Football is not only the most popular sport globally but also a massive industry worth billions. With a huge fan base, big sponsorships, and high player salaries, top footballers have become some of the wealthiest people in the world. In 2023, the race to be the richest footballer is fierce, with players making significant money from their salaries, bonuses, endorsements, and smart investments. This article will explore the lives and financial successes of the top 10 richest footballers in the world.
Here is the list of the top 10 richest footballers in the world:
1. Faiq Bolkiah
Net Worth: $20 Billion
Faiq Bolkiah is the richest football player in the world with a net worth of $20 billion, mainly from his family’s inheritance. He is from Brunei’s royal family and is the son of a Brunei Prince. Currently, he plays as a midfielder for Chonburi F.C. in Thailand. Despite his vast wealth, he earns only $1,000 a week from football and mainly plays for Leicester City’s development team.
ALSO READ: Take a look at the10 Best Cricketers in the World 2024
2. Lionel Messi
Net Worth: $600 million
Lionel Messi, the famous football player from Argentina, plays as a forward for Paris-Saint Germain and leads the Argentina National Team. With a net worth of $600 million, he’s the second richest footballer in the world. Messi has an impressive career, winning 7 Ballon d’Or Awards and 6 European Golden Shoes, both of which are records.
3. Cristiano Ronaldo
Net Worth: $500 million
Cristiano Ronaldo, the famous Portuguese football player, leads the Portugal team and plays as a forward for AI Nassar in Saudi Arabia. He has won the Ballon D’Or five times, the most in Europe. Ronaldo is the highest international goal scorer ever and is a football legend, often compared to Lionel Messi.
4. David Beckham
Net worth: $450 million
David Beckham was a famous football player known for his skills as an attacking midfielder. He was very popular around the world during his career. Beckham played for top teams like Manchester United, Real Madrid, the LA Galaxy, AC Milan, and Paris Saint-Germain. He won 19 major trophies, including six Premier League titles, one La Liga title, and one MLS Cup. He retired from professional football in 2013. Today, he is the fourth richest footballer in the world.
5. Dave Whelan
Net Worth: $210 million
Dave Whelan, born on November 24, 1936, in Bradford, England, was a football player who played as a winger for teams like Blackburn Rovers and Crewe Alexandra. He won the Football League Third Division North title with Blackburn Rovers in the 1959-60 season. Dave stopped playing professional football in 1966. After retiring, he became a successful businessman and started Wigan Athletic football club. Today, his net worth is $210 million.
ALSO READ: Here are the top 10 most valuable football leagues in the world, based on their annual revenue
Top 10 Richest Footballers in the World
| Name | Net Worth | Team |
| Faiq Bolkiah | $20 billion | Chonburi F.C., Thailand |
| Lionel Messi | $600 million | Paris Saint-Germain |
| Cristiano Ronaldo | $500 million | AI Nassar |
| David Beckham | $450 million | Manchester United |
| Dave Whelan | $210 million | Blackburn Rovers and Crewe Alexandra |
| Neymar Jr. | $200 million | Paris-Saint Germain |
| Zlatan Ibrahimovic | $190 million | Serie A Club AC Milan |
| Kylian Mbappe | $180 million | Ligue 1 Club Pairs-Saint Germain |
| Wayne Rooney | $170 million | D.C. United |
| Ronaldo Luis Nazario | $160 million | Real Madrid |
READ MORE:
