Who are the Richest Soccer Players in the World Right Now? (2024)
Who are the richest soccer players in the world? Soccer is the biggest sport in the world and it is also one of the biggest entertainment businesses in the world. Every year there are billions and billions of dollars that go into the sport and some of the world’s best players aren’t just celebrated for their talent on the pitch but also for their massive earnings both from club salaries and endorsement deals.
Over the years, some players have received tremendous amounts of money for being so good at the beautiful game that their wealth continues to grow even after retirement, thanks to smart investments and personal ventures.
In this blog, we will go over the top richest soccer players in the world right now.
The Top 11 Richest Soccer Players in the World Right Now
Faiq Bolkiah ($20 Billion)
An unknown player to this list by many, or at least myself is Faiq Bolkiah. Faiq is a member of Bruneian royalty, and is currently playing for Chonburi F.C. in Thailand.
Although his football career hasn’t reached the global spotlight like some other players on this list, his wealth is incompatible due to his royal heritage. Bolkiah’s fortune comes mainly for his family, as he is the nephew of the Sultan of Brunei, making him by far the richest footballer in the world.
His fortune is estimated at an astonishing $20 billion, more than the combined wealth of several players on this list.
Lionel Messi ($600 Million)
The next player is a player that everyone would assume would be at the top of this list, Argentine superstar and one of the greatest players of all time, Lionel Messi.
Lionel Messi is currently playing for Miami FC and his incredible career has seen him win numerous titles at the club and international level and both individually and with teams.
His massive wealth comes from a combination of salaries, endorsement deals with top brands like Adidas and Pepsi, and his personal ventures such as the Messi brand. With a net worth of $600 million, Messi has firmly established himself as one of the wealthiest athletes in the world, not just football.
Cristiano Ronaldo ($500 Million)
Another player that everyone knows would be on this list is Cristiano Ronaldo. Cristiano Ronaldo, currently 39 and playing for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, remains one of the most iconic and wealthiest footballers of all time.
Known for his exceptional goal-scoring ability and physical prowess, Ronaldo has a great fortune through club contracts, endorsements with Nike and others, and numerous business ventures, including his own CR7 brand.
With a net worth of $500 million, Ronaldo’s financial success is a testament to his brand appeal both on and off the pitch.
David Beckham ($450 Million)
One of the biggest icons of the game that retired from professional soccer in 2013 remains one of the wealthiest players in the world, David Beckham. The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star has ventured into several successful businesses, including fashion, fragrance, and ownership of Inter Miami CF, a Major League Soccer team.
Beckham’s influence and marketability have allowed him to maintain a net worth of $450 million, making him one of the wealthiest retired athletes in the world.
Neymar Jr. ($250 Million)
Neymar Jr. is the biggest wonderkid in the history of the game and an icon of the game. Neymar, currently playing in Saudi Arabia, is one of the most marketable athletes worldwide.
Known for his flashy style on and off the pitch, Neymar has secured high-paying contracts with Al-Hilal and lucrative endorsements with brands like Puma and Red Bull. In addition to his playing career, Neymar’s growing influence in pop culture and his ventures into media projects like streaming has increased his net worth to $250 million.
Dave Whelan ($210 Million)
Dave Whelan is another player on this list that many fans may really know about. Whelan is a former professional footballer who turned his athletic career into a business empire.
After retiring, Whelan became the owner of Wigan Athletic and founded the JJB Sports retail chain. His savvy business decisions and investments have resulted in a net worth of $210 million.
Although his playing career with clubs like Blackburn Rovers didn’t make him a global name, his post-football career has made him one of the wealthiest figures associated with the sport.
Karim Benzema ($200 Million)
One of the few Ballon D’or winners not named Messi or Cristiano from the past couple of years is Karim Benzema, who is also one of the wealthiest. Known for his exceptional goal-scoring abilities, Benzema has spent the majority of his career with Real Madrid, where he helped secure numerous titles, including multiple Champions League and La Liga trophies.
His consistent performances and leadership on the field earned him the Ballon d’Or in 2022, cementing his place among the sport’s all-time greats. In addition to his huge salary at Al-Ittihad, Benzema’s wealth also comes from endorsement deals with major brands like Adidas and Hyundai.
His financial success also extends beyond football, with investments in businesses and real estate, ensuring that his wealth will continue to grow even after his playing days are over.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic ($190 Million)
Zlatan Ibrahimovic, now retired, stands as one of the greatest players of all time, as well as one of the richest. Renowned for his outspoken personality and unmatched skills and confidence, Ibrahimovic has consistently drawn high salaries and lucrative sponsorships throughout his career.
Zlatan has played in all parts of the world and his larger-than-life persona, numerous accolades, including multiple league titles, and more has helped Zlatan’s net worth stand at $190 million.
Kylian Mbappe ($180 Million)
Kylian Mbappe, the wonderkid who we all witnessed become one of the all time greats of the sport has also quickly risen to become one of the wealthiest footballers in the world. Currently playing for his dream club, Real Madrid, Mbappe’s incredible performances in the FIFA World Cup and his key role at PSG have made him one of the most valuable players in the sport.
Endorsements from Nike and his rapid rise to stardom have contributed to his $180 million net worth, making him the face of the next generation of football.
Wayne Rooney ($170 Million)
Wayne Rooney, now coaching D.C. United, made a name for himself as one of the best players in Premier League history. With an amazing career at Manchester United, where he became the club’s all-time leading scorer, Rooney earned huge amounts of money through club contracts, sponsorships, and appearances.
Post-retirement, he continues to grow his wealth through coaching and various business ventures, bringing his total net worth to $170 million.
Ronaldo LuÃs Nazário ($160 Million)
Widely regarded as one of the best players of his generation, Brazilian legend Ronaldo Nazário built his fortune through a combination of team contracts, endorsements, and smart investments.
After retiring, Ronaldo has become a successful businessman, owning shares in clubs like Real Valladolid. His net worth of $160 million reflects both his incredible career and business acumen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the richest soccer player in the world?
The richest soccer player in the world right now is someone not many people know or would expect. It is Faiq Bolkiah who is of royal family and has a net worth of $20 Billion.
How can soccer players make money?
Soccer players, who do not play professional soccer, can make money in various ways such as:
- Coaching
- Private training
- Starting a league
- Running a soccer blog
- Reselling soccer jerseys or cleats
- Using sports betting apps such as the Best Kentucky Sports Betting Apps.
Conclusion
In 2024, the world of soccer continues to produce some of the wealthiest athletes on the planet from well known superstars like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to lesser-known figures like Faiq Bolkiah.
Their wealth stems from a combination of high-paying club contracts, huge endorsement deals, and personal ventures that span various industries. As soccer remains one of the biggest entertainment industries worldwide, it’s no surprise if these player’s salaries only get bigger over time and if more players start to end this type of money.
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