Top 20 Richest Footballers in the World 2025 and Their Net Worth
Football (or soccer) is the world’s most popular sport, followed by billions of fans across continents. With its global popularity, the game has turned many players into multi-millionaires and billionaires. The combination of club salaries, national team contracts, endorsements, brand deals, investments, and business ventures has made footballers some of the wealthiest athletes in the world.
In 2025, the list of the richest footballers is a mix of current superstars, rising young talents, and retired legends who continue to earn through endorsements and businesses. Let’s dive into the Top 20 Richest Footballers in the World in 2025 and explore their net worth.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo – Net Worth: $600 Million
Cristiano Ronaldo, currently playing for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, tops the list. His huge salary, lifetime Nike contract, and CR7 brand (fashion, hotels, gyms) keep him among the richest athletes ever. Despite being 40 in 2025, his earnings remain unmatched.
2. Lionel Messi – Net Worth: $550 Million
Messi, playing for Inter Miami, enjoys a mega deal in the MLS plus endorsements from Adidas, Pepsi, and his Messi brand. He also owns hotels and invests in sports academies. His move to the U.S. boosted his commercial presence massively.
3. Kylian Mbappé – Net Worth: $250 Million
The French superstar is the face of modern football. His PSG salary, Nike deal, and sponsorships with brands like Dior and Hublot make him one of the youngest richest players in 2025. He also invests in charities and esports.
4. Neymar Jr. – Net Worth: $220 Million
Neymar, playing in Saudi Arabia, remains a marketing machine. He earns from Puma, PokerStars, and Red Bull endorsements. His lifestyle of luxury cars, parties, and investments in eSports and NFTs keep him in the spotlight.
5. David Beckham – Net Worth: $400 Million
Though retired, Beckham is richer than many active stars. His ownership of Inter Miami CF, endorsement deals, and brand Beckham empire make him a business icon.
6. Zlatan Ibrahimović – Net Worth: $200 Million
Retired in 2023, Zlatan still earns from his autobiography sales, fashion lines, and business ventures. His charisma ensures he remains a global football icon.
7. Mohamed Salah – Net Worth: $100 Million
The Liverpool and Egypt star earns heavily from his Adidas contract, Pepsi sponsorships, and a lucrative Premier League salary. Salah also invests in businesses in Egypt.
8. Karim Benzema – Net Worth: $120 Million
The French striker, now in Saudi Arabia, earns one of the biggest player salaries in the world. His Adidas endorsement and luxury lifestyle add to his wealth.
9. Antoine Griezmann – Net Worth: $90 Million
Known for his Atletico Madrid career and World Cup glory, Griezmann has sponsorships with Puma and Huawei, alongside smart investments in esports.
10. Robert Lewandowski – Net Worth: $85 Million
Playing for Barcelona, Lewandowski earns from Nike, Huawei, and his nutrition brand. His disciplined lifestyle also inspires young athletes.
11. Eden Hazard – Net Worth: $100 Million
Though retired, Hazard still enjoys wealth from past Chelsea and Real Madrid salaries and investments.
12. Andres Iniesta – Net Worth: $120 Million
The Barcelona legend, now retired, runs businesses in Japan and Spain, along with sponsorship deals.
13. Paul Pogba – Net Worth: $80 Million
Despite injuries, Pogba earns from Adidas sponsorships and lifestyle investments. His popularity ensures continuous income.
14. Sergio Ramos – Net Worth: $90 Million
The legendary defender earns from fashion brands, horse breeding businesses, and Nike endorsements.
15. Luis Suárez – Net Worth: $70 Million
The Uruguayan striker has earned from Barcelona and Atletico salaries, endorsements, and recent South American club deals.
16. Gerard Piqué – Net Worth: $120 Million
Now retired, Piqué built a business empire including Kosmos Holding, media ventures, and investments in sports.
17. Gareth Bale – Net Worth: $145 Million
Though retired, Bale earns from real estate, golf ventures, and Adidas deals.
18. Mesut Özil – Net Worth: $100 Million
The German star, retired, owns esports teams, fashion brands, and investments in Turkey.
19. Romelu Lukaku – Net Worth: $60 Million
The Belgian striker earns from Nike deals and big salaries across European clubs.
20. Erling Haaland – Net Worth: $80 Million
The young Norwegian striker is one of the fastest-rising stars in wealth. His Puma deal, Manchester City salary, and future endorsements make him one of the richest young players.
Key Sources of Footballers’ Wealth
Club Salaries – Top leagues (Premier League, Saudi Pro League, La Liga) offer massive contracts.
Endorsements – Nike, Adidas, Puma, Pepsi, Rolex, and luxury brands.
Investments – Real estate, restaurants, startups, fashion, and esports.
Business Ventures – Many footballers own gyms, academies, and even football clubs.
Post-Retirement Careers – Media, punditry, coaching, and brand building.
Conclusion
Footballers are more than just athletes—they are global icons, businessmen, and trendsetters. In 2025, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi continue to dominate wealth rankings, but younger stars like Mbappé and Haaland are rising fast. Retired legends such as David Beckham, Gerard Piqué, and Zlatan Ibrahimović prove that smart business moves can make footballers richer after leaving the pitch.
The football world in 2025 shows us that with talent, business acumen, and global fan appeal, footballers can build fortunes that last a lifetime.
