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| Top 10 richest footballers in the world in 2024 |
Richest Footballers In The World
The list of the top 10 richest players in the world for 2023/2024, which was revealed by the international Forbes magazine, contains a complete list of the richest players in the world at present, by calculating the value of their salaries and the profits generated by the players from advertising, endorsements, and other various sources of income. In the following article, we will talk about the list of the richest players in the world.
Football is the favorite sport for most people around the world, and it is known to be very lucrative. In recent times, more than 200 countries have their football teams. Many football players have gained great popularity in this game, such as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
When it comes to exchanging their talents in football, most football stars earn a lot of money. It is worth noting that the highest-earning football player is not always the richest in the world. The top 10 richest football players are definitely among the richest athletes in the world, and they earn large amounts.
In this article, we will highlight the top 10 richest football players in the world based on their net worth in 2024. Keep reading and feel free to share your opinion in the comments section.
who is the no 1 richest footballer in the world
Contrary to expectations, the richest football player in the world is not famous, or playing in top teams.
Faiq Bolkiah, a player from Brunei and the Chonburi team in Thailand, tops the list of the most expensive football players in the world.
- The fortune of Faiek Bolkiah amounts to how much?
The fortune of the scion of the ruling family in Brunei amounts to 20 billion US dollars, according to what Forbes magazine published earlier.
It should be noted that Bolkiah's fortune did not come from football, but rather from his family that rules the Sultanate of Brunei.
Top 10 richest footballers in the world
10- Andres Iniesta
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| Andres Iniesta |
He won numerous domestic and international titles during his time at Barcelona, including nine titles in the Spanish league and four UEFA Champions League titles. He also played a key role in Spain's victory in the 2010 FIFA World Cup, scoring the winning goal in the final against the Netherlands.
In 2018, Iniesta departed from Barcelona and made a move to Vissel Kobe in Japan. He played 51 matches with the Japanese league club in various competitions and scored 10 goals. His net worth is $120 million, coming from his successful football career, marketing deals, and various business ventures.
He has promoted brands such as Nike, Audi, and others. Iniesta was also known for his charitable work, as he founded a charity for children aimed at helping those in need and promoting sports and education.
9- Paul Pogba
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| Paul Pogba |
Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba is considered one of the top 10 richest football players in the world in 2024, with a net worth of $130 million. Although his primary position is as a central midfielder, he is versatile enough to play in other positions such as left winger, attacking midfielder, and defensive midfielder.
While playing in Italy, Pogba showcased his skills and potential, earning the Golden Boy Award in 2013 and establishing himself as one of the most promising young players globally.
He is also one of the most famous players in the world and was the most expensive player in the world when he returned to Manchester United from Juventus for a fee of €105 million. His weekly income at Manchester United is approximately £290,000, contributing to his net worth. He also has a sponsorship deal with Adidas worth £31 million annually.
8- Gareth Bale
While playing in Italy, Pogba showcased his skills and potential, earning the Golden Boy Award in 2013 and establishing himself as one of the most promising young players globally.
He is also one of the most famous players in the world and was the most expensive player in the world when he returned to Manchester United from Juventus for a fee of €105 million. His weekly income at Manchester United is approximately £290,000, contributing to his net worth. He also has a sponsorship deal with Adidas worth £31 million annually.
8- Gareth Bale
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| Gareth Bale |
Gareth Bale was a famous professional football player who played before retiring with his national team Wales, and the Spanish club Real Madrid. He ranks eighth on the list of the top 10 richest football players worldwide in 2024.
Real Madrid paid Tottenham Hotspur 100 million euros in 2013 to acquire the Welsh international. At that time, the transfer fee was a global record. He was highly regarded for his qualities, including amazing speed, excellent crossing technique, and powerful left foot.
Furthermore, he gained worldwide fame and is considered one of the most famous athletes around the world. According to recent reports, Bale's net worth is estimated at $130 million this year. Bale has had a significant impact on the giants of the Spanish league. His performance was consistent and outstanding in his first few seasons with Real Madrid.
7- Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Real Madrid paid Tottenham Hotspur 100 million euros in 2013 to acquire the Welsh international. At that time, the transfer fee was a global record. He was highly regarded for his qualities, including amazing speed, excellent crossing technique, and powerful left foot.
Furthermore, he gained worldwide fame and is considered one of the most famous athletes around the world. According to recent reports, Bale's net worth is estimated at $130 million this year. Bale has had a significant impact on the giants of the Spanish league. His performance was consistent and outstanding in his first few seasons with Real Madrid.
7- Zlatan Ibrahimovic
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| Zlatan Ibrahimovic |
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is a Swedish professional football player who is widely popular as one of the best forwards of his generation. He has represented some of the best clubs in the world, including the Swedish international Juventus, Inter Milan, AC Milan, Barcelona, Manchester United, and Paris Saint-Germain.
