Top 10 Richest Indian & Asian Footballers in 2025
Football is no longer just a Western-dominated sport — Asia, including India, has been making steady progress both on and off the pitch. From the Indian Super League (ISL) to top Asian leagues in Japan, South Korea, and the Middle East, footballers are not only gaining global recognition but also building significant fortunes. By 2025, several Indian and Asian stars have emerged as millionaires through salaries, endorsements, and business ventures.
In this blog, we rank the Top 10 Richest Indian & Asian Footballers in 2025 and explore their net worth, sources of income, and lifestyle.
1. Sunil Chhetri (India) – Net Worth: $3 Million
The captain of the Indian national team and Bengaluru FC remains the face of Indian football in 2025. With over 90 international goals, Chhetri is a legend in Asia. His income comes from:
ISL salary
Endorsements with Puma, Pepsi, and sports brands
Appearances and brand ambassador roles
Chhetri’s disciplined lifestyle and leadership have kept him at the top of India’s football earnings.
2. Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (India) – Net Worth: $1.5 Million
India’s star goalkeeper and the first Indian to play in the UEFA Europa League, Gurpreet earns through his ISL contract, brand endorsements, and international appearances. His popularity as India’s No.1 goalkeeper makes him one of the highest-paid Indian footballers.
3. Sandesh Jhingan (India) – Net Worth: $1 Million
One of India’s most consistent defenders, Jhingan has played for several ISL clubs and the Indian national team. His wealth comes from:
ISL contracts
Sponsorships with sports brands
Media appearances
4. Shinji Kagawa (Japan) – Net Worth: $25 Million
The Japanese midfielder, who once starred for Borussia Dortmund and Manchester United, remains one of Asia’s wealthiest footballers. Even after moving away from Europe’s top leagues, Kagawa earns from endorsements, ambassador roles, and playing contracts in Asia.
5. Keisuke Honda (Japan) – Net Worth: $20 Million
Honda has had an illustrious career with AC Milan and the Japanese national team. Beyond football, he invests in startups, esports, and business ventures. His global presence makes him one of the richest Asian footballers.
6. Son Heung-min (South Korea) – Net Worth: $60 Million
The captain of South Korea and star forward of Tottenham Hotspur is the richest Asian footballer in 2025. His sources of income include:
Tottenham salary ($10M+ annually)
Endorsements with Adidas, Gillette, and Calvin Klein
Media appearances and sponsorships
Son is also the most marketable Asian player globally, with millions of fans across Europe and Asia.
7. Ali Mabkhout (UAE) – Net Worth: $10 Million
The UAE striker has earned fame in the Middle East through his career at Al Jazira Club and the UAE national team. With high salaries in Gulf football, along with sponsorships, Mabkhout has built a strong fortune.
8. Omar Abdulrahman (UAE) – Net Worth: $8 Million
Known as the “Arab Messi,” Omar’s creative midfield play has made him a star in Asia. His wealth comes from Gulf league salaries, endorsements, and ambassador roles in Middle Eastern football.
9. Mehtab Singh (India) – Net Worth: $800,000
A rising Indian footballer, Mehtab Singh represents the younger generation of ISL players. With consistent growth in Indian football, his net worth is expected to rise significantly in the coming years.
10. Akram Afif (Qatar) – Net Worth: $5 Million
The Qatari forward was one of the standout players in the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the AFC competitions. Afif earns from his club contracts, Qatar-based endorsements, and rising global recognition.
Conclusion
By 2025, Indian and Asian footballers are proving that the sport is no longer just about Europe and South America. While legends like Son Heung-min, Shinji Kagawa, and Keisuke Honda dominate Asia’s wealth rankings, Indian stars such as Sunil Chhetri, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, and Sandesh Jhingan continue to inspire millions.
With the growth of the Indian Super League (ISL) and increasing investments in Asian football, the net worth of Indian and Asian footballers will only rise in the coming years. The future looks bright for football in Asia.
