(Updated) List of Richest Footballers in the World

Did you know that football is the only sport to have its own international holiday? July 10th is celebrated as "International Football Day", recognising the sport’s impact on global culture. Football, also known as "the beautiful game", has grown from a local pastime to a global phenomenon watched by billions of fans on all continents. With its fast-paced action, unforgettable goals, and passionate fan base, football unites people like no other sport. Famous footballers such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Neymar have become household names around the world. These athletes have accumulated massive fortunes. Their wealth reflects not only their success on the pitch but also their influence off it. In this article, we will explore the richest footballers of 2024, taking a closer look at the earnings, investments, and brands that have contributed to their staggering net worth.

List of the Richest Footballers in the World

According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, the following is a tabular list of the richest footballers in the world as of 2025:

Source: Bloomberg Billionaires Index

1. Cristiano Ronaldo

Source: BBC

• Net Worth: $1.4 billion
• Salary: $200 million annually (20.84 crores EUR)
• Team: Al Nassr (Saudi Arabia)
• Age: 40
• Career Start: 2002

Cristiano Ronaldo is another legendary figure in football, known for his incredible goal-scoring ability and physical prowess. He has played for top clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus before joining Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia. Ronaldo holds numerous records, including being the highest international goal scorer of all time. His brand CR7 encompasses various products and endorsements that significantly boost his financial standing.

2. Lionel Messi

Source: Goal.com

• Net Worth: $650 million
• Salary: $60 million annually
• Team: Inter Miami (USA)
• Age: 37
• Career Start: 2004

Lionel Messi is often hailed as one of the greatest footballers of all time. After an illustrious career at FC Barcelona, where he became the club's all-time top scorer, Messi joined Paris Saint-Germain before moving to Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. 

He has won numerous awards, including eight Ballon d'Or titles and multiple UEFA Champions League trophies. Messi's endorsements with major brands like Adidas contribute significantly to his wealth.

3. Karim Benzema

• Team: Al-Ittihad (Saudi Pro League)
• Age: 37
• Net Worth (Estimated): $70 million to $200 million
• Salary (Estimated Annual): ~$214 million
• Career Start (Senior Debut): 2004 (Lyon)

Karim Benzema is a talented French striker who currently plays for Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League. He started his career at Lyon in 2004 before moving to Real Madrid in 2009, where he became a club legend. Benzema peaked late in his career, and his most significant achievement was winning the 2022 Ballon d'Or after an incredible season where he led Real Madrid to a UEFA Champions League and La Liga double. He is known for his smart movement and link-up play.

4. Kylian Mbappé

• Team: Real Madrid (La Liga)
• Age: 27
• Net Worth (Estimated): $120 million to $180 million
• Salary (Estimated Annual): ~$70 million (On-field earnings at time of most recent reporting)
• Career Start (Senior Debut): 2015 (Monaco)

Kylian Mbappé is a French forward and one of the fastest players in the world. He moved to Real Madrid from Paris Saint-Germain, where he made his debut with Monaco in 2015. His electric speed and clinical finishing make him a formidable force. His career-defining moment came in the 2018 FIFA World Cup final, where he became the second teenager ever (after Pelé) to score in the final, leading France to victory. He consistently dominates his league in goals scored.

5. Erling Haaland

• Team: Real Madrid (La Liga)
• Age: 27
• Net Worth (Estimated): $120 million to $180 million
• Salary (Estimated Annual): ~$70 million (On-field earnings at time of most recent reporting)
• Career Start (Senior Debut): 2015 (Monaco)

Erling Haaland is a powerful Norwegian striker for Manchester City, having first played for Bryne FK in 2016. He is a pure goal machine, known for his explosive speed and finishing inside the box. A massive event was his debut 2022/2023 season with Man City, where he broke the Premier League single-season goal record and helped his team win the historic continental Treble (Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League).

6. Vinicius Jr.

• Team: Real Madrid (La Liga)
• Age: 25
• Net Worth (Estimated): $40 million to $50 million
• Salary (Estimated Annual): ~$20 million
• Career Start (Senior Debut): 2017 (Flamengo)

Vinicius Jr. is a rapid Brazilian winger who has become a key player for Real Madrid. He started his senior career in 2017 at Flamengo in Brazil before moving to Spain. Known for his dazzling dribbling and pace, he is a massive threat on the left wing. His most important moment was scoring the winning goal in the 2022 UEFA Champions League final against Liverpool, securing his first major European trophy with Real Madrid.

7. Mohamed Salah

• Team: Liverpool (Premier League)
• Age: 33
• Net Worth (Estimated): $90 million
• Salary (Estimated Annual): ~$35 million (Total annual income including endorsements)
• Career Start (Senior Debut): 2010 (El Mokawloon)

Mohamed Salah is an Egyptian winger, often called the "Egyptian King", who is a star player for Liverpool. He started his professional career in 2010 with Al Mokawloon. After tough spells at Chelsea and Roma, he became a superstar in England. His impressive goal-scoring from the right wing earned him the PFA Player of the Year award in his debut 2017/2018 Liverpool season, and he helped the club win the 2019 UEFA Champions League title.

8. Sadio Mané

Sadio Mané is a versatile Senegalese winger currently playing for Al-Nassr alongside Ronaldo, having started his career in France with Metz in 2011. He is celebrated for his relentless energy, speed, and goal-scoring. Mané was a crucial part of the legendary Liverpool attack. His most significant achievement was leading Senegal to their first-ever title at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, where he scored the winning penalty in the final shootout.

9. Jude Bellingham

Jude Bellingham is a highly talented young English midfielder who plays for Real Madrid. He made his professional debut with Birmingham City in 2019 at just 16. Bellingham is praised for his maturity, leadership, and ability to score goals from midfield. His massive move to Real Madrid in 2023 was a significant career highlight, as he immediately became the team's top goalscorer and quickly established himself as one of the best players in the world.

10. Lamine Yamal

Lamine Yamal is a young Spanish sensation who plays as a forward for Barcelona. He started in the famed La Masia academy and became Barcelona's youngest-ever player in 2023 at 15. Known for his technical skill and left-footed attacking, he's seen as the future of Spanish football. A significant event was his debut for the Spain national team in 2023, where he became the country's youngest player and goalscorer in history.

Conclusion

The richest footballers in the world are a mix of legendary icons and rising stars who have not only showcased extraordinary talent on the field but also mastered the art of branding and investments.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi continue to dominate the wealth charts with their long-standing influence, scoring millions through club salaries and sponsorships.

Neymar remains a close competitor, with his flashy style and global appeal bringing in massive earnings. Younger players like Kylian Mbappé are also making waves, combining impressive on-field performances with smart endorsement deals.

From their record-breaking transfer fees to their lucrative endorsement deals, these footballers have set new standards for financial success. As the sport progresses, we can expect to see some new talents on the above list.

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