Football is by far a very profitable sport that is played in over 200 countries worldwide with around a 3.5 billion fan base. As a result of its popularity, the best footballers are able to grab millions worth of contracts with football clubs, sponsorships, advertisement royalties, and several endorsements. When Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi dominated the footballing landscape, they dethroned the top 10 richest footballers on the planet. Here, we will reveal the richest football player in the world.
World's richest footballers: Who tops the list?
David Luiz
Net Worth: $62 million
David Luiz has an amazing career, which is completely justified, for his speciality in taking free kicks and his strong presence on the pitch. The Brazilian professional footballer currently ranks among the richest footballers on the planet with a net worth of $62 million.
Juan Mata
Net Worth: $63.4 million
The Spanish professional footballer Juan Mata is also among the richest soccer players of 2023. His incredible performance earned him the Golden Player award at the European Championships in 2011.
Luis Suárez
Net Worth: $70 million
Luis Suárez was a professional footballer from Uruguay who is considered the best striker of his generation. He won a Premier League Golden Boot, two European Golden Shoes, and other major trophies.
Yaya Toure
Net Worth: $70 million
Another African footballer who garnered significant richness from football is the Ivorian player Yaya Touré. His glorious years were from 2005 to 2019 when he played for top clubs like Barcelona, Manchester City, and more.
Radamel Falcao
Net Worth: $70 million
The greatest Colombian footballer, Radamel Falcaowon several trophies so it is unsurprising when he won the nickname "El Tigre". The 37-year-old striker has a fortune estimated at $70 million.
Zinedine Zidane
Net Worth: $70 million
When it comes to football, the name Zidane is certainly the most unforgettable. Known as Zizou, the former French attacking midfielder is one of the greatest players of all time. Following his retirement, Zidanerecently coached the Real Madrid club.
Rivaldo Vitor
Net Worth: $74 million
Rivaldo had an amazing football career and won the Ballon d'Or and was named FIFA World Player of the Year in 1999. The former Brazilian attacking midfielder has a net worth of $74 million.
Rio Ferdinand
Net Worth: $75 million
The former English centre-back made his name among the greatest and richest footballer in the world. Rio Ferdinand is known as one of the most decorated English footballers of all time. He is currently a television expert for BT Sport.
Sergio Aguero
Net Worth: $80 million
Widely known as Kun Agüero, Sergio Agüero was one of the best strikers of his era who spent most of his time for Manchester City. Kun Agüero is the club's all-time top goalscorer and has a net worth of $80 million.
Sergio Ramos
Net Worth: $80 Million
Sergio Ramos currently plays a centre-back for Paris Saint-Germain club and he is considered one of the best defenders of all time. The Spanish player was the third-highest-paid player for Real Madrid, and today his net worth is roughly $80 million.
Gerard Piqué
Net worth: $80 million
The Spanish former professional footballer Gerard Piqué was a long-standing defender for Barcelona FC and was one of the highest paid players of his era. His net worth is estimated to be $80 million.
Robert Lewandowski
Net Worth: $85 Million
The Polish professional footballer is widely regarded as the greatest striker of all time. He currently plays for Barcelona and captains the Poland national team. Robert Lewandowski's net worth is estimated at $85 million.
Frank Lampard
Net worth: $90 million
Frank Lampard is a retired English professional footballer and was known for his exceptional midfield skills, intelligent play, and goal-scoring ability. Lampard spent the majority of his club career at Chelsea, where he achieved immense success and became the club's all-time leading goal scorer. He played a pivotal role in helping Chelsea win multiple Premier League titles, FA Cups, and the UEFA Champions League. Following his retirement, Lampard transitioned into coaching, managing clubs such as Derby County and Chelsea, where he continued to make an impact.
Antoine Griezmann
Net worth: $90 million
Antoine Griezmann is a French professional footballer who primarily plays as an attacking forward or winger. Griezmann gained prominence during his time at Real Sociedad in Spain before making a high-profile move to Atletico Madrid. In 2019, he joined FC Barcelona. Griezmann is admired for his technical abilities, speed, and agility, which enable him to excel in both goal-scoring and playmaking. He has also been a key figure in the French national team, contributing to their victory in the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Mohammed Salah
Net worth: $90 million
The most talented winger Mohammed Salah grew his wealth throughout his career at Liverpool. He was the greatest African player of all time with a net worth of $90 million.
Steven Gerrard
Net worth: $90 million
Steven Gerrard is a retired English professional footballer who is widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of his generation. He spent almost the entirety of his club career at Liverpool, where he became an iconic figure and a true legend of the club. He played a crucial role in Liverpool's success, including winning the UEFA Champions League, multiple FA Cups, and the UEFA Cup. Gerrard was known for his powerful long-range shots, accurate passing, and exceptional vision, making him a complete midfielder. After retiring, he transitioned into coaching.
