Football has become a multi-billion-dollar industry, with stars earning more than ever before.
But one question stands out — who is the richest footballer in the world in 2025?
Here’s the updated list of the top 10 wealthiest footballers, based on total net worth, endorsements, and business ventures.
Note: This ranking combines data from Forbes, Reuters, and other reliable financial reports for 2025.
🥇 1) Faiq Bolkiah — Royal Fortune
- Estimated Net Worth: ~$20 billion
- Club: Ratchaburi (Thailand)
- Why on top? Member of the Brunei royal family, with most of his wealth inherited rather than earned from football.
Sources: Times of India, JagranJosh
🥈 2) Cristiano Ronaldo — Football’s First Billionaire
- Estimated Net Worth: $1.3–1.4 billion
- Club: Al Nassr (Saudi Arabia)
- Why? Massive salary, CR7 brand, luxury hotels, fashion ventures, and top-tier sponsorships with Nike.
Sources: Reuters, Forbes
🥉 3) Lionel Messi — The American Market King
- Estimated Net Worth: ~$650 million
- Club: Inter Miami (USA)
- Why? Huge salary, lifetime deals with Adidas and Apple, and shared profit model in MLS.
Sources: Forbes
4) Neymar Jr. — The Brand Icon
- Estimated Net Worth: $230–300 million
- Why? Global endorsements, Puma partnership, and lucrative sponsorships.
5) Karim Benzema — The Middle East Star
- Estimated Net Worth: $180–200 million
- Why? Lucrative Saudi contract, performance bonuses, and brand collaborations.
6) Kylian Mbappé — Young and Powerful
- Estimated Net Worth: $150–200 million
- Club: Real Madrid
- Why? High salary, image rights, and strong global endorsements.
7) Erling Haaland — Goal Machine & Investor
- Estimated Net Worth: $80–120 million
- Why? Top-tier wages, Nike deals, and rising business interests.
8) Mohamed Salah — The Arab Icon
- Estimated Net Worth: $80–120 million
- Why? High income at Liverpool, regional sponsorships, and global brand power.
9) Kevin De Bruyne — Intelligence & Stability
- Estimated Net Worth: $70–100 million
- Why? Consistent salary, long-term deals, and leadership at Manchester City.
10) Robert Lewandowski — Experience Pays Off
- Estimated Net Worth: $70–100 million
- Why? Barcelona salary, multiple sponsorships, and fitness investments in Poland.
Who Is the Richest Footballer in the World?
- Officially, Faiq Bolkiah holds the title thanks to his royal heritage.
- However, among self-made players, Cristiano Ronaldo is considered the first-ever billionaire footballer, according to Bloomberg and Reuters reports.
Important Notes
- “Highest paid” means yearly income (Forbes ranking).
- “Richest” means total accumulated wealth — including investments, properties, and sponsorships.
- Hence, some rankings differ depending on methodology.
Conclusion
In 2025, football remains not just a sport but a global business empire.
Ronaldo and Messi continue to dominate, Bolkiah represents royal wealth, and the new generation — Mbappé, Haaland, and Salah — ensures the future is both athletic and financial.
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