Football is not only the world’s most popular sport but also a lucrative career path for the game’s biggest stars. The richest footballers in the world have amassed incredible wealth through a combination of on-field salaries, endorsements, business ventures, and investments. In 2025, the financial landscape of football continues to evolve, with some players breaking records in earnings and net worth. This article presents the top 10 richest footballers in the world in 2025, detailing their net worth, sources of income, and how they made their fortunes.
Top 10 richest footballers in the world 2025
| Rank | Player Name | Estimated Net Worth (USD) | Primary Income Sources | Notable Clubs/Teams |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cristiano Ronaldo | 800 million | Salary, endorsements, business ventures | Al Nassr, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus |
| 2 | Lionel Messi | 650 million | Salary, endorsements, brand partnerships | Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona |
| 3 | Neymar Jr. | 250 million | Salary, endorsements, sponsorships | Al Hilal, Paris Saint-Germain |
| 4 | Karim Benzema | 200 million | Salary, endorsements | Al Ittihad, Real Madrid |
| 5 | Wayne Rooney | 216 million | Salary, endorsements, investments, coaching | Manchester United, D.C. United |
| 6 | Kylian Mbappé | 180 million | Salary, endorsements | Paris Saint-Germain |
| 7 | Mohamed Salah | 140 million | Salary, endorsements | Liverpool |
| 8 | Sadio Mané | 130 million | Salary, endorsements | Al Nassr, Liverpool |
| 9 | Zlatan Ibrahimović | 120 million | Salary, endorsements, business ventures | AC Milan, LA Galaxy |
| 10 | Vinicius Jr. | 110 million | Salary, endorsements | Real Madrid |
10. Vinicius Jr. – The rising star
Vinícius Júnior, with an estimated net worth of $110 million, stands out as one of the youngest and most promising footballers on the global stage. At just 24 years old, the Brazilian winger has already cemented his place as a key player for Real Madrid, one of the most successful clubs in football history. His net worth is largely attributed to his substantial salary from the Spanish giants, where he signed a lucrative contract extension that reflects his importance to the team’s long-term ambitions.
9. Zlatan Ibrahimović – The veteran with a business mind
Zlatan Ibrahimović, one of football’s most iconic and charismatic figures, has an estimated net worth of $120 million. Over the course of his illustrious career, Zlatan played for some of the biggest clubs in world football, including AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, Barcelona, and LA Galaxy, earning substantial salaries and performance bonuses along the way. His commanding presence on the pitch and consistent goal-scoring ability ensured that he remained among the highest-paid players wherever he went.
8. Sadio Mané – Senegal’s prid
Sadio Mané, the Senegalese superstar and one of Africa’s most celebrated footballers, has amassed an impressive estimated net worth of $130 million. This substantial wealth is largely a result of his lucrative contracts with top-tier clubs, most recently with Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, where he signed a high-paying deal after his tenure at Bayern Munich and a successful spell at Liverpool. During his time at Liverpool, Mané was an integral part of the team’s golden era, winning the UEFA Champions League, Premier League, and several other major honors. His on-field excellence earned him significant bonuses and performance-related earnings, contributing substantially to his financial success.
7. Mohamed Salah – Egypt’s football hero
Mohamed Salah, widely regarded as one of the finest footballers of his generation, has an estimated net worth of $140 million, making him one of the wealthiest African athletes in the world. The Egyptian forward has earned the bulk of his wealth through his high-paying contract with Liverpool FC, where he has been a cornerstone of the club’s success since joining in 2017. His consistent goal-scoring record, leadership, and influence have made him one of the highest earners in the Premier League. His contract extensions have included substantial weekly wages, performance bonuses, and image rights deals, all contributing significantly to his growing fortune.
Off the field, Salah’s commercial value is just as impressive. He has secured multiple endorsement deals with major international brands, including Adidas, Vodafone Egypt, and Pepsi, which have added millions to his income. Salah’s global appeal—especially in the Middle East and Africa—has made him a marketing goldmine. His humble personality, strong religious identity, and charitable work have only amplified his status as a role model, not just in Egypt, but around the world.
6. Kylian Mbappé – Young star with massive earnings
Kylian Mbappé, widely regarded as one of the brightest young talents in world football, has already amassed an estimated net worth of around $180 million—a staggering figure for a player still in the early stages of his career. Bursting onto the global scene as a teenager with AS Monaco, Mbappé’s meteoric rise was solidified by his record-breaking move to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), where he has since become the club’s poster boy and a central figure in their domestic and European dominance.
5. Wayne Rooney – From player to businessman
Wayne Rooney, one of the most iconic figures in English football history, has built a substantial net worth estimated at $216 million. Known for his explosive talent, fierce determination, and footballing intelligence, Rooney enjoyed a stellar playing career that spanned nearly two decades. His time at Manchester United was especially historic, where he became the club’s all-time top scorer with 253 goals—a record that still stands. He also held the title of England’s all-time leading goal scorer for several years, showcasing his consistent impact at the highest level of the game.
4. Karim Benzema – Consistency pays off
Karim Benzema’s net worth stands at $200 million, thanks to his steady salary at Al Ittihad and a long, successful career at Real Madrid. Benzema’s endorsement deals are more conservative but include Adidas and EA Sports. His Champions League successes have also contributed to performance bonuses, boosting his wealth.
3. Neymar Jr. – Brazil’s richest football star
Neymar’s net worth is estimated at $250 million, fueled by his salary at Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal and endorsements from Puma, Red Bull, and others. Neymar’s flair on the pitch and marketability off it have made him a favorite for sponsorship deals. Despite some controversies, his financial success remains strong due to his consistent brand value and footballing talent.
2. Lionel Messi – The football maestro’s financial empire
Lionel Messi, with a net worth of approximately $650 million, is not far behind Ronaldo. Messi’s wealth comes from his salary at Paris Saint-Germain and previous earnings at Barcelona, combined with endorsements from Adidas, Pepsi, and other global brands. His off-field ventures include investments in tech startups and a growing personal brand. Messi’s consistent performance and global appeal have made him one of the highest-paid athletes in the world.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo – The richest footballer in 2025
Cristiano Ronaldo tops the list as the richest footballer in the world in 2025, with an estimated net worth of $800 million. His income is a blend of a highly lucrative salary from Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr, where he reportedly earns over $200 million annually, and extensive off-field earnings. Ronaldo’s business ventures include his CR7 brand, which covers hotels, gyms, fragrances, and apparel. Endorsements from global brands such as Nike and Herbalife add millions to his earnings. At 40 years old, Ronaldo remains a commercial powerhouse, setting records for athlete earnings worldwide.
how these footballers built their wealth
The richest footballers in the world have built their fortunes through a combination of:
- High salaries: Top clubs pay astronomical wages to retain elite talent.
- Endorsements: Partnerships with global brands generate significant off-field income.
- Business ventures: Many players launch personal brands, invest in startups, or own businesses.
- Smart investments: Real estate and stock market investments help grow their wealth.
- Longevity and consistency: Sustained performance ensures long-term contracts and sponsorships.
conclusion
The top 10 richest footballers in the world in 2025 represent a blend of legendary careers, marketing genius, and smart financial decisions. Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi continue to dominate not only on the pitch but also in earnings and net worth. Emerging stars like Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius Jr. show that the future of football wealth is bright. These footballers exemplify how talent combined with business acumen can create lasting legacies beyond the game.
By understanding the sources of their wealth, fans and aspiring players can appreciate the multifaceted nature of success in modern football. The financial milestones set by these athletes will inspire generations to come.
Also Read:
FAQs:
Q1: Who is the richest footballer in the world in 2025?
A1: Cristiano Ronaldo is the richest footballer in 2025, with an estimated net worth of $800 million, thanks to his high salary, endorsements, and business ventures.
Q2: How do footballers make money besides their salaries?
A2: Footballers earn money through endorsements, sponsorship deals, personal business ventures, brand partnerships, and smart investments such as real estate and startups.
Q3: Which footballer has the highest net worth after Cristiano Ronaldo?
A3: Lionel Messi holds the second-highest net worth among footballers in 2025, with an estimated $650 million.
Q4: Are younger players like Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius Jr. already among the richest footballers?
A4: Yes, both Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius Jr. are among the top 10 richest footballers due to their high salaries and lucrative endorsement deals, with their wealth expected to grow.