At these clubs, his scoring efficiency remained at a high level, with his ability to control the ball at his feet and deal with high balls being unparalleled. After playing in Major League Soccer with the Los Angeles Galaxy, the player has now joined AC Milan.
He has successfully achieved 32 titles in his football career, in addition to scoring 554 goals and appearing in 935 matches. He has a net worth of 190 million dollars, placing Zlatan at the seventh position in the list of the top 10 richest football players in the world. He earned nearly 84 million dollars from Barcelona but left the team after one season.
6- Neymar da Silva
At these clubs, his scoring efficiency remained at a high level, with his ability to control the ball at his feet and deal with high balls being unparalleled. After playing in Major League Soccer with the Los Angeles Galaxy, the player has now joined AC Milan.
He has successfully achieved 32 titles in his football career, in addition to scoring 554 goals and appearing in 935 matches. He has a net worth of 190 million dollars, placing Zlatan at the seventh position in the list of the top 10 richest football players in the world. He earned nearly 84 million dollars from Barcelona but left the team after one season.
6- Neymar da Silva
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| Neymar da Silva |
Neymar ranks sixth on the list of the top 10 richest football players in the world, and he is also one of the most famous athletes. In 2011 and 2012, he won the award for the best football player in South America. In 2013, he moved from Santos to Barcelona to start his European adventure.
He is considered one of the best football players in the world, playing for Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain and the Brazilian national team. He has scored 61 goals in 101 matches for Brazil, becoming the third-highest goal scorer for his country. He is one of the highest-paid football players and athletes in the world. According to reports, Neymar's net worth is $200 million so far.
Like other football players, Neymar also earns huge amounts of money from marketing for brands. He has made big deals with companies like Nike, Air Jordan, Qatar National Bank, and McDonald's. Nike has been supporting Neymar since he was thirteen and had a 105-million-dollar deal with them for 11 years. Then he ended the relationship and signed the most expensive deal with Puma for over 26 million dollars a year.
5- David Beckham
He is considered one of the best football players in the world, playing for Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain and the Brazilian national team. He has scored 61 goals in 101 matches for Brazil, becoming the third-highest goal scorer for his country. He is one of the highest-paid football players and athletes in the world. According to reports, Neymar's net worth is $200 million so far.
Like other football players, Neymar also earns huge amounts of money from marketing for brands. He has made big deals with companies like Nike, Air Jordan, Qatar National Bank, and McDonald's. Nike has been supporting Neymar since he was thirteen and had a 105-million-dollar deal with them for 11 years. Then he ended the relationship and signed the most expensive deal with Puma for over 26 million dollars a year.
5- David Beckham
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| David Beckham |
The American soccer league quickly became one of the best football championships in the world, and David Beckham was one of the biggest beneficiaries. The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star joined the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2007.
Beckham negotiated the rights to buy the franchise for $25 million upon his retirement, which he exercised in 2014. He acquired Inter Miami, a team he now co-owns and is valued at over $550 million.
Beckham is one of the top 10 richest football players in the world, earning more profits than ever on the field. In addition to his other personal interests, including ownership and endorsement of companies like Beckham Brand Holdings, Seven Global, Guild eSports, and L’Oreal.
4- Cristiano Ronaldo
Beckham negotiated the rights to buy the franchise for $25 million upon his retirement, which he exercised in 2014. He acquired Inter Miami, a team he now co-owns and is valued at over $550 million.
Beckham is one of the top 10 richest football players in the world, earning more profits than ever on the field. In addition to his other personal interests, including ownership and endorsement of companies like Beckham Brand Holdings, Seven Global, Guild eSports, and L’Oreal.
4- Cristiano Ronaldo
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| Cristiano Ronaldo |
Cristiano Ronaldo ranks third on the list of the richest 10 football players in the world, with a fortune of over 500 million dollars. On the field, Ronaldo is considered one of the best football players in the world.
He is also one of the most decorated players in history, having represented Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus in the Italian league. The Portuguese star is considered a standout player for both Manchester United and Real Madrid.
Ronaldo scored 450 goals with Real Madrid in 438 matches, making him the top scorer in the club's history. He joined Juventus in 2018 and has always been the best player on the team. He is also one of the highest-paid football players in the world. Additionally, Ronaldo has built an independent brand apart from his performance on the field.
He is also one of the most marketable athletes ever with deals with Armani, Herbalife, Unilever, and others. His biggest sponsorship deal was with Nike, signing a lifetime contract worth 1 billion dollars. Likely, his contract with Al-Nassr worth 215 million dollars will make him earn over 4 million dollars weekly for two and a half years, and we could see him surpassing Messi.
3- Lionel Messi
He is also one of the most decorated players in history, having represented Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus in the Italian league. The Portuguese star is considered a standout player for both Manchester United and Real Madrid.
