Football is more than just a game; it’s a global phenomenon with billions of fans. July 10th, known as International Football Day, celebrates its cultural impact worldwide.
The sport’s excitement, unforgettable goals, and passionate fan base make it a unifying force across continents.
Top players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Neymar Jr. have turned their talent into enormous wealth. They earn through contracts, endorsements, and smart investments. These athletes are not only sports stars but also business moguls with global influence.
In this article, we will reveal the richest footballers in 2024, highlighting their net worth, career achievements, and the key sources of their income.
The World’s Richest Footballers in 2024: Comprehensive List
Here’s a breakdown of the top 15 richest footballers of 2024, with details on their net worth, current teams, and career achievements:
| Rank | Name | Net Worth | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lionel Messi | $850 million | Inter Miami |
| 2 | Cristiano Ronaldo | $800 million | Al Nassr |
| 3 | David Beckham | $450 million | Retired (Manchester United) |
| 4 | Neymar Jr. | $350 million | Al Hilal |
| 5 | Dave Whelan | $210 million | Retired (Blackburn Rovers) |
| 6 | Karim Benzema | $200 million | Retired (AC Milan) |
| 7 | Zlatan Ibrahimovic | $190 million | Paris Saint-Germain |
| 8 | Kylian Mbappé | $180 million | Retired (DC United) |
| 9 | Wayne Rooney | $170 million | Retired |
| 10 | Ronaldo | $160 million | São Paulo FC |
Profiles of the Top 10 Richest Footballers
Lionel Messi
| Title | Description |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | $850 Million |
| Salary | $75 Million Annually |
| Team | Inter Miami (USA) |
| Age | 37 |
| Career Start | 2004 |
Arguably the greatest footballer of all time, Lionel Messi boasts a stellar career. From scoring 672 goals for Barcelona to leading Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022, Messi’s influence transcends football. His earnings come from record-breaking contracts with Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Inter Miami, coupled with endorsements from Adidas and revenue-sharing deals with Apple.
- Key Earnings: $1.6 billion in career earnings, $70 million annually from endorsements.
- Highlights: 7 Ballon d’Ors, 4 Champions League titles, and multiple domestic league triumphs.
Cristiano Ronaldo
| Title | Description |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | $800 Million |
| Salary | $200 Million Annually |
| Team | Al Nassr (Saudi Arabia) |
| Age | 39 |
| Career Start | 2002 |
Cristiano Ronaldo‘s relentless pursuit of excellence has earned him global fame and fortune. Known as “CR7,” he combines athletic prowess with strategic endorsements, including a $1 billion lifetime deal with Nike.
- Key Earnings: $100-150 million annually, $600 million deal with Al Nassr.
- Highlights: 5 Ballon d’Ors, 800+ career goals, and leadership roles with Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus.
David Beckham
| Title | Description |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | $450 Million |
| Salary | $50 Million Annually |
| Team | Retired (formerly Manchester United) |
| Age | 48 |
| Career Start | 1992 |
A legend both on and off the pitch, Beckham’s career spanned iconic clubs like Manchester United and Real Madrid. Post-retirement, he has capitalized on his brand through ownership of Inter Miami and endorsement deals.
- Key Earnings: $21 million annually as Qatar’s tourism ambassador.
- Highlights: 6 Premier League titles, a treble with Manchester United, and global recognition as a sports ambassador.
Neymar Jr.
| Title | Description |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | $350 Million |
| Salary | $160 Million Annually |
| Team | Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia) |
| Age | 32 |
| Career Start | 2009 |
Neymar’s flair and creativity have made him one of the most marketable footballers globally. His record-breaking $222 million transfer to Paris Saint-Germain set new financial benchmarks.
- Key Earnings: $96 million annually, $160 million base salary with a Saudi team.
- Highlights: Champions League title with Barcelona, Olympic gold for Brazil in 2016.
Dave Whelan
| Title | Description |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | $210 Million |
| Salary | Retired |
| Team | Retired |
| Age | 87 |
| Career Start | 1956 |
While his playing career was relatively modest, Whelan amassed his fortune as an entrepreneur. He turned a fishing store into JJB Sports, the UK’s second-largest sports retailer, and owned Wigan Athletic during their rise to Premier League prominence.
Karim Benzema
| Title | Description |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | $200 Million |
| Salary | $214 Million Annually |
| Team | Al-Ittihad |
| Age | 36 |
| Career Start | 1996 |
As a prolific striker for Real Madrid and now a marquee player in Saudi Arabia, Benzema’s technical brilliance and scoring ability have brought him immense wealth and accolades.
- Key Earnings: $214 million annually with Al-Ittihad.
- Highlights: 5 Champions League titles and a Ballon d’Or in 2022.
Zlatan Ibrahimović
| Title | Description |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | $190 Million |
| Salary | Retired |
| Team | Retired |
| Age | 43 |
| Career Start | 1999 |
Known for his charisma and spectacular goals, Zlatan has achieved success across Europe’s top leagues. His ventures include real estate and endorsements, solidifying his wealth.
- Highlights: 12 league titles across Europe, Sweden’s all-time leading scorer.
Kylian Mbappé
| Title | Description |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | $180 Million |
| Salary | $53 Million Annually |
| Team | Real Madrid |
| Age | 25 |
| Career Start | 2015 |
At just 25, Mbappé is already one of football’s highest earners. His blistering speed and skill have made him a household name.
- Key Earnings: $266.5 million over three years with PSG.
- Highlights: 2018 World Cup champion, 2022 Golden Boot winner.
Wayne Rooney
| Title | Description |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | $170 Million |
| Salary | Retired |
| Team | Retired |
| Age | 39 |
| Career Start | 2002 |
England’s all-time leading scorer built his wealth through a storied career at Manchester United and lucrative endorsements.
- Highlights: 5 Premier League titles, Champions League winner, and D.C. United captain.
Ronaldo (R9)
| Net Worth | $160 Million |
| Salary | Retired |
| Team | Retired |
| Age | 48 |
| Career Start | 1990 |
The Brazilian legend, known as “The Phenomenon,” revolutionized the striker’s role with his skill and pace. Despite injuries, Ronaldo remains an icon of the sport.
- Highlights: 2 Ballon d’Ors, 62 goals for Brazil, and a key role in their 2002 World Cup triumph.
A Glimpse at the Rising Stars
While legends like Messi and Ronaldo dominate, Kylian Mbappé represents the future of football wealth. With his explosive speed, goal-scoring prowess, and endorsements, Mbappé is shaping the next era of the sport’s financial elite.
| Player | Notable Endorsements | Salary (Annually) | Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lionel Messi | Adidas, Pepsi | $75 Million | 37 |
| Cristiano Ronaldo | Nike, CR7 Brand | $200 Million | 39 |
| Kylian Mbappé | Nike, EA Sports | $53 Million | 25 |
| Neymar Jr. | Nike, Red Bull | $160 Million | 32 |
Conclusion
The wealthiest footballers of 2024 showcase how talent, branding, and smart investments can translate into extraordinary financial success.
From Cristiano Ronaldo’s CR7 empire to Lionel Messi’s iconic Adidas partnership, these players have redefined what it means to be a football superstar.
Emerging talents like Kylian Mbappé continue to push boundaries, ensuring the sport’s global appeal and financial growth.
As football evolves, the interplay between skill, endorsements, and innovation will likely bring new names to this elite list.
