Football, the world’s most popular sport, not only brings fame and global recognition to its players but also immense wealth. The richest footballers in 2024 have transcended their on-field accomplishments to build multimillion-dollar fortunes, leveraging endorsements, investments, and lucrative contracts. From record-breaking contracts to strategic business ventures, these athletes are redefining what it means to be financially successful in sports.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the richest footballers of 2024, highlighting their net worth, earnings, and financial success, while exploring how their off-field ventures contribute to their vast wealth. Get ready to learn about the highest-paid football players and how their wealth generation goes far beyond just football contracts and sponsorship deals.
The Top 23 Richest Footballers in 2024
| Footballer | Key Teams Played For | Notable Achievements |
| Lionel Messi | Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Miami | 7× Ballon d’Or winner, 4× Champions League, 10× La Liga, 2022 FIFA World Cup winner |
| Cristiano Ronaldo | Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, Al Nassr | 5× Ballon d’Or winner, 5× Champions League, 3× Premier League, UEFA Euro 2016 winner |
| David Beckham | Manchester United, Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, PSG | 6× Premier League, 1× La Liga, 1× Champions League, 1999 Intercontinental Cup |
| Neymar | Santos, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain | 1× UEFA Champions League, 2× La Liga, 1× Copa Libertadores, 2020 Copa de France winner |
| Kylian Mbappé | Monaco, Paris Saint-Germain | 1× FIFA World Cup, 4× Ligue 1, 1× UEFA Champions League, 2021 Golden Boot |
| Karim Benzema | Lyon, Real Madrid, Al-Ittihad | 5× UEFA Champions League, 4× La Liga, 1× Ballon d’Or 2022, 4× Copa del Rey |
| Zlatan Ibrahimović | Ajax, Juventus, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, LA Galaxy | 4× Ligue 1, 1× Serie A, 1× La Liga, 1× Europa League, multiple domestic league titles |
| Thierry Henry | Monaco, Arsenal, Barcelona, New York Red Bulls | 2× Premier League, 2× FA Cup, 1× World Cup, 1× UEFA European Championship |
| Paul Pogba | Juventus, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain | 1× FIFA World Cup, 1× UEFA Europa League, 1× Serie A, 1× Coppa Italia |
| Pelé | Santos, New York Cosmos | 3× FIFA World Cup winner (1958, 1962, 1970), 2× Copa Libertadores, over 1000 career goals |
| Raúl González Blanco | Real Madrid, Schalke 04 | 3× UEFA Champions League, 6× La Liga, 1× Intercontinental Cup |
| Kaka | São Paulo, AC Milan, Real Madrid, Orlando City | 1× Ballon d’Or, 1× UEFA Champions League, 1× World Cup, 1× Copa del Rey |
| Sergio Ramos | Sevilla, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain | 5× La Liga, 4× UEFA Champions League, 2× European Championship, 2010 FIFA World Cup |
| Robert Lewandowski | Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich, Barcelona | 1× FIFA Best Men’s Player, 1× UEFA Champions League, 8× Bundesliga |
| Gareth Bale | Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, Real Madrid, LA Galaxy | 5× Champions League, 3× La Liga, 1× Copa del Rey, 2021 UEFA Euro winner |
| Eden Hazard | Lille, Chelsea, Real Madrid | 2× Premier League, 2× FA Cup, 1× La Liga, 1× UEFA Europa League |
| Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang | Saint-Étienne, Borussia Dortmund, Arsenal, Chelsea | 1× Premier League Golden Boot, 1× Africa Cup of Nations, 1× Bundesliga top scorer |
| Luis Suárez | Ajax, Liverpool, Barcelona, Atlético Madrid | 1× Copa América, 1× La Liga, 4× European Golden Shoe, 2010 World Cup top scorer |
| James Rodríguez | Porto, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Everton, Olympiacos | 1× Copa del Mundo Golden Boot, 1× UEFA Champions League, 2× Copa del Rey |
| Luka Modrić | Dinamo Zagreb, Tottenham Hotspur, Real Madrid | 1× Ballon d’Or, 4× UEFA Champions League, 5× La Liga, 2018 FIFA World Cup finalist |
| Antoine Griezmann | Real Sociedad, Atlético Madrid, Barcelona | 1× FIFA World Cup, 1× UEFA Europa League, 2× La Liga, 1× UEFA European Championship |
| Thiago Silva | Fluminense, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain | 1× Champions League, 1× Copa Libertadores, 3× Ligue 1 |
| Gerard Piqué | Manchester United, Barcelona | 3× UEFA Champions League, 8× La Liga, 2010 FIFA World Cup, 2012 UEFA Euro Championship |
Let’s start by looking at the elite few who dominate the football wealth ranking in 2024. These players have not only secured their positions through talent but have also mastered the art of building wealth through various channels.
