Football is the world’s most popular sport, and it has also become one of the most lucrative professions on the planet. The top footballers not only earn massive salaries from their clubs but also make substantial amounts through endorsements, investments, and business ventures. Over the years, a select group of footballers have amassed incredible wealth, making them some of the richest athletes in the world. In this article, we’ll take a look at the richest footballers in 2024 and how they’ve accumulated their fortunes.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo – Net Worth: $550 Million (approx.)
Cristiano Ronaldo, often considered one of the greatest footballers of all time, continues to be the highest-earning football player even as he nears the twilight of his career. In 2024, Ronaldo plays for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, having made a high-profile move to the Middle East after leaving European football. His salary from Al-Nassr is reported to be over $200 million per year, making him the best-paid footballer globally.
Ronaldo’s income is not limited to his club salary. He has a staggering list of endorsements, including long-term deals with Nike, Herbalife, Clear, and CR7, his own brand that spans fashion, fragrance, and hotels. Ronaldo’s business ventures are diverse, including investments in real estate, gyms, and even a partnership in a Portuguese digital marketing company.
Ronaldo’s social media presence is another massive revenue source. As the most followed individual on Instagram, with over 600 million followers, he earns millions through sponsored posts.
How He Built His Wealth:
- Football salary: From clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and Al-Nassr.
- Endorsements: Long-term deals with major brands like Nike and Herbalife.
- CR7 Brand: Fashion, hotels, and other businesses under his personal brand.
- Social media earnings: Instagram and other platforms.
2. Lionel Messi – Net Worth: $600 Million (approx.)
Lionel Messi, another football legend, is right up there with Ronaldo when it comes to earnings and influence. After his move to Inter Miami in the MLS in 2023, Messi’s earnings have continued to soar. His contract with Inter Miami includes a stake in the club, revenue-sharing agreements with Apple and Adidas, and an ownership stake in future MLS franchises, making his deal one of the most innovative in sports history.
Messi’s endorsement deals are some of the most lucrative in the world. He is the global face of Adidas, a relationship that has lasted for over a decade. He also endorses brands like Pepsi, Budweiser, and Lays. Messi has also invested in various businesses, including real estate projects in Spain and Argentina.
While Messi is known for his humble personality, his wealth continues to grow through both his football salary and numerous off-field ventures. His social media presence, though not as dominant as Ronaldo’s, still brings in substantial earnings.
How He Built His Wealth:
- Football salary: Contracts with FC Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and now Inter Miami.
- Endorsements: Long-standing deal with Adidas, as well as Pepsi, Budweiser, and more.
- Investments: Real estate in Barcelona and his hometown of Rosario, Argentina.
- MLS Revenue Share: Part of Inter Miami’s future profits and revenue deals with league partners.
3. Kylian Mbappé – Net Worth: $250 Million (approx.)
Kylian Mbappé, one of the brightest stars in football today, has already made a name for himself as one of the sport’s top earners at just 25 years old. Playing for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Mbappé signed a mammoth contract extension in 2023, making him the highest-paid player in Europe. His base salary is reportedly around $70 million per year, with additional performance bonuses and signing fees pushing his earnings higher.
Mbappé is also a highly marketable athlete, with endorsement deals from brands like Nike, Hublot, and EA Sports, where he’s been the cover star of the popular FIFA video game series. Mbappé is not just focused on football and endorsements, however; he’s actively involved in charity work, running his own foundation to support children’s education and sports programs in France.
Mbappé’s decision to stay at PSG, despite interest from clubs like Real Madrid, shows his ability to negotiate lucrative contracts while keeping an eye on his brand value and marketability.
How He Built His Wealth:
- Football salary: Massive contract with PSG, including bonuses and signing fees.
- Endorsements: Deals with Nike, Hublot, and EA Sports (FIFA video game series).
- Charitable ventures: Runs a foundation that supports children’s education and sports.
4. Neymar Jr. – Net Worth: $300 Million (approx.)
Neymar Jr., the Brazilian superstar, continues to be one of the richest footballers globally, thanks to his record-breaking transfer to Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League in 2023. Neymar’s move came with a highly lucrative contract worth over $200 million per year, solidifying his place as one of the top earners in football.
Neymar also has a long list of endorsements that add to his wealth. He has been associated with brands like Puma, Qatar Airways, Red Bull, and PokerStars, among others. His social media presence is massive, and he frequently earns significant sums through sponsored posts on platforms like Instagram, where he has more than 200 million followers.
In addition to his football and endorsement earnings, Neymar is involved in numerous business ventures, including his own esports team, NR Sports, and various real estate investments.
How He Built His Wealth:
- Football salary: Massive contract at Al-Hilal and previously PSG.
- Endorsements: Deals with Puma, Qatar Airways, and Red Bull.
- Social media earnings: Millions through Instagram and brand partnerships.
- Esports: Owns an esports team and invests in gaming ventures.
5. David Beckham – Net Worth: $450 Million (approx.)
While David Beckham is now retired from professional football, his wealth continues to grow due to his extensive business empire. Beckham made his fortune during his playing days with Manchester United, Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, and Paris Saint-Germain, but it’s his ventures outside football that have truly skyrocketed his net worth.
Beckham is a co-owner of Inter Miami CF, the MLS team that signed Lionel Messi, and his investment in the club has proven to be a masterstroke. The club’s value has surged following Messi’s arrival, further enhancing Beckham’s wealth.
In addition to his ownership stake in Inter Miami, Beckham has several endorsement deals, including lifetime contracts with Adidas and Haig Club Whiskey, as well as partnerships with brands like Tudor Watches and L’Oréal.
How He Built His Wealth:
- Football salary: From playing at top clubs and endorsements during his career.
- Inter Miami Ownership: Co-owner of the MLS team, which increased in value after Messi’s arrival.
- Endorsements: Lifetime deal with Adidas, Haig Club, and other brands.
6. Zlatan Ibrahimović – Net Worth: $200 Million (approx.)
Zlatan Ibrahimović, another football icon, recently retired in 2023 but has amassed an incredible fortune throughout his long career. Known for his larger-than-life personality, Zlatan played for some of the biggest clubs in the world, including AC Milan, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, and Barcelona.
Zlatan’s wealth comes from his football salaries, but he has also been a marketing magnet throughout his career. His endorsement deals with Nike, Volvo, Vitamin Well, and his own sportswear brand A-Z Sportswear have contributed significantly to his net worth.
Even after his retirement, Zlatan remains active in various business ventures, including real estate, sports clubs, and his own investments.
How He Built His Wealth:
- Football salary: Earnings from contracts at top clubs across Europe.
- Endorsements: Deals with Nike, Volvo, Vitamin Well, and more.
- Post-retirement ventures: Investments in real estate, sports clubs, and personal branding.
Conclusion
The world’s richest footballers have not only made a name for themselves on the pitch but have also built empires off it. From Cristiano Ronaldo’s global brand and Lionel Messi’s innovative MLS contract to Neymar’s megadeal in Saudi Arabia, these athletes have used their talent, marketability, and business savvy to become some of the wealthiest figures in sports. Their success serves as a reminder of football’s global influence and the massive financial opportunities it offers its biggest stars.
