Who is the Richest Footballer in the World

Football, as we currently understand it, stands as an incredibly lucrative sport on a global scale.

Referred to as the "beautiful game" it is played in over 200 countries, captivating audiences worldwide. With numerous football players achieving both fame and fortune, a select group of superstars rake in millions of dollars each year. The sport's popularity has soared, making it one of the most watched sports on the planet. Welcome to our new article where we've answered all the most popular questions from sports fans - 888.

Top 10 Richest footballers in the world (2023)

10. Alexandre Pato (Net Worth) - $150 million

Alexandre Pato, a 33-year-old Brazilian professional footballer, recently concluded his career as a striker for the MLS club Orlando City.

Throughout his impressive journey, the talented Brazilian showcased his skills at renowned clubs such as Internacional, Corinthians, Chelsea, Villarreal, and AC Milan.

According to a report by the DailyMail, Pato expanded his wealth through diverse investments. These ventures include lucrative endorsements with CoverGirl Cosmetics, investments in real estate, ownership of a chain of restaurants, a vodka line, and even a fashion line, among others.

As of March 2023, Alexandre Pato's net worth is estimated at $150 million, ranking him as the 10th wealthiest footballer globally.

9. Ronaldo (Net Worth) - $160 million

Ronaldo, also known as Ronaldo Nazário, is not only a former professional footballer but also a successful Brazilian business owner. He currently serves as the president of La Liga club Real Valladolid and owns the Brasileiro Série A club Cruzeiro.

During his illustrious career, Ronaldo played as a striker for renowned clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona, Inter Milan, and others, earning him the nicknames "O Fenômeno" (The Phenomenon) and R9. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport.

Ronaldo's exceptional net worth and earning capacity have allowed him to indulge in his passions. He has invested his money in an impressive collection of cars and real estate. Among his possessions are several Bugatti cars, a Maserati, and a Lamborghini Aventador, showcasing his love for luxury vehicles.

In Brazil, Ronaldo owns a remarkable residence featuring numerous bedrooms, a spacious swimming pool, and an extensive garden suitable for sports activities and hosting extravagant parties.

Throughout his career, Ronaldo has enjoyed a long-standing sponsorship deal with sportswear giant Nike. He has appeared in numerous Nike commercials since 1996, further contributing to his financial success.

As of March 2023, Ronaldo's estimated net worth stands at $160 million, ranking him as the 9th richest footballer globally.

8. Wayne Rooney (Net Worth) - $170 million

Wayne Rooney, an English former professional footballer, made a name for himself as a striker for Premier League clubs Manchester United and Everton, as well as the England national team.

In a 2012 survey conducted by France Football on the world's highest-earning players, Rooney ranked fifth globally and held the top position among English players.

Throughout his career, Rooney primarily played as a forward but also showcased his versatility in various midfield roles. He holds the distinction of being the all-time leading goalscorer for both the England national team and Manchester United.

Currently, at the age of 37, Rooney has transitioned into a managerial role. He manages the MLS club D.C. United and has previously coached Championship club Derby County.

Rooney's success on and off the pitch is further emphasized by his endorsement deals with prominent brands such as Nike, Nokia, Ford, Asda, and Coca-Cola. Additionally, he graced the covers of the UK versions of Electronic Arts' FIFA video game series for seven consecutive editions, from FIFA 06 to FIFA 12.

As of March 2023, Wayne Rooney's estimated net worth is approximately $170 million, solidifying his status as one of the wealthiest soccer players worldwide.

7. Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Net Worth) - $190 million

Zlatan Ibrahimovic, a Swedish footballer of Bosnian and Croatian heritage, is widely recognized as one of the greatest strikers of his generation. At the age of 41, he currently represents Serie A champions AC Milan.

Ibrahimovic's playing style is characterized by his acrobatic strikes and volleys, powerful long-range shots, and exceptional technique and ball control. With a career tally of over 570 goals, including more than 500 at the club level, he has found the back of the net in each of the last four decades. Ibrahimovic has played for various notable clubs throughout his career, including Malmo, Ajax, AC Milan, Inter, Juventus, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, and LA Galaxy.

