Football is the world’s most popular sport, with a massive global following. As the sport’s popularity grows, it has become a billion-dollar industry. Top footballers earn enormous salaries, which are further increased by endorsement deals, sponsorships, social media, merchandise, and personal brands.
Below are the top 10 richest footballers as of 2025. This list includes both active and retired players who have earned substantial wealth not only from football but also through investments in various businesses and the entertainment industry.
List of 10 Richest Footballers as of 2025
10. Ronaldo Nazario – $160 million
Ronaldo Nazario, a football legend, won the FIFA World Cup twice (1994, 2002) and the Ballon d’Or in 1997 and 2002. He played for top clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona, Inter Milan, and AC Milan. Richest footballers as of 2025. Ronaldo is also a UN goodwill ambassador and the owner of Real Valladolid.
| Name | Net Worth | Nationality | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ronaldo Nazario | $160 million | Brazil | Retired |
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9. Wayne Rooney – $170 million
Wayne Rooney, one of England’s best footballers, became Manchester United’s all-time top scorer and was the first Premier League player to score 200 goals and provide 100 assists. Richest footballers as of 2025. After retiring, he transitioned to management and is now the coach of Plymouth Argyle FC in the EFL Championship.
| Name | Net Worth | Nationality | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wayne Rooney | $170 million | England | Retired |
8. Kylian Mbappe – $180 million
Kylian Mbappe, one of the richest footballers as of 2025, gained fame with France’s 2018 World Cup win. In 2024, he joined Real Madrid, fulfilling a childhood dream, and received a large signing bonus. Off the field, Mbappe and his family are considering buying French club Stade Malherbe Caen, adding to his wealth.
| Name | Net Worth | Nationality | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kylian Mbappe | $180 million | France | Real Madrid |
7. Zlatan Ibrahimovic – $190 million
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is regarded as one of the best strikers in football history. Over the course of his career, he played for top clubs like Inter Milan, AC Milan, Barcelona, Manchester United, and PSG. Ibrahimovic retired in July 2023 but remains Sweden’s all-time leading goal scorer with 62 goals. He also co-owns Swedish club Hammarby IF.
| Name | Net Worth | Nationality | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zlatan Ibrahimovic | $190 million | Sweden | Retired |
6. Neymar Jr. – $200 million
Neymar Jr., one of the richest footballers as of 2025, is a Brazilian superstar known for his skill and flair. After his record transfer from Barcelona to PSG in 2017, he became one of the most expensive players ever. Now playing for Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia, Neymar is Brazil’s all-time top scorer. Despite injuries, his endorsement deals, including a £23 million-per-year contract with Nike, keep him among the wealthiest footballers in the world.
| Name | Net Worth | Nationality | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neymar Jr. | $200 million | Brazil | Al Hilal |
5. Dave Whelan – $210 million
Dave Whelan, a former English footballer, transitioned to business after retiring from football in 1966. He is known for owning Wigan Athletic, where he served as chairman for 20 years, guiding the club to the Premier League and leading them to victory in the 2013 FA Cup.
| Name | Net Worth | Nationality | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dave Whelan | $210 million | England | Retired |
4. David Beckham – $450 million
David Beckham is a global icon, known not only for his football skills but also his widespread fame. He played for top clubs such as Manchester United, Real Madrid, PSG, and LA Galaxy, winning 19 major trophies. Even after retiring, Beckham remains in the public eye and now owns the MLS club Inter Miami.
| Name | Net Worth | Nationality | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| David Beckham | $450 million | England | Retired |
3. Cristiano Ronaldo – $500 million
Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the richest footballers as of 2025, holds records like the most goals in international men’s football and the UEFA Champions League. He earns around €200 million annually from his Al Nassr contract and a lifetime deal with Nike. His CR7 brand spans clothing, footwear, and more, and he also owns several hotels and restaurants.
| Name | Net Worth | Nationality | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cristiano Ronaldo | $500 million | Portugal | Al Nassr |
2. Lionel Messi – $600 million
Lionel Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, is one of the richest footballers as of 2025. Playing for Inter Miami, he holds 45 trophies, making him the most decorated footballer. His wealth is boosted by a lifetime contract with Adidas, ownership of the ‘Messi Store,’ and involvement in the ‘MIM Hotels’ business.
| Name | Net Worth | Nationality | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lionel Messi | $600 million | Argentina | Inter Miami |
1. Faiq Bolkiah – $20 billion
Faiq Bolkiah, a member of the Brunei royal family, is the richest footballer as of 2025. His incredible wealth, which is estimated at $20 billion, primarily comes from his family’s fortune. Faiq is the captain of the Brunei national team and plays for Chonburi F.C. in Thailand’s Thai League 1. His father, Jefri Bolkiah, is a prince of Brunei, contributing significantly to his immense fortune, making him the top contender on the list of the richest footballers as of 2025.
| Name | Net Worth | Nationality | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Faiq Bolkiah | $20 billion | Brunei | Chonburi F.C. |
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