Did you know that football is the only sport to have its own international holiday? July 10th is celebrated as "International Football Day," recognising the sport’s impact on global culture.
Football, also known as "the beautiful game," has grown from a local pastime to a global phenomenon watched by billions of fans on all continents. With its fast-paced action, unforgettable goals, and passionate fan base, football unites people like no other sport.
Famous footballers such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Neymar have become household names around the world. These athletes have accumulated massive fortunes. Their wealth reflects not only their success on the pitch but also their influence off it.
In this article, we will explore the richest footballers of 2024, taking a closer look at the earnings, investments, and brands that have contributed to their staggering net worth.
List of the Richest Footballers in the World
According to recent reports, the following is a tabular list of richest footballers in the world as of 2024:
| Rank | Name | Net Worth | Team |
| 1 | Faiq Bolkiah | $20 billion | Chonburi F.C., Thailand |
| 2 | Lionel Messi | $600 million | Inter Miami |
| 3 | Cristiano Ronaldo | $500 million | Al Nassr |
| 4 | David Beckham | $450 million | Manchester United |
| 5 | Dave Whelan | $210 million | Blackburn Rovers |
| 6 | Neymar Jr. | $200 million | Paris Saint-Germain |
| 7 | Zlatan Ibrahimovic | $190 million | AC Milan |
| 8 | Kylian Mbappé | $180 million | Paris Saint-Germain |
| 9 | Wayne Rooney | $170 million | DC United |
| 10 | Ronaldo Luís Nazário | $160 million | Retired |
| 11 | Alexandro Pato | $145 million | São Paulo FC |
| 12 | Gareth Bale | $145 million | LAFC |
| 13 | Thierry Henry | $130 million | Retired |
| 14 | Paul Pogba | $125 million | Al Nassr |
| 15 | Andrés Iniesta | $120 million | Retired |
Source: FC Bayern Munich
1. Faiq Bolkiah
- Net Worth: $20 billion (approximately ₹1,660,000 crores)
- Salary: $1,000 per week (around ₹82,000)
- Team: Chonburi F.C. (Thailand)
- Age: 26
- Career Start: 2016
Faiq Bolkiah is the richest footballer in the world, primarily due to his royal lineage as a member of the Brunei royal family.
Despite his immense wealth, his football earnings are relatively modest. He plays as a winger for Chonburi F.C. and has represented the Brunei national team since 2014.
Bolkiah's unique position as both a footballer and a prince has attracted significant media attention, although he remains largely out of the spotlight compared to other football stars.
2. Lionel Messi
- Net Worth: $600 million (approximately ₹49,800 crores)
- Salary: €35 million annually (around ₹310 crores)
- Team: Inter Miami (USA)
- Age: 37
- Career Start: 2004
Lionel Messi is often hailed as one of the greatest footballers of all time. After an illustrious career at FC Barcelona, where he became the club's all-time top scorer, Messi joined Paris Saint-Germain before moving to Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.
He has won numerous awards, including eight Ballon d'Or titles and multiple UEFA Champions League trophies. Messi's endorsements with major brands like Adidas contribute significantly to his wealth.
3. Cristiano Ronaldo
- Net Worth: $500 million (approximately ₹41,500 crores)
- Salary: $214 million annually (around ₹1,770 crores)
- Team: Al Nassr (Saudi Arabia)
- Age: 39
- Career Start: 2002
Cristiano Ronaldo is another legendary figure in football, known for his incredible goal-scoring ability and physical prowess. He has played for top clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus before joining Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia.
Ronaldo holds numerous records, including being the highest international goal scorer of all time. His brand CR7 encompasses various products and endorsements that significantly boost his financial standing.
4. David Beckham
- Net Worth: $450 million (approximately ₹37,350 crores)
- Salary: Estimated at $50 million annually during his playing career (around ₹410 crores)
- Team: Retired (formerly played for Manchester United)
- Age: 48
- Career Start: 1992
David Beckham is renowned not only for his skills on the pitch but also for his global fame and influence off it. He played for several prestigious clubs, including Manchester United and Real Madrid, winning numerous titles throughout his career.
Beckham's post-retirement ventures include co-owning Inter Miami CF and various endorsement deals that have solidified his status as a cultural icon.
5. Neymar Jr.
- Net Worth: $200 million (approximately ₹16,600 crores)
- Salary: $160 million annually (around ₹1,320 crores)
- Team: Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia)
- Age: 32
- Career Start: 2009
Neymar Jr. is known for his flair and creativity on the field. He began his career at Santos before moving to Barcelona and then to Paris Saint-Germain.
In 2023, he signed with Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia. Neymar has received multiple accolades throughout his career and has lucrative endorsement deals with brands like Nike and Red Bull.
6. Zlatan Ibrahimovic
- Net Worth: $190 million (approximately ₹15,700 crores)
- Salary: Estimated at $7 million annually during his last season (around ₹57 crores)
- Team: Retired (last played for AC Milan)
- Age: 43
- Career Start: 1999
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is celebrated for his unique personality and exceptional skills as a striker. He has played for several top clubs across Europe and holds numerous records, including being the oldest player to score in Serie A history.
Although he has retired from professional football due to injuries, Zlatan remains a prominent figure in sports media and continues to influence the game.
7. Kylian Mbappé
- Net Worth: $180 million (approximately ₹14,900 crores)
- Salary: $128 million annually (around ₹1,060 crores)
- Team: Paris Saint-Germain (currently on loan to Al Hilal)
- Age: 25
- Career Start: 2015
Kylian Mbappé is one of the most exciting young talents in football today. He began his professional career at AS Monaco before moving to Paris Saint-Germain.
Known for his incredible speed and goal-scoring ability, Mbappé has already achieved significant success at a young age. His endorsements with major brands like Nike further enhance his financial portfolio.
Conclusion
The richest footballers in the world are a mix of legendary icons and rising stars who have not only showcased extraordinary talent on the field but also mastered the art of branding and investments.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi continue to dominate the wealth charts with their long-standing influence, scoring millions through club salaries and sponsorships.
Neymar remains a close competitor, with his flashy style and global appeal bringing in massive earnings. Younger players like Kylian Mbappé are also making waves, combining impressive on-field performances with smart endorsement deals.
From their record-breaking transfer fees to their lucrative endorsement deals, these footballers have set new standards for financial success. As the sport progresses, we can expect to see some new talents on the above list.
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