In November 2019, it was announced that Ibrahimovic had acquired a 23.5 percent ownership stake in Hammarby IF, a top-tier Swedish club based in Stockholm.

Ibrahimovic is endorsed by Nike and features in their television advertisements, often appearing alongside other players sponsored by the brand. He maintains a strong presence on social media platforms, boasting over 58 million followers on Instagram, the highest count among Swedes.

As of March 2023, Zlatan Ibrahimovic's estimated net worth stands at approximately $190 million, positioning him as the 14th wealthiest soccer player globally.

6. Neymar Jr. (Net Worth) - $200 million

Neymar Jr. is a Brazilian professional soccer player and is widely regarded as one of the most talented and influential players in the world. The 31-year-old playmaker currently represents Paris Saint-Germain and has previously played for Santos FC and FC Barcelona, with whom he achieved the treble in 2015.

His impressive accomplishments include finishing third for the FIFA Ballon d'Or in 2015 and 2017, winning the FIFA Puskás Award, being named in the FIFA FIFPro World11 twice, the UEFA Team of the Year twice, and the UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season three times.

Off the field, Neymar enjoys immense popularity and has a massive following of over 205 million on Instagram, making him the third most followed footballer worldwide.

Throughout his career, Neymar has secured endorsement deals with notable brands, including Nike, Panasonic, Volkswagen, Tenys Pé Baruel, Lupo, Ambev, Claro, Unilever, and Santander. He has also appeared on the covers of video games like Pro Evolution Soccer and FIFA, further extending his reach and influence.

In terms of his net worth, as of March 2023, Neymar Jr. is estimated to have a net worth of approximately $200 million, positioning him as the 6th richest footballer in the world.

5. Dave Whelan (Net Worth) - $210 million

Dave Whelan, a former English left back, transitioned into a successful businessman after retiring from professional football in 1966. During his playing career, he represented Blackburn Rovers (1956-1960) and Crewe Alexandra (1962-1966).

Whelan became the owner and chairman of Wigan Athletic, leading the club for two decades before passing on the ownership to his grandson and eventually International Entertainment Corporation.

In addition to his involvement in football, the 86-year-old entrepreneur owns JJB Sports, a fishing sports store that he acquired in 1977. Over the years, JJB Sports expanded into a chain of seven stores and is presently recognized as the UK's second-largest sports retailer.

As of March 2023, Dave Whelan's estimated net worth is $210 million, establishing him as one of the wealthiest football personalities of all time.

4. David Beckham (Net Worth) - $450 million

David Robert Joseph Beckham, a retired English professional footballer, hails from London. His illustrious career includes winning league titles in four different countries: England, Spain, the United States, and France.

Beckham represented clubs such as Manchester United, Preston North End, Real Madrid, Milan, LA Galaxy, Paris Saint-Germain, and the England national team, where he held the record for outfield appearances until 2016.

Following his retirement from professional football in 2013, Beckham invested in the MLS expansion team, Inter Miami, purchasing it for $25 million.

Beckham's influence extends beyond the pitch through numerous endorsement deals, positioning him as one of the most influential athletes globally. He signed a lifetime contract with Adidas in 2003, amounting to $160 million, with a significant portion paid upfront, in addition to ongoing profits from his branded Adidas products.

Throughout his career, Beckham collaborated with PepsiCo, serving as a global ambassador, and in 2021, he became a global ambassador for the Italian luxury car brand Maserati.

In the world of gaming, Beckham featured in the FIFA video game series, appearing on the cover of FIFA 98 in the UK edition. He also secured a £40 million three-year deal with EA Sports for his appearance in FIFA 21.

During his playing career, Beckham generated an estimated £1 billion in sales from shirt and boot merchandise. In 2006, Lloyd's of London insured his legs for £100 million while he played for Real Madrid.

In June 2020, Beckham became a minority owner of the London-based esports organization, Guild Esports. Additionally, he boasts over 77 million followers on Instagram, making him the most followed individual from the UK and the fifth most followed football personality worldwide.

