Who are the richest footballers in the world?
You may have been wondering who the richest footballer is, or probably drawn into a debate on this topic. This article reveals the net worth of top footballers and their basic salaries. You will get to know who the richest football is.
Football, also called association football or soccer, is a game involving two teams of 11 players each, who try to maneuver the ball into the other team’s goal without using their hands or arms.
Played in over 200 countries across the globe, football (also called soccer in America) is more than just kicking a ball around. It is one of the most lucrative sports in the world today with many footballers earning millions of dollars in salary alone annually.
This makes it relatively easy for professional footballers, especially those who play for the biggest clubs, to amass wealth. Footballers tend to live luxuriously owning big cars and mansions thanks to their huge earnings, making their income a thing of public interest.
All professional footballers do not earn the same amount of money annually, so we will look at some of the richest footballers in the world currently, covering their net worth, basic salary per year and other known sources of income. So, who are the richest footballers in the world?
The richest footballers in the world 2021
Below are the 15 richest footballers in the world today. Some of them are quite obvious while others may seem sort of surprise.
1. Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi is the richest footballer in the world now. Born in Rosario, Argentina, Messi has spent the whole of playing career at Spanish club Barcelona. He is a cult hero at the club having led Barca to so many triumphs including 10 La Liga titles, 7 Copa Del Rey and 4 UEFA Champions League trophies.
Messi has won the Ballon D’or a record six times. He also has six European Golden Shoes to his name as well as seven Pichichi (awarded to the top scorer in La Liga every season)
Lionel Messi has been named the highest paid footballer in the world, earning €131 million annually 💰 pic.twitter.com/M4euyvgqSG
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) March 26, 2020
Lionel Messi’s net worth 2021
Lionel Messi has a net worth of $600 Million (estimated), which makes him the richest football (soccer) player in the world. Messi earns an annual salary said to be in the tune of $86 Million annually, making him the highest paid footballer- added to endorsement deals from several brands chief of which is sportswear manufacturer, Adidas.
| Net Worth | $600 Million |
|---|---|
| Club | Barcelona |
| Nationality | Argentina |
| Born | 24th June, 1987 |
| Salary | $86 million |
2. Cristiano Ronaldo
The second richest footballer in the world is Cristiano Ronaldo. Born in Madeira, Portugal. The 36 years old has played for some of the top teams in Europe, including Manchester United, Real Madrid and Sporting C.P.
Ronaldo has won so many individual accolades, his 5 Ballons D’or being only second to Lionel Messi’s haul of 6. He has also won many trophies with his club sides and the Portuguese national team. Ronaldo currently plays for Juventus F.C in Italy.
Cristiano Ronaldo net worth
Ronaldo’s net worth is estimated to be around $500 Million, making him the second richest football (soccer) player in the world. The forward earns $37 Million in annual salary added to endorsement deals from several brands, and his business chains which includes the Pestana CR7 hotels and other numerous partnerships.
| Net Worth | $500 Million |
|---|---|
| Club | Juventus |
| Nationality | Portugal |
| Born | 5th February 1985 |
| Salary per year | $37 Million |
3. Neymar Jr.
Often regarded as the third best player in the world after Lionel Messi and C. Ronaldo, Neymar Dos Santos Jr is a Brazilian footballer who plays for Paris Saint-Germain and the Brazilian national team. He has previously played for Barcelona and Santos FC, and has always entertained the crowd with his amazing dribbling techniques.
His trophy haul in Europe includes the La Liga (x2), UEFA Champions League (x2), Copa Del Rey, Ligue 1 (x4), and many more.
Neymar’s net worth
Neymar is the third richest football (soccer) player in the world, with a net worth of $200 Million. His salary is about $45 million annually, while he also earns roughly $30 million from sponsorship deals.
| Net Worth | $200 Million |
|---|---|
| Club | Paris Saint-Germain |
| Nationality | Brazil |
| Born | 5th February 1992 |
| Salary per year | $45 Million |
4. Gareth Bale
Bale is the fourth richest active footballer on the planet. He is currently signed to Real Madrid, but played the 2020/2021 season on loan at Tottenham Hotspur. Gareth Bale began his professional career at Southampton as a left back. He switched to an attacking role at Tottenham, where he scored many goals before a marquee move to Real Madrid.
Bale was part of a fearsome attacking trio famed as the BBC, which helped fire Real Madrid to 4 Champions League titles in 5 years.
Gareth Bale net worth
The Welshman has a net worth of $145 million. Bale’s salary is $18 million per annum. He earns a further $10 million from endorsements.
| Net Worth | $145 Million |
|---|---|
| Club | Tottenham on loan from Real Madrid |
| Nationality | Wales |
| Born | 16th July 1989 |
| Salary per year | $18 Million |
5. Alexandre Pato
The fifth richest footballer in the world is Alexandre Pato. He plays for Orlando City in the MLS having represented Chinese club Tianjin Quanjian and Sao Paulo in recent years. The Brazilian midfielder also dazzled for Italian side AC Milan. His two second half goals against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu in the Champions League back in 2009 still lives in our memories.
Pato’s career has been largely affected by a series of injuries which kept him out of action for long periods.
Pato’s net worth
Alexandre Pato has a net worth of $145 million. His current salary at Orlando City is $2.2 million per year.
| Net Worth | $145 Million |
|---|---|
| Club | Orlando City |
| Nationality | Brazil |
| Born | 2nd September, 1989 |
| Salary per year | $2.2 Million |
6. Paul Pogba
Manchester United midfielder Paul Labile Pogba is the sixth richest football player. Pogba is a versatile player, being able to play in attacking, central and defensive midfield. His play making ability and incredible stamina makes him difficult to stop, and he can shoot from any range.
Pogba was part of France World Cup winning team as well as the team that finished runners up to Portugal in the Euro 2016 finals.
Pogba’s net worth
Paul Pogba has a net of $125 million. His current salary is $21 million per year, although he could earn more if he completes a move to Real Madrid soon, or gets a new/improved contract with Manchester United. The Frenchman also earns a further $10 million from endorsements.
| Net Worth | $125 Million |
|---|---|
| Club | Manchester United |
| Nationality | France |
| Born | 15th March, 1989 |
| Salary per year | $21 Million |
7. Mesut Özil
Mesut Özil is the seventh richest footballer in the world. The German playmaker had a successful spell with Real Madrid before moving to Arsenal in 2013. He was the highest paid player at Arsenal,earning an annual salary of $24 million before taking a huge pay cut to join Fenerbahce in 2021.
Özil is known for his incisive passing and incredible vision. As a playmaker, he creates lots of chances for his teammates.
Mesut Özil’s net worth
Özil has a net worth of $120 million. He is the seventh richest soccer player in the world. Mesut Özil earns around $3.6 million in salary per year, and still gets over $6 million from endorsement deals.
| Net Worth | $120 Million |
|---|---|
| Club | Fenerbahçe S.K. |
| Nationality | Germany |
| Born | 15th October, 1988 |
| Salary per year | $3.6 Million |
8. Eden Hazard
Eden Hazard is the eighth richest footballer. The Real Madrid forward hails from Belgian and is the captain of the Belgian national team. He is known for his amazing dribbling skills, mazy runs and sharp turns. The sight of Hazard turning a defender inside out, or leaving a marker for the dead with a drop of his shoulders, is something his fans are accustomed to.
Hazard has won league titles in every country he’s played in, and has a host of individual honours to his name. He won the PFA player of the year award in 2015 and the play-maker award in 2019.
Eden Hazard net worth
Hazard’s net worth is $100 million, with an annual salary of $16 million. He earns around $10 million from endorsements. During his time at Chelsea, he was the highest paid player at the club.
| Net Worth | $100 Million |
|---|---|
| Club | Real Madrid |
| Nationality | Belgium |
| Born | 7th January, 1991 |
| Salary per year | $16 Million |
9. Kylian Mbappé
Not many players his age can boast of having reached the heights that Kylian Mbappé has attained at such a young age. At 22, Mbappe already has a World Cup to his name. He scores goals at a laudable rate, breaking several records in domestic and continental competitions.
Since winning the Golden boy award in 2017, Mbappé has gone on to win the Kopa Trophy, and the French Player of the Year awards. He has made the FIFPro World IX twice (2018,2019). Not bad from a player who is not yet in his prime.
Kylian Mbappé net worth
With a net worth of $95 million, Mbappé is the ninth richest footballer in the world. He earns a salary of $25 million per year, with another $15 million coming from endorsements. Paris Saint-Germain are currently working on a new and improved deal for Mbappé. He could become the highest paid player at the club.
| Net Worth | $95 Million |
|---|---|
| Club | Paris Saint-Germain |
| Nationality | France |
| Born | 28th December, 1998 |
| Salary per year | $15 Million |
10. Antoine Griezmann
Another French player on the list is Antoine Griezmann. He plays for FC Barcelona, having transferred from rivals Atlético Madrid in 2019. Griezmann helped Atlético win the 2016 Europa League title, scoring two goals in the finals. He was also an instrumental member of France’s 2018 World Cup winning side.
Griezmann plays primarily as a winger, often able to cut into his favoured left foot and take aim from range.
Griezmann’s net worth
Griezmann’s net worth is $90 million. This makes him the 10th richest footballer in the world. His current Barcelona contract fetches him a whooping $27 million per year, while he earns roughly $6 million from endorsements.
| Net Worth | $90 Million |
|---|---|
| Club | Barcelona |
| Nationality | France |
| Born | 21st March 1991 |
| Salary per year | $27 Million |
11. Zlatan Ibrahimović
The self acclaimed king of Milan, Zlatan Ibrahimović is 11th on our list of richest footballers. He slightly edges out Mo Salah. Zlatan has played for many top teams in Europe and left his mark on most of them. Barcelona, Inter Milan, Juventus, Ajax, PSG are among his former clubs. He is currently playing for AC Milan.
Zlatan Ibrahimović is one a few players to have scored over 500 career goals.
Ibrahimović