1. Lionel Messi: The King of Football Wealth
Net Worth: $1.3 billion (2024)
Lionel Messi continues to reign as the wealthiest footballer in the world. With his move to Inter Miami and massive sponsorship deals, Messi’s earnings have soared to new heights. His football earnings, combined with endorsements from brands like Adidas, Pepsi, and Budweiser, contribute to a fortune that places him at the top.
- Football Career Achievements: 7 Ballon d’Or awards, 4 Champions League titles, and numerous domestic trophies with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
- Endorsements: Messi’s soccer sponsorships include global brands such as Adidas, Pepsi, and Gatorade.
- Business Ventures: Messi has invested in a luxury hotel chain, MiM Hotels, which contributes to his growing wealth.
- Inter Miami Net Worth: While at Inter Miami, Messi’s earnings from football are significant, but his business empire in the U.S. is also expanding.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo: The Global Superstar
Net Worth: $1.2 billion (2024)
Cristiano Ronaldo is not only one of the greatest footballers of all time but also a record-breaking footballer in terms of wealth. His Al Nassr contract, which is one of the most lucrative deals in football history, propels him to the second spot on this list. Ronaldo has also diversified his income through business ventures and global sponsorships.
- Football Contracts: Ronaldo’s current Al Nassr contract includes an astronomical salary and bonuses, further bolstered by lucrative football endorsements from companies like Nike, Clear, and Herbalife.
- Football Wealth Generation: Ronaldo’s personal brand, the CR7 brand, spans clothing, footwear, fragrances, and hotels, significantly boosting his net worth.
- Highest-Paid Athlete: Ronaldo’s earnings make him a fixture in the Forbes richest athletes list, where he frequently holds the top spot for highest-paid athletes worldwide.
3. David Beckham: A Business Icon
Net Worth: $500 million (2024)
While David Beckham may have retired from football years ago, his business empire continues to grow. With his iconic career and successful ventures, Beckham remains one of the wealthiest football figures in 2024.
- David Beckham Career Highlights: 6 Premier League titles, 1 Champions League title with Manchester United, and iconic stints with Real Madrid and the England national team.
- Business Ventures: Beckham’s role as a co-owner of Inter Miami and his investments in DB Ventures (which includes brands like Haig Club whisky) contribute significantly to his fortune.
- Luxury Life of Football Stars: From expensive real estate in the U.K. and the U.S. to his high-profile lifestyle, Beckham embodies the luxury life of football stars.
4. Neymar: Brazil’s Financial Powerhouse
Net Worth: $230 million (2024)
Neymar’s salary at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), combined with an array of sponsorship deals, has placed him among the richest footballers in the world. Neymar’s ability to blend football with personal branding has paid off handsomely.
- Neymar Football Career: Neymar’s football career achievements include leading Brazil to a Copa América victory and multiple Ligue 1 titles with PSG.
- Soccer Stars and Brand Endorsements: Neymar’s soccer sponsorships include global brands like Puma, Red Bull, and Beats by Dre.
- Football Transfer Records: His world-record transfer to PSG, worth €222 million, is still one of the most significant in football history.
5. Kylian Mbappé: The Newest Football Billionaire
Net Worth: $300 million (2024)
At just 25 years old, Kylian Mbappé is already a financial juggernaut in football. His earnings from PSG and sponsorship deals with brands like Nike and Hublot have helped him secure a place among the wealthiest soccer players in the world.
- Kylian Mbappé Financial Success: Mbappé’s football contracts and soccer endorsements have made him one of the most financially successful athletes in the world.
- Kylian Mbappé World Cup: Winning the Golden Boot at the 2022 World Cup further cemented his status as a global icon.
6. Karim Benzema: The Saudi Superstar
Net Worth: $150 million (2024)
**Karim Benzema’s move to Al-Ittihad has significantly boosted his earnings, adding millions to his football wealth. A prolific striker for Real Madrid, Benzema’s wealth comes not only from his contract but also from strategic investments.
- Football Career Achievements: 5 Champions League titles and multiple La Liga titles.
- Footballer Business Ventures: Benzema has invested in real estate, further increasing his financial portfolio.
7. Zlatan Ibrahimović: The Brand and the Legend
Net Worth: $190 million (2024)
Zlatan Ibrahimović is one of the most iconic footballers in history, with an equally legendary fortune.
- Footballer Salaries 2024: Zlatan’s playing career in Europe and now in MLS has been supplemented by endorsement deals with Nike and Volvo.