Samuel Eto'o
Net Worth: $95 million
Samuel Eto'o is one of the African legends in football history who has a fortune of $95 million. After a great playing career with elite clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Inter Milan, the best Cameroonian striker is now president of the Cameroonian Football Federation.
Kylian Mbappe
Net worth: $95 million
The young Kylian Mbappe became the world's most expensive footballer and signed a contract for an annual salary of $63 million with Paris Saint-Germain. The French national treasure’s net worth is $95 million.
Philipp Lahm
Net Worth: $100 million
Philipp Lahm is a retired German professional footballer who is widely regarded as one of the greatest defenders of his generation. Lahm primarily played as a right-back or defensive midfielder. He spent the majority of his career at Bayern Munich, where he achieved numerous domestic and international successes, including multiple Bundesliga titles and a UEFA Champions League victory. Lahm captained both Bayern Munich and the German national team, leading Germany to a World Cup triumph in 2014.
Eden Hazard
Net worth: $100 million
The Belgian footballer Eden Hazard has an estimated net worth of $100 million from Real Madrid and other clubs. The superstar has sponsorship deals with the biggest brands like Electronic Arts and Nike.
Andrés Iniesta
Net Worth: $120 million
The Spanish professional player Andres Iniesta is widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of all time. He previously served as the captain of Barcelona and became the highest-paid Spanish footballer.
Mesut Özil
Net worth: $120 million
The German professional footballer Mesut Özil entered his name in history books as one of the richest players after his spells on the two great clubs Real Madrid and Arsenal.
Paul Pogba
Net worth: $125 million
The French icon player Paul Pogba also ranks among the richest footballers as he signed a record-breaking deal worth $20 million per year with Manchester United. His performances at Juventus also made him the highest-paid player.
Gareth Bale
Net worth: $145 million
The Welsh former footballer Gareth Bale is widely regarded as one of the greatest football players of his generation, playing for Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid. The unforgettable winger’s net worth is $145 million.
Alexandre Pato
Net worth: $150 million
Alexandre Pato is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a striker for Brazil’s national football team and other great clubs. The talented striker grew his fortune in his long-term endorsement deal with several companies including Cover Girl Cosmetics.
Ronaldo
Net worth: $160 million
Mainly known by his nickname O Fenômeno (The Phenomenon) and R9, Ronaldo Nazário is a former Brazilian striker for Barcelona, Inter Milan, his national team, and more. Following his retirement, Ronaldois the owner and president of clubs Real Valladolid and Cruzeiro.
Wayne Rooney
Net worth: $170 million
The retired English professional football Wayne Rooney spent his career playing for Manchester United and he landed endorsement deals with the biggest brands. The current football manager’s fortune is around 170 million.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Net worth: $190 million
Throughout his career, Swedish professional footballer Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been recognised for his acrobatic strikes and volleys. The Golden striker's net worth is estimated at $190 million.
Neymar Jr
Net worth: $200 million
Neymar Jr signed a contract with Paris Saint-Germain club until 2025 for an annual salary of $78 million per year. The Brazilian superstar also has more than two dozen sponsorship deals making him among the wealthiest footballers.
Dave Whelan
Net worth: $210 million
The former English professional footballer Dave Whelan has become one of the most successful American entrepreneurs since his retirement in 1966. The 86-year-old Englishman played 78 times as a left-back for Blackburn Rovers and Crewe Alexandra clubs.
David Beckham
Net worth: $450 million
David Beckham is a retired professional footballer who is the first English footballer to win league titles in four countries such as England, France, Spain, and the United States. Following his retirement, David Beckham is a co-owner of Salford City and Inter Miami CF.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Net worth: $500million
Cristiano Ronaldo has scored more than 800 official senior career goals so it is not surprising that he has signed many sponsorship deals and has earned large sums of money from his endorsements. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner is currently playing as a forward for and captains both Saudi Professional League club Al Nassr.
Lionel Messi
Net worth: $600 million
In March 2023, Lionel Messi is the second wealthiest footballer in the world with a net worth of $600 Million dollars. The Argentinian footballer is a 6-time winner of the FIFA Ballon d’Or award, the Golden Ball award at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, and many incredible records.
Faiq Bolkiah
Net worth: $20 billion
The 25-year-old midfielder for Thai League 1 club Chonburi and captain of the Brunei national team Faiq Bolkiah is the richest footballer in the world in 2023. He has a net worth of $20 billion, which is mainly from his illustrious background as he is a member of the Brunei Royal Family.