These are the richest footballers in the world and their sources of income, and you don’t even know the richest one

Football is not only the most popular sport in the world but also an industry that generates billions of dollars annually. Elite footballers stand out not only for their talent on the field but also for the fortunes they amass through their contracts, sponsorships, and various investments. Below is a detailed analysis of the richest footballers in the world today, including insights into their lives and careers.

1. Faiq Bolkiah

Surprisingly, the richest footballer in the world is not an internationally recognized star. Faiq Bolkiah, born in Los Angeles and a naturalized Bruneian, is the nephew of the Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah. His fortune is estimated at over $20 billion, derived from his royal lineage. Despite his immense wealth, he has pursued a career in football, having gone through the academies of clubs like Southampton, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Leicester City. He presently plays for Ratchaburi FC in the Thai League.

Their family is famous for its extravagance, including the organization of millionaire parties. In 2004, for their father’s 50th birthday, they hired Michael Jackson for a private concert, paying 17 million dollars for the performance.

2. Cristiano Ronaldo

The Portuguese star is widely recognized not only for his footballing prowess but also for his ability to generate income. In 2024, his earnings reached 285 million dollars. After his move to Al-Nassr FC in Saudi Arabia, his annual salary skyrocketed, making him the highest-paid athlete in the world. Besides his income from football contracts, he has a wide range of business ventures, including his clothing line, hotels, and gyms.

She is the most followed person on Instagram, with over 500 million followers, allowing her to earn enormous amounts from sponsored posts. It is estimated that Ronaldo earns 3 million dollars for each sponsored post.

3. Lionel Messi

The Argentine, regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, ranks third in terms of wealth. In 2024, his earnings were estimated at 135 million dollars. After his time with FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, he joined Inter Miami CF in Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States, significantly increasing his income due to associated contracts and sponsorships.

Besides his football career, he has invested in the hotel sector, owning a boutique hotel chain called “MiM Hotels” in Spain.

4. Neymar Jr.

The Brazilian is in fourth place, with earnings of 110 million dollars in 2024. His transfer to Al-Hilal FC in Saudi Arabia secured him one of the highest salaries in the world of football. Furthermore, he maintains lucrative advertising contracts with various international brands.

He is a great poker enthusiast and has participated in several professional tournaments, representing Brazil in international competitions.

5. Kylian Mbappé

Regarded as the future of world football, Mbappé earned $121.59 million in 2024. His contract with Real Madrid and his endorsement deals position him as one of the richest and most promising footballers in the current landscape.

He was the youngest footballer to score in a World Cup final since Pelé in 1958, achieving this feat in 2018 at the age of 19.

6. Erling Haaland

The Norwegian striker of Manchester City has had a meteoric rise in his career. In 2024, his earnings amounted to 39 million euros, thanks to his performance in the Premier League and his advertising contracts.

He comes from a family of athletes; his father, Alf-Inge Haaland, was also a professional footballer and played in the Premier League.

7. Mohamed Salah

The Egyptian from Liverpool FC recorded revenues of 50 million euros in 2024. His consistency in the Premier League and his popularity in the Arab world have secured him many advertising contracts.

He is well known for his philanthropy; he has funded the construction of schools and hospitals in his hometown, Nagrig, in Egypt.

8. Robert Lewandowski

The Polish striker of FC Barcelona earns around 30 million euros annually. Last summer, he joined the Blaugrana from Bayern Munich. Most of his income comes from his salary as a footballer, approximately 23 million euros in the last year, and the rest he receives through advertising deals.

He has a degree in Physical Education and is known for his discipline and dedication both on and off the field.

9. Kevin De Bruyne

The Belgian midfielder of Manchester City rounds out the list with earnings of approximately 35.9 million euros in 2024. His impact in the Premier League and his technical quality have made him one of the most valued players in his position. Besides his salary with the English club, he has significant sponsorship deals with brands like Nike and EA Sports.

He speaks Dutch, French, English, and German fluently, which has assisted him in his career across various European countries.

Comparative chart of the wealth of the richest footballers in the world. It is clearly observed the significant difference between Faiq Bolkiah and the rest of the players, due to his family inheritance.

Sources of Income for the Richest Footballers

Football players do not rely solely on their club salary to generate wealth. Here are the main sources of income for these ball millionaires:

1. Contracts with Clubs

Football clubs pay their players millions in salaries, along with performance bonuses. In leagues like the Premier League, LaLiga, and the Saudi Pro League, salaries can reach 200-300 million euros annually.

2. Sponsorships and Advertising

The most famous players have contracts with sports, automotive, fashion, and technology brands. Cristiano Ronaldo, for example, has agreements with Nike, Clear, Herbalife, and TAG Heuer, while Messi is the face of Adidas, Pepsi, and Mastercard.

3. Social Media and Sponsored Posts

With millions of followers, these footballers can earn astronomical sums for each post on Instagram. It is estimated that Ronaldo earns 3 million dollars for each sponsored post, Messi 2.5 million, and Neymar around 1 million.

4. Business Investments

Many footballers have invested in businesses outside of football. Some examples:

• Cristiano Ronaldo has hotels, gyms, and a clothing brand (CR7).
• Beckham invested in fashion and is a co-owner of Inter Miami.
• Iniesta runs a winery in Spain.

5. Image Rights

The most famous players get millions for the use of their image in video games, sports clothing, and advertising campaigns.

The Impact of Saudi Football on Salaries

One of the most significant changes in recent years has been the purchasing power of football in Saudi Arabia. Teams like Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal, and Al-Ittihad have spent exorbitant sums to attract European players, raising their salaries to record levels.

For example:

• Cristiano Ronaldo earns 200 million euros per season at Al-Nassr.
• Karim Benzema signed a contract worth 100 million euros annually with Al-Ittihad.
• Neymar joined Al-Hilal with a salary of 90 million euros per year.

Football continues to be one of the most lucrative sports in the world, with players generating hundreds of millions of dollars annually. From Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi to Mbappé and Haaland, footballers not only dominate the playing field but also the business world.

The growth of the Saudi market, the power of social media, and smart investments have allowed many of these players to not only become millionaires but also build true financial empires.