- Footballer Investments: The Swedish superstar has wisely invested in several companies, from fitness centers to technology ventures.
8. Thierry Henry: A Smart Investor
Net Worth: $130 million (2024)
Thierry Henry has strategically built his wealth by combining his football earnings with smart investments. After retiring, Henry made a seamless transition into media ventures and real estate investments, which have fueled his wealth.
- Football Career Achievements: 2 Premier League titles, 1 Champions League title, and the all-time top scorer for both Arsenal and France.
- Footballer Business Ventures: Henry’s real estate investments and his role as a television pundit contribute significantly to his wealth.
9. Paul Pogba: The Global Brand
Net Worth: $140 million (2024)
Paul Pogba’s wealth comes from his on-field earnings with Manchester United and Juventus, in addition to major football endorsements with brands like Adidas and Hublot.
- Footballer Investments: Pogba has ventured into fashion and real estate, making him one of the most financially successful footballers in Europe.
10. Pelé: A Timeless Icon
Net Worth: $100 million (2024)
Pelé, one of the greatest footballers in history, remains a financial powerhouse, with his wealth stemming from football career achievements and long-term endorsement deals.
- Football Career Achievements: 3 FIFA World Cup titles, numerous league titles with Santos and the New York Cosmos.
- Footballer Lifetime Deals: Pelé’s lifetime endorsement deals with brands like Pepsi and Coca-Cola keep his fortune growing long after his retirement.
11. Raúl González Blanco: The Spanish Maestro
Net Worth: $120 million (2024)
Raúl González Blanco’s wealth is a result of his playing days at Real Madrid, business ventures, and football commentary.
- Football Career Achievements: 6 La Liga titles and 3 Champions League titles with Real Madrid.
- Footballer Financial Portfolios: Raúl has diversified into business, especially through his football academy and real estate investments.
12. Kaka: The Brazilian Legend
Net Worth: $105 million (2024)
Kaka, one of Brazil’s most celebrated football players, earned his wealth through his illustrious career with clubs like AC Milan, Real Madrid, and Orlando City. Even after retiring, his endorsement deals continue to fuel his fortune.
- Football Career Achievements: Ballon d’Or winner in 2007, UEFA Champions League title, and multiple Serie A and La Liga titles.
- Football Endorsements: Kaka has partnerships with brands like Adidas and Pepsi. His marketability remains strong due to his legacy and international popularity.
- Post-Retirement Investments: Kaka has invested in various business ventures, including fashion and real estate.
13. Sergio Ramos: The Spanish Captain
Net Worth: $120 million (2024)
Sergio Ramos’s wealth comes from his long and successful career at Real Madrid, as well as his role as one of the most marketable football stars globally.
- Football Career Achievements: 5 La Liga titles, 4 Champions League titles, and a World Cup victory with Spain.
- Football Endorsements: Ramos enjoys endorsement deals with brands such as Adidas and Iberdrola. His brand image as a fierce competitor has helped him secure deals with top brands.
- Business Ventures: Ramos has invested in fashion and real estate projects.
14. Robert Lewandowski: The Polish Goal Machine
Net Worth: $90 million (2024)
Robert Lewandowski is one of the most prolific goal scorers in modern football, earning substantial wages from his time at Bayern Munich and his recent move to FC Barcelona.
- Football Career Achievements: Bundesliga titles, a Champions League trophy, and numerous individual accolades.
- Footballer Investments: Lewandowski has made a significant income from his endorsements with companies like Nike and Huawei. He has also invested in a fitness tech company.
- Football Endorsements: Lewandowski’s status as a global sports figure ensures continued lucrative endorsement deals.
15. Gareth Bale: From Footballer to Entrepreneur
Net Worth: $145 million (2024)
Gareth Bale, known for his electrifying pace and skill, made his wealth through his stellar career at Tottenham Hotspur, Real Madrid, and his national team performances for Wales.
- Football Career Achievements: 5 Champions League titles, 2 La Liga titles, and a Copa del Rey with Real Madrid.
- Footballer Business Ventures: Bale is an avid golfer and has invested in the sport, owning several golf courses.
- Football Endorsements: Bale’s endorsements include partnerships with brands like Adidas and Puma.
16. Eden Hazard: The Belgian Superstar
Net Worth: $100 million (2024)
Although his time at Real Madrid hasn’t been as stellar as expected, Eden Hazard continues to secure significant wealth through his football career and endorsements.
- Football Career Achievements: Premier League titles with Chelsea, a La Liga title with Real Madrid, and a Champions League title.
- Football Endorsements: Hazard’s endorsement deals with Nike and Samsung have contributed significantly to his wealth.
- Business Ventures: Hazard has been involved in several philanthropic and business projects, including investments in real estate.
17. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: The Gabonese Goalgetter
Net Worth: $85 million (2024)
Known for his electric pace and finishing ability, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang made his fortune through successful stints at clubs like Borussia Dortmund, Arsenal, and Chelsea.
- Football Career Achievements: 2 FA Cup titles and a Bundesliga title.
- Football Endorsements: Aubameyang has endorsement deals with Puma, Hublot, and other luxury brands.
- Football Contracts: His move to Chelsea in 2022 included a generous contract, bolstering his financial success.
18. Luis Suárez: The Uruguayan Striker
Net Worth: $70 million (2024)
Luis Suárez is not only known for his incredible goal-scoring abilities but also for his high-profile moves between clubs like Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, and now Gremio in Brazil.
- Football Career Achievements: Multiple La Liga titles, a Champions League win, and the Copa América with Uruguay.
- Football Endorsements: Suárez enjoys partnerships with brands like Adidas and Bavaria.
- Business Ventures: Suárez has invested in several ventures, including a brand of football equipment and luxury real estate.
19. James Rodríguez: The Colombian Playmaker
Net Worth: $80 million (2024)
James Rodríguez made his fortune through his remarkable World Cup performances, as well as his time at Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Everton.
- Football Career Achievements: 2 La Liga titles and a Champions League title with Real Madrid, plus a World Cup Golden Boot in 2014.
- Football Endorsements: James has endorsement deals with Adidas, Coca-Cola, and other major global brands.
- Football Contracts: His move to Qatar’s Al-Rayyan was a significant financial boost to his net worth.
20. Luka Modrić: The Croatian Maestro
Net Worth: $85 million (2024)
Luka Modrić, known for his exceptional midfield control, has enjoyed a legendary career at Real Madrid and for the Croatian national team.
- Football Career Achievements: 5 Champions League titles, 2 La Liga titles, and the 2018 Ballon d’Or.
- Football Endorsements: Modrić has a strong endorsement deal with Nike and Hublot.
- Business Ventures: Modrić has made smart investments in real estate and luxury products.
21. Antonio Griezmann: The French World Champion
Net Worth: $90 million (2024)
Antoine Griezmann is one of the key players in the French national team, and his success with Atletico Madrid and Barcelona has made him one of the richest footballers.
- Football Career Achievements: A World Cup victory with France and multiple La Liga and Europa League titles.
- Football Endorsements: Griezmann has major endorsement deals with Puma, Nike, and Gillette.
- Footballer Business Ventures: Griezmann has invested in various digital ventures and fashion.
22. Thiago Silva: The Brazilian Defender
Net Worth: $65 million (2024)
Thiago Silva, known for his leadership in defense, earned his fortune through his time at Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain.
- Football Career Achievements: Ligue 1 titles with PSG, a Champions League title with Chelsea, and Copa América with Brazil.
- Football Endorsements: Silva’s endorsement deals include partnerships with Nike and Gillette.
- Footballer Investments: He has made investments in luxury real estate and sports management.
23. Gerard Piqué: The Spanish Defender and Business Mogul
Net Worth: $90 million (2024)
Gerard Piqué is best known for his stellar career at FC Barcelona and as a central figure in the Spain national team. However, Piqué’s wealth extends far beyond football thanks to his ventures in business and investments.
- Football Career Achievements: Piqué has won numerous La Liga titles, Champions League trophies, and multiple international honors, including the 2010 FIFA World Cup and 2 European Championships with Spain. He played a crucial role in Barcelona’s defense, making him one of the best defenders of his era.
- Football Endorsements: Known for his marketable personality, Piqué has secured significant endorsement deals with Nike and Puma, as well as partnerships with Audi and Rafael Nadal’s brand. His commercial appeal remains strong even after his retirement.
- Business Ventures: Off the field, Piqué has become a successful businessman. He co-founded the sports and media investment group Kosmos Holding, which is involved in football-related ventures and has invested in a wide range of industries, from real estate to startups. He also owns a share in the FC Andorra, a team in Spain’s lower divisions.
Conclusion: Football’s Financial Future
As the wealth of footballers continues to rise, so does their influence off the field. Whether it’s through lucrative football contracts, sponsorships, luxury investments, or brand-building, the wealthiest soccer players of 2024 have shown that the game is not just about skill—it’s about soccer wealth generation. With more athletes diversifying their financial portfolios, the future of football is not only about Champions League titles and Ballon d’Or winners, but also about how players are building their financial legacies.
From Neymar’s salary to Cristiano Ronaldo’s net worth and Lionel Messi’s earnings, the footballing elite continue to set the bar for wealth accumulation in the world of sports.
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