When we talk about the richest footballers in the world, we aren’t just referring to their salaries from playing the sport. We’re considering their total net worth, which includes their earnings from endorsements, personal businesses, and other investments. While many gifted players have earned hefty sums through their time on the pitch, a select few have transcended the sport, leading to substantial wealth accumulation. Let’s delve into the lives of these affluent athletes and find out who sits atop the footballing financial world, starting with number 10 and working our way to the wealthiest of them all at number 1.
#10. Paul Pogba
Paul Pogba, a midfielder known for his unmatched skills, has a net worth that’s as impressive as his on-field performances. Thanks to a lucrative contract with Manchester United and a series of endorsements from brands like Adidas, Pogba has amassed significant wealth. Pair his earnings with his flamboyant lifestyle and advertising ventures, and you get a footballer whose marketability has contributed greatly to his financial status.
#9. Eden Hazard
Belgian superstar Eden Hazard, made an expensive switch from Chelsea to Real Madrid, solidifying his status as one of the top earners in the sport. His move came with a significant wage increase, adding to his already impressive income from endorsements with brands like Nike. Despite injuries impacting his tenure at Madrid, Hazard’s financial gains remain strong due to his marketability and personal investments.
#8. Andres Iniesta
Andres Iniesta may no longer be making headlines in Europe, but the legendary Spanish midfielder continues to add to his wealth while playing in Japan for Vissel Kobe. Iniesta’s move to Asia came with a hefty paycheck, and his income from years of successful endorsements, including his deal with Asics, keeps his net worth robust. A winery owner and a player with a keen sense of business, Iniesta has secured his financial future well beyond his playing days.
#7. Gareth Bale
Gareth Bale, with his blistering pace and incredible strikes, secured one of the most lucrative contracts in football history when he signed with Real Madrid. Although his standing at the club has seen its ups and downs, his paycheck has remained quite healthy. Bale, who also grew his fortune with sponsorships from companies like Adidas and lucrative personal investments, maintains a substantial net worth despite his future on the pitch remaining uncertain.
#6. Wayne Rooney
England’s record goalscorer, Wayne Rooney, earned significant amounts during his time with Manchester United and later with DC United in the MLS. His on-field success translated into multiple endorsements and sponsorship deals, particularly with Nike. Beyond that, his ventures into media and coaching have kept the cash flowing, ensuring his spot on this list.
#5. Neymar Jr.
The Brazilian sensation, Neymar Jr., not only dazzles with his trickery on the field but also scores big with his bank account. His high-profile move from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017 broke records in terms of transfer fees and salary. Additionally, Neymar’s endorsements with companies like Puma, Beats by Dre, and Red Bull, among others, boost his net worth considerably. His presence on social media and his personal brand ‘Neymar Jr.’ contribute significantly to his wealth.
#4. Zlatan Ibrahimovic
The Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has accumulated wealth over an illustrious career at several of Europe’s top clubs. Known for his larger-than-life personality, Zlatan has struck valuable endorsement deals, including his long-term association with Nike. His ventures off the pitch, like a clothing brand and stakes in various businesses, along with his still-considerable soccer salary, have helped Zlatan reach impressive financial heights.
#3. Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi, often in the conversation for the greatest of all time, has a net worth that matches his extraordinary footballing abilities. His longstanding association with FC Barcelona saw him earning one of the highest wages in the sport before he moved to Paris Saint-Germain. His lifetime deal with Adidas and numerous other endorsements, plus savvy investments, ensure that Messi’s net worth remains stratospheric.
#2. Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese megastar, is not only known for his incredible goal-scoring records but also for being a marketing powerhouse. His move back to Manchester United, coupled with a lifetime contract with Nike and his CR7 brand of clothing, footwear, and fragrances, contribute to his immense wealth. Ronaldo’s massive social media following also makes him one of the most marketable athletes globally, allowing for substantial social media-related income.
#1. Faiq Bolkiah
Surprisingly, the wealthiest footballer in the world is not as well known for his footballing prowess as for his royal heritage. Faiq Bolkiah, a member of the Brunei royal family, tops the list due to his family’s fortune. Although he has played for Leicester City’s and Southampton’s youth teams, his massive net worth is primarily inherited. This royal connection brings a new definition to ‘riches’ in the world of football, making Bolkiah the wealthiest footballer in the world.
In the grand realm of football, talent and marketability go hand in hand, with the world’s wealthiest players exemplifying this fusion. From fashion brands to wine production, and from media careers to mammoth social media followings, the richest footballers extend their influence beyond the pitch, creating financial empires that ensure their legacies—and bank accounts—remain hefty long after they’ve hung up their boots.