Footballers’ annual salaries are in millions, but it is not only their source of earnings. A lot of other factors determine their net worth, including their ventures, endorsements, and investments. When we talk about the Top 10 Richest Footballers in 2025, everyone would say Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi would top the list, but it is Faiq Bolkiah.
Basically, once the football is over, players tend to invest their money, or some buy football clubs. The prime example is David Beckham, who owns Inter Miami, and the young players are doing the same nowadays, for example, Vinicius Jr bought FC Alverca. The face value of the footballers matters a lot, and surely their public presence.
List of Top 10 Richest Footballers in 2025
10. Kylian Mbappe (net worth: $180 million)
The current Real Madrid star is said to be the youngest centi-millionaire in football. His new contract with Real Madrid will make him earn €156 million in five years.
| Full Name | Kylian Mbappe Lottin |
| Date of Birth | December 20, 1998 |
| Place of Birth | Paris, France |
| Height | 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in) |
| Position | Forward |
| Current Club | Real Madrid |
| International Career | France National Team (since 2017) |
| Youth Career | AS Bondy (2004–2013), Monaco (2013–2015) |
| Senior Career | Monaco II, Monaco, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid |
| Major Achievements | FIFA World Cup Winner (2018), UEFA Nations League Winner (2021), Ligue 1 Titles, La Liga Titles |
| Notable Traits | Renowned for speed, dribbling, finishing, and football intelligence |
9. Zlatan Ibrahimovic (net worth: $190 million)
Another top player who has played for big clubs in Europe, such as Barcelona, Inter, Manchester United, PSG, and AC Milan. He also made brand collaborations with Vitamin Well and Volvo when he was playing.
| Full Name | Zlatan Ibrahimovic |
| Date of Birth | October 3, 1981 |
| Place of Birth | Malmo, Sweden |
| Height | 1.95 m (6 ft 5 in) |
| Position | Striker |
| International Career | Sweden National Team (1999–2023) |
| Youth Career | Malmo BI, FBK Balkan, Malmo FF |
| Senior Career | Malmo FF, Ajax, Juventus, Inter Milan, Barcelona, AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, LA Galaxy, AC Milan (second stint) |
| Major Achievements | Sweden’s all-time top scorer (62 goals), 12-time Guldbollen winner, multiple league titles across Europe |
| Notable Traits | Renowned for acrobatic strikes, technical ability, and confidence |
8. Karim Benzema (net worth: $200 million)
The ex-Real Madrid superstar is currently earning a salary of $20 million annually. He won the Ballon d’Or in the 2021-2022 season with his stunning performance.
| Full Name | Karim Mostafa Benzema |
| Date of Birth | December 19, 1987 |
| Place of Birth | Lyon, France |
| Height | 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in) |
| Position | Striker |
| Current Club | Al-Ittihad |
| International Career | France National Team (2007–2022) |
| Youth Career | AS Des Buers Villeurbanne, Bron, Lyon |
| Senior Career | Lyon II, Lyon, Real Madrid, Al-Ittihad |
| Major Achievements | 5x UEFA Champions League Winner, Ballon d’Or Winner (2022), La Liga Titles, UEFA Nations League Winner (2021) |
| Notable Traits | Renowned for technical skills, vision, and finishing ability |
7. Wayne Rooney (net worth: $216 million)
Rooney is the 7th richest footballer right now. He was the attacker of Manchester United and was known for his ability, tenacity, and calmness under pressure.
| Full Name | Wayne Mark Rooney |
| Date of Birth | October 24, 1985 |
| Place of Birth | Liverpool, England |
| Height | 1.76 m (5 ft 9 in) |
| Position | Forward, Midfielder |
| Current Role | Manager of Plymouth Argyle |
| International Career | England National Team (2003–2018) |
| Youth Career | Everton (1996–2002) |
| Senior Career | Everton, Manchester United, D.C. United, Derby County |
| Major Achievements | England’s second-highest goal scorer (53 goals), Manchester United’s all-time top scorer (253 goals), 5-time Premier League winner, UEFA Champions League winner (2008) |
| Notable Traits | Renowned for versatility, leadership, and goal-scoring ability |
6. Dave Whelan (net worth: $230 million)
He is a former football player and also the former owner of Wigan Athletic and founder of JJB Sports. Once he was the richest British football player.
| Full Name | David Whelan |
| Date of Birth | November 24, 1936 |
| Place of Birth | Bradford, England |
| Height | Not widely documented |
| Position | Full-back |
| Senior Career | Blackburn Rovers (1956–1960), Crewe Alexandra (1962–1966) |
| Major Achievements | Played in the 1960 FA Cup Final, later became a successful businessman |
| Business Ventures | Founded JJB Sports, owned Wigan Athletic |
| Notable Traits | Renowned for resilience, entrepreneurship, and contributions to football |
5. Neymar (net worth: $250 million)
Said to be the Prince of football, Neymar is the 5th richest footballer. Injuries had ruined his career, as he was known as the next biggest star in football after Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
| Full Name | Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior |
| Date of Birth | February 5, 1992 |
| Place of Birth | Mogi das Cruzes, Brazil |
| Height | 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in) |
| Position | Forward, Left Winger, Attacking Midfielder |
| Current Club | Santos |
| International Career | Brazil National Team (since 2010) |
| Youth Career | Portuguesa Santista, Santos |
| Senior Career | Santos, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Al-Hilal, Santos (return) |
| Major Achievements | Copa Libertadores Winner (2011), UEFA Champions League Winner (2015), Olympic Gold Medalist (2016), Brazil’s all-time top scorer |
| Notable Traits | Renowned for dribbling, flair, creativity, and finishing |
4. David Beckham (net worth: $450 million)
The ex-Manchester United and Real Madrid star and current Inter Miami owner is the global ambassador for well-known brands including Armani, Gillette, PepsiCo, and Adidas. He was also said to be a paid footballer till he retired in 2013.
| Full Name | David Robert Joseph Beckham |
| Date of Birth | May 2, 1975 |
| Place of Birth | Leytonstone, England |
| Height | 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in) |
| Position | Midfielder |
| Current Role | Co-owner of Inter Miami CF and Salford City |
| International Career | England National Team (1996–2009) |
| Youth Career | Ridgeway Rovers, Tottenham Hotspur, Brimsdown Rovers, Manchester United |
| Senior Career | Manchester United, Preston North End (loan), Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, AC Milan (loan), Paris Saint-Germain |
| Major Achievements | 6-time Premier League winner, UEFA Champions League winner (1999), La Liga winner (2007), MLS Cup winner (2011, 2012) |
| Notable Traits | Renowned for passing, crossing, free-kick ability, and leadership |
3. Lionel Messi (net worth: $650 million)
Lionel Messi, one of the all-time greats, is third on the list. After completing football in Europe, he decided to join Inter Miami and has changed the MLS by attracting more viewership.
| Full Name | Lionel Andrés Messi |
| Date of Birth | June 24, 1987 |
| Place of Birth | Rosario, Argentina |
| Height | 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in) |
| Position | Forward |
| Current Club | Inter Miami |
| International Career | Argentina National Team (since 2005) |
| Youth Career | Grandoli, Newell’s Old Boys, Barcelona |
| Senior Career | Barcelona C, Barcelona B, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Miami |
| Major Achievements | 8-time Ballon d’Or winner, FIFA World Cup Winner (2022), Copa América Winner (2021), UEFA Champions League Titles |
| Notable Traits | Renowned for dribbling, vision, finishing, and playmaking |
2. Cristiano Ronaldo (net worth: $800 million)
After a shocking exit from Europe, he landed in Saudi Arabia. He changed football in Saudi Arabia as more and more stars joined the league after Ronaldo. Ronaldo earns an annual salary of $200 million.
| Full Name | Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro |
| Date of Birth | February 5, 1985 |
| Place of Birth | Funchal, Madeira, Portugal |
| Height | 1.87 m (6 ft 2 in) |
| Position | Forward |
| Current Club | Al-Nassr |
| International Career | Portugal National Team (since 2003) |
| Youth Career | Andorinha, Nacional, Sporting CP |
| Senior Career | Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, Manchester United (second stint), Al-Nassr |
| Major Achievements | 5-time Ballon d’Or winner, UEFA European Championship Winner (2016), UEFA Nations League Winner (2019), 5-time UEFA Champions League Winner |
| Notable Traits | Renowned for goal-scoring, athleticism, leadership, and longevity |
1. Faiq Bolkiah (net worth: $20 billion)
He is the richest footballer as he belongs to a royal family. Faiq is said to be the nephew of the Sultan of Brunei. He plays in the Thai League. Based on the assets pools of the royal family, his actual wealth can be determined as $28 billion.
| Full Name | Faiq Jefri Bolkiah |
| Date of Birth | May 9, 1998 |
| Place of Birth | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Height | 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in) |
| Position | Winger |
| Current Club | Ratchaburi |
| International Career | Brunei National Team (since 2016) |
| Youth Career | A.F.C. Newbury, Southampton, Chelsea, Leicester City |
| Senior Career | Marítimo, Chonburi, Ratchaburi |
| Major Achievements | First Bruneian to play in Thai League 1, Captain of Brunei National Team |
| Notable Traits | Renowned for technical ability, vision, and leadership |
| Rank | Name | Net Worth (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Faiq Bolkiah | $20 billion |
| 2 | Cristiano Ronaldo | $800 million |
| 3 | Lionel Messi | $650 million |
| 4 | David Beckham | $450 million |
| 5 | Neymar | $250 million |
| 6 | Dave Whelan | $230 million |
| 7 | Wayne Rooney | $216 million |
| 8 | Karim Benzema | $200 million |
| 9 | Zlatan Ibrahimović | $190 million |
| 10 | Kylian Mbappé | $180 million |