As of March 2023, David Beckham's net worth is estimated at $450 million, solidifying his status as one of the wealthiest footballers.

3. Cristiano Ronaldo (Net Worth) - $500 million

Cristiano Ronaldo, a Portuguese footballer, is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. At the age of 37, he currently plays for Al Nassr, a Saudi Arabia league powerhouse, following his move to the Middle East in December 2022.

Throughout his career, Ronaldo has achieved numerous accolades, including five Ballon d'Or awards and four European Golden Shoes, the most by any European player. His trophy cabinet boasts 32 titles, including seven league championships, five UEFA Champions Leagues, and international honors like the UEFA European Championship and UEFA Nations League.

The former Real Madrid striker holds several records, such as the most appearances (183), goals (140), and assists (42) in the UEFA Champions League. He also holds records for goals in the European Championship (14), international goals (118), and joint-most international appearances (196).

Ronaldo's financial success extends beyond the pitch, with endorsement deals and sponsorships contributing significantly to his net worth. He has collaborated with clothing brands and other consumer products, earning substantial amounts annually. From June 2018 to June 2019 alone, Ronaldo earned $110 million.

The Portuguese star has been sponsored by Nike throughout his career, and he has played a significant role in promoting their products. He has also been featured on the covers of FIFA video games, including FIFA 18, and has appeared in commercials for various brands.

Ronaldo has an enormous social media presence, with over 700 million total followers across Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram as of February 2021. He holds the titles of the most-followed person on Facebook (162 million), Instagram (554 million), and the most-followed sportsperson on Twitter (107.9 million). His social media influence has been leveraged by his sponsors, generating significant media value.

Apart from his professional achievements, Ronaldo has invested in luxury cars, real estate properties, and high-end watches, showcasing his extravagant lifestyle.

As of March 2023, Cristiano Ronaldo's estimated net worth is $500 million, placing him as the third richest footballer in the world.

2. Lionel Messi (Net Worth) - $600 million

Lionel Messi, an Argentine footballer, is widely recognized as one of the greatest players of the modern football era. The 35-year-old playmaker currently represents Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain, following his departure from Barcelona in 2021.

Messi's illustrious career includes a record seven Ballon d'Or awards, six European Golden Shoes, and being named to the Ballon d'Or Dream Team in 2020. During his time at Barcelona, he won a remarkable 35 trophies, including 10 La Liga titles, seven Copa del Rey titles, and four UEFA Champions Leagues.

The Argentine superstar holds multiple records, such as the most goals in La Liga (474), the UEFA Champions League (140), and the most assists in La Liga (192) and Copa América (17). He also boasts the highest number of international goals by a South American male footballer (98) and the most goals by a player for a single club (672).

Messi leads a relatively private life outside of football, but his lavish lifestyle includes luxury cars, exclusive real estate properties, and high-value assets such as his private jet and yacht.

Endorsement deals have played a significant role in Messi's financial success, with Adidas being his main sponsor since 2006. Over time, he expanded his endorsement portfolio to include luxury brands like Dolce & Gabbana and Audemars Piguet.

Messi's popularity extends to social media, with a massive following of over 430 million on Instagram and millions more across other platforms. He has been featured on the covers of video games like Pro Evolution Soccer and FIFA, gaining further exposure and recognition.

In addition to his football career, Messi has engaged in philanthropic endeavors, contributing to various charitable causes and establishing his own foundation.

As of March 2023, Lionel Messi's estimated net worth is $600 million, making him the second richest footballer in the world.

1. Faiq Bolkiah (Net Worth) - $20 billion

Faiq Bolkiah, the son of Jefri Bolkiah, the Prince of Brunei, holds the title of the wealthiest footballer in the world with an astounding net worth of $20 billion. The 25-year-old midfielder currently plays for Chonburi, a Thai League 1 club, and has previously represented Leicester City at the youth level.

Born in Los Angeles, California, Faiq possesses dual citizenship of Brunei and the United States. His immense wealth stems from his family's roots and affluent background.

As of March 2023, Faiq Bolkiah's estimated net worth places him as the richest footballer in the world, with an exceptional fortune of $20 billion.