Football is more than just a
game—it’s a global industry that turns exceptional players into
multi-millionaires, and in some cases, billionaires. Below is a countdown of
the top 20 richest footballers in 2024, highlighting their net worth, current
or former teams, and the ventures contributing to their fortunes.
20.
Pelé (Retired)
- Net Worth: $100 million
A football legend whose legacy
continues to generate income through brand deals, books, and licensing.
19.
Eden Hazard (Al Nassr)
- Net Worth: $100 million
Known for his magical
dribbling and creative play, Hazard’s time at Real Madrid and his current stint
in Saudi Arabia have boosted his earnings.
18.
Zinedine Zidane (Retired)
- Net Worth: $120 million
A legendary player and
successful manager, Zidane continues to earn from endorsements and coaching.
17.
Mesut Özil (Retired)
- Net Worth: $120 million
The former Arsenal and Real
Madrid playmaker has invested in various businesses, including eSports.
16.
Andrés Iniesta (Retired)
- Net Worth: $120 million
The Spanish maestro’s career
in Europe and Japan, alongside endorsements, solidifies his wealth.
15.
Paul Pogba (Al Nassr)
- Net Worth: $125 million
Pogba’s charismatic
personality and global appeal have landed him lucrative sponsorship deals and a
hefty salary in Saudi Arabia.
14.
Thierry Henry (Retired)
- Net Worth: $130 million
A football icon, Henry’s
post-retirement roles as a coach and pundit continue to add to his fortune.
13.
Gareth Bale (LAFC)
- Net Worth: $145 million
The Welsh star’s earnings from
Real Madrid and his investments in golf have kept him among the wealthiest.
12.
Alexandro Pato (São Paulo FC)
- Net Worth: $145 million
Pato’s global career,
including stints in Europe, Asia, and South America, has contributed to his
wealth.
11.
Ronaldo LuÃs Nazário (Retired)
- Net Worth: $160 million
The Brazilian legend now owns
stakes in football clubs and remains a brand ambassador for multiple companies.
10.
Wayne Rooney (DC United)
- Net Worth: $170 million
England’s all-time top scorer
has transitioned into management, adding to his income streams.
9.
Kylian Mbappé (Paris Saint-Germain)
- Net Worth: $180 million
One of the highest-paid
players in the world, Mbappé’s endorsements and marketability continue to grow.
8.
Zlatan Ibrahimović (Retired)
- Net Worth: $190 million
Known for his confidence and
longevity, Zlatan’s career in multiple top leagues has secured his wealth.
7.
Karim Benzema (Al-Ittihad)
- Net Worth: $200 million
After leaving Real Madrid,
Benzema’s move to Saudi Arabia significantly increased his earnings.
6.
Neymar Jr. (Al Hilal)
- Net Worth: $200 million
A global superstar, Neymar’s
endorsements and massive contracts keep him among the richest.
5.
Dave Whelan (Blackburn Rovers)
- Net Worth: $210 million
Whelan, a former footballer
turned businessman, made his fortune outside the pitch but remains involved in
the sport.
4.
David Beckham (Retired)
- Net Worth: $450 million
Beckham’s brand power,
investments, and ownership of Inter Miami contribute to his massive fortune.
3.
Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr)
- Net Worth: $500 million
One of the most recognizable
athletes on the planet, Ronaldo’s endorsement deals and business ventures are
immense.
2.
Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)
- Net Worth: $600 million
Messi’s move to the MLS hasn’t
slowed down his earning potential, thanks to endorsements and partnerships.
1.
Faiq Bolkiah (Chonburi F.C.)
- Net Worth: $20 billion
The world’s richest
footballer, Bolkiah, is a member of the Brunei royal family, with wealth
stemming from his family’s fortune rather than his football career
Key Takeaways:
- Young
Stars Rising: Players like Kylian Mbappé are rapidly
climbing the wealth ladder thanks to lucrative contracts and endorsements.
- Veteran
Icons: Retired legends like David Beckham and Zinedine Zidane
continue to grow their wealth through smart investments and brand endorsements.
- Royal
Wealth: Faiq Bolkiah’s staggering net worth is an outlier, largely
due to his royal background.
Footballers today not only
excel on the pitch but have also mastered the business world. Which player’s
journey inspires you the most? Share your thoughts below!
