Sports is not just a passion but also the most lucrative field which gives you respect, fan-following and a huge income if you become successful. Be it cricket, football or NBA, players are showered with money by companies to promote their brands. The road to the top may be a tough one, but reaching the pinnacle of any sport is not impossible for anyone. And once you get there, the world bows down to you. Football is a sport that revolves around substantial financial investment, surpassing even cricket in terms of the money involved. Players in soccer earn significant sums of money through transfers, salaries, sponsorships, and various other revenue streams.
Have you ever wondered who is the richest footballer in the world – Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappe or David Beckham? None of these. The richest footballer in the world is Faik Bolkiah. Faik Bolkiah, a 25-year-old professional footballer and son of Prince Jeffrey Bolkiah of Brunei, holds the title of the richest footballer in the world. He has a staggering net worth of $20 billion. Bolkiah’s uncle, Hassanal Bolkiah, is the Sultan of Brunei. His status as the richest footballer is mainly attributed to his family background.
Then comes Lionel Messi. Lionel Messi, the 35-year-old Argentine playmaker, is widely acknowledged as the greatest player of the modern football era. He currently showcases his exceptional skills at Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain. As of March 2023, Messi’s net worth was an impressive $600 million, establishing him as the second wealthiest footballer in the world.
The famous Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the most successful players in the game. With a current net worth of around $500 million, he holds the position of the third richest footballer globally. Ronaldo’s extraordinary skills and numerous achievements have contributed significantly to his financial success.
Former England footballer David Beckham has achieved tremendous success on and off the field. With a net worth of $450 million, Beckham is considered one of the wealthiest footballers in the world.
Former England footballer and businessman Dave Whelan has made a significant impact in both the football and business worlds. With a net worth of $210 million, Whalen has achieved considerable financial success throughout his career.
Next on the list is the Brazilian footballer. Neymar has made a name for himself as one of the most skilful players in the game. With a net worth of $200 million, Neymar has accumulated a substantial amount of wealth throughout his career.
Swedish footballer Zlatan Ibrahimovic has had a remarkable career both on and off the field. With a net worth of $190 million, Ibrahimovic has achieved considerable financial success in his illustrious career.
Former English footballer Wayne Rooney has enjoyed a successful career and amassed significant wealth. With a net worth of $170 million, Rooney has secured his financial status through his achievements on and off the field.
Brazilian legend footballer Ronaldo Nazario is at the 9th position in the list with a net worth of $160 million. Known for his exceptional goal-scoring ability and prowess, Ronaldo played for prestigious clubs such as Barcelona, Inter Milan and Real Madrid.
33 year old Brazilian footballer Alexandre Pato has had a remarkable career. While Pato has achieved success in football, his reported net worth is generally estimated to be around $150 million.