Football is the most popular and widely watched sport in the world. Its global significance has made it a billion-dollar industry. Players who are great at this sport and make a difference are well-paid. Players receive various benefits from their clubs, such as bonuses and endorsements. Additionally, they also run their businesses. To identify the wealthiest players, we’ve compiled information in this article to determine who stands out as the richest.
Soccer is a sport that continues to grow in revenue and capture the attention of financial analysts. The skyrocketed salaries and net worth of players like Faiq Bolkiah, Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo make them the wealthiest soccer players. Some are playing, but once they retire, they can still earn money through sponsorships, ownership, and other business ventures.
In this article, we’ll explore the net worth and teams of various players to determine the richest soccer player in the world. One of these players isn’t very famous, but he’s the richest on the list.
Top richest soccer players in the world
| Name | Net Worth | Team |
| Faiq Bolkiah | $20 billion | Ratchaburi F.C. |
| Cristiano Ronaldo | $903 million | Al-Nassr F.C. |
| Lionel Messi | $650 million | Inter Miami CF |
| David Beckham | $450 million | Manchester United |
| Neymar Jr. | $250 million | Al Hilal SFC |
| ZIatan Ibrahimovic | $190 million | AC Milan |
| Kylian Mbappe | $180 million | Real Madrid CF |
| Wayne Rooney | $170 million | D.C. United |
Faiq Bolkiah | $20 billion
Faiq Bolkiah, a midfielder for the Portuguese team Maritimo, is the world’s richest soccer player with a net worth of $20 billion. It’s noteworthy to say that his net worth is not fully derived from his soccer career but rather from his royal family inheritance. He is the prince of Brunei and the son of Prince Jefri Bolkiah. Moreover, he’s the winger for Chonburi F.C., Thailand. Despite having a huge fortune, he only makes $1,000 a week playing football.
Lionel Messi | $650 million
Lionel Messi is the second richest soccer player in the world, with a net worth of $600 million. He is an Argentine football legend and currently plays as a forward for MLS club Inter Miami FC. Being a captain of the Argentina national team, he’s a well-known figure and liked by every sports lover.
During his legendary soccer career, he won many awards, of which the FIFA Ballon d’Or and World Soccer Player of the Year are notable. Apart from this, he’s honored by books, like The “Goat” Messi written on him and also the movie “Lionel Messi: The Greatest,” being released on him.
Cristiano Ronaldo | $903 million
Having millions of fans around the globe, Cristiano Ronaldo is the third wealthiest player in the world. He is known for his miraculous athleticism with a $500 million net worth. He is a Portuguese forward and captain of the Portugal national team.
Currently, he plays for AL Nassr in Saudi Arabia. He has made the record for the highest goal scorer in football and won the awards of the European Golden Shoe, the FIFA Ballon d’Or, and more. He is also honored by a movie. “Cristiano Ronaldo: The World at its Feet” being made on him. He is often matched against his fellow football rival Lionel Messi, and his records and skills are frequently compared with him.
David Beckham | $450 million
David Beckham is one of the best and most versatile players of his era. He played as an attacking midfielder in the team. He played for Manchester United, Real Madrid, AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, and LA Galaxy during his beautiful career. He was renowned for his long passes, exceptional crossing, and skill in taking free kicks.
He won 19 major titles during his career. He won numerous titles during his time at United, including six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, two FA Charity Shields, the Intercontinental Cup, and the Champions League. He is the fourth richest soccer player in the world.
Neymar Jr. | $250 million
Neymar is a Brazilian soccer player who plays as a winger or attacking midfielder for the Saudi Pro League club Al Nassar. He is famous for his dribbling skills and style of play. He played for different clubs during his career, including Santos, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Al Hilal. His unique playing style makes him exceptional on the pitch.
During his time at Barcelona, he won numerous titles, including two La Liga championships, three Copa del Rey titles, one Supercopa de España, one UEFA Champions League title, and a FIFA Club World Cup. He secured an Olympic gold medal with Brazil in 2016 and won the Copa America in 2019. He is currently the fifth highest-paid soccer player in the world.
ZIatan Ibrahimovic | $190 million
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is a retired Swedish soccer player who played as a striker for different clubs, including Barcelona, Inter Milan, PSG, Manchester United, AC Milan, and LA Galaxy. He was famous for his great finishing, style of play, and vision towards the opponent’s goal. During his career, he secured 33 major titles, including 11 league championships, five UEFA Champions League victories, and one FIFA Club World Cup. He holds the position of the sixth wealthiest soccer player worldwide.
Kylian Mbappe | $180 million
Kylian Mbappe is a French soccer player who played as a winger or striker for Real Madrid. He is famous for his speed, dribbling skills, and great finishing. He played for Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain before transferring to Real Madrid. He is regarded as one of the most exciting young players of his generation. He played a key role in France’s victory at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and was recognized as the tournament’s best young player. He is presently ranked as the seventh wealthiest soccer player globally.
Wayne Rooney | $170 million
Wayne Rooney is a retired English footballer who played as a striker. He was considered one of the best players in Premier League history. He played most of his club football for Manchester United before he moved to Everton. He was famous for his creativity, teamwork, and commitment.
He was named England Player of the Year four times, in 2008, 2009, 2014, and 2015. Currently, he ranks as the eighth richest soccer player globally, with a net worth exceeding $170 million.
Final Thoughts
After analyzing the net worth of different players, it’s not difficult to find out who is the richest. soccer player in the world. Soccer, which attracts millions around the world, is becoming a profitable industry with vast fortunes. Players like Faiq Bolkiah, Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo are the cash-richest athletes in the world.