Ronaldo scored 450 goals with Real Madrid in 438 matches, making him the top scorer in the club's history. He joined Juventus in 2018 and has always been the best player on the team. He is also one of the highest-paid football players in the world. Additionally, Ronaldo has built an independent brand apart from his performance on the field.
He is also one of the most marketable athletes ever with deals with Armani, Herbalife, Unilever, and others. His biggest sponsorship deal was with Nike, signing a lifetime contract worth 1 billion dollars. Likely, his contract with Al-Nassr worth 215 million dollars will make him earn over 4 million dollars weekly for two and a half years, and we could see him surpassing Messi.
3- Lionel Messi
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| Lionel Messi |
Messi is widely regarded as one of the greatest football players of all time, as well as one of the highest-paid footballers in the world today. His fortune is estimated at $600 million, placing him third on the list of the richest 10 football players in the world in 2024.
The Argentine international player has proven himself as a standout player for Barcelona after graduating from the La Masia development academy. He is the only footballer to have won 5 Ballon d'Or awards in his career and is the best passer, organizer, and shooter for Barcelona.
Messi earns a lot from brand endorsements such as Adidas, with a lifetime contract that will earn him a billion dollars. This has helped him become one of the richest football players. Other important sponsorship deals for the World Cup winner include Pepsi, Huawei, Mastercard, and others. He also has his foundation in his name, where he provides education and healthcare for children regularly for free.
2- Matteo Flamini
The Argentine international player has proven himself as a standout player for Barcelona after graduating from the La Masia development academy. He is the only footballer to have won 5 Ballon d'Or awards in his career and is the best passer, organizer, and shooter for Barcelona.
Messi earns a lot from brand endorsements such as Adidas, with a lifetime contract that will earn him a billion dollars. This has helped him become one of the richest football players. Other important sponsorship deals for the World Cup winner include Pepsi, Huawei, Mastercard, and others. He also has his foundation in his name, where he provides education and healthcare for children regularly for free.
2- Matteo Flamini
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| Matteo Flamini |
Matteo Flamini ranks second on the list of the top 10 richest football players in the world, with a fortune of $14 billion. Before retiring, he was a strong and reliable defensive midfielder capable of passing, intercepting, and defending well.
Flamini began his career at Marseille and also played for Milan, Crystal Palace, and Getafe. He made 151 appearances in the English Premier League with Arsenal.
In 2008, while playing for Milan, Flamini co-founded GF Biochemicals, a company that produces levulinic acid used as additives for food, pharmaceuticals, biodegradable plastics, and personal care products. His commitment to sustainable business and the environment makes him one of the richest football players in the world.
1- Faiq Bolkiah
Flamini began his career at Marseille and also played for Milan, Crystal Palace, and Getafe. He made 151 appearances in the English Premier League with Arsenal.
In 2008, while playing for Milan, Flamini co-founded GF Biochemicals, a company that produces levulinic acid used as additives for food, pharmaceuticals, biodegradable plastics, and personal care products. His commitment to sustainable business and the environment makes him one of the richest football players in the world.
1- Faiq Bolkiah
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| Faiq Bolkiah |
Faiq Bolkiah, 22, is the richest football player in the world, with a fortune of $20 billion. He is a member of the royal family of Brunei, benefiting from his family's wealth as the son of Brunei's Prince Jefri Bolkiah and the nephew of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah. Bolkiah used to play for Leicester City as a midfielder. He is the captain of Brunei's national team and has played six matches for his country, scoring one goal.
Bolkiah began his football career in Newbury, Massachusetts. He had previously trained in football academies at Southampton, Arsenal, and Chelsea before joining Leicester City in 2016. He did not leave a record when he left Leicester City in 2020. Bolkiah is a Bruneian citizen with dual nationality in the United States. He had the opportunity to play for the American team in the past but ultimately chose to represent Brunei.
The stories of prominent football players do not only focus on their financial success, but also serve as a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and determination for success and excellence. The top 10 richest football players in the world have not only achieved immense financial wealth, but they have also left an indelible mark in the world of sports both on and off the field.
Bolkiah began his football career in Newbury, Massachusetts. He had previously trained in football academies at Southampton, Arsenal, and Chelsea before joining Leicester City in 2016. He did not leave a record when he left Leicester City in 2020. Bolkiah is a Bruneian citizen with dual nationality in the United States. He had the opportunity to play for the American team in the past but ultimately chose to represent Brunei.
The conclusion
Football has not only captured the hearts and minds of millions of people around the world, but it has also proven to be a sport suitable for amassing wealth. The list of the top 10 richest football players in the world above is evidence of the enormous financial rewards that professional players can earn. From the amazing skills they display on the field to lucrative sponsorship deals off the field, these players have transcended the boundaries of sport and have become renowned.The stories of prominent football players do not only focus on their financial success, but also serve as a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and determination for success and excellence. The top 10 richest football players in the world have not only achieved immense financial wealth, but they have also left an indelible mark in the world of sports both on and off the field.
