 | Jude Bellingham | England | Active | $25 million |
| 71 | Erling Haaland | Norway | Active | $40 million |
| 72 | Bernardo Silva | Portugal | Active | $30 million |
| 73 | Rodri | Spain | Active | $25 million |
| 74 | Ilkay Gündogan | Germany | Active | $30 million |
| 75 | Leroy Sané | Germany | Active | $28 million |
| 76 | Thomas Müller | Germany | Active | $35 million |
| 77 | Joshua Kimmich | Germany | Active | $30 million |
| 78 | Serge Gnabry | Germany | Active | $25 million |
| 79 | Jamal Musiala | Germany | Active | $20 million |
| 80 | Kai Havertz | Germany | Active | $25 million |
| 81 | Edinson Cavani | Uruguay | Active | $35 million |
| 82 | Ángel Correa | Argentina | Active | $20 million |
| 83 | Lautaro Martínez | Argentina | Active | $25 million |
| 84 | Paulo Dybala | Argentina | Active | $30 million |
| 85 | Emiliano Martínez | Argentina | Active | $15 million |
| 86 | Emil Forsberg | Sweden | Active | $15 million |
| 87 | Christian Eriksen | Denmark | Active | $25 million |
| 88 | Kasper Schmeichel | Denmark | Active | $20 million |
| 89 | Zlatko Dalić | Croatia | Retired | $10 million |
| 90 | Hugo Ekitike | France | Active | $10 million |
| 91 | Achraf Hakimi | Morocco | Active | $20 million |
| 92 | Yassine Bounou | Morocco | Active | $15 million |
| 93 | Mehdi Taremi | Iran | Active | $10 million |
| 94 | Hakan Çalhanoğlu | Turkey | Active | $20 million |
| 95 | Dusan Vlahović | Serbia | Active | $15 million |
| 96 | Victor Osimhen | Nigeria | Active | $20 million |
| 97 | Wilfred Ndidi | Nigeria | Active | $15 million |
| 98 | Kelechi Iheanacho | Nigeria | Active | $12 million |
| 99 | Alex Iwobi | Nigeria | Active | $10 million |
| 100 | Odion Ighalo | Nigeria | Active | $15 million |
Closing
As the beautiful game evolves, so does the definition of a footballer’s legacy. These top 20 stars prove that success isn’t limited to trophies—it extends to boardrooms, brands, and bold ventures beyond the pitch. From billionaires like Flamini to global icons like Messi and Ronaldo, their stories inspire a new generation to dream bigger. Football may start on grass, but in 2025, the real goals are global, green, and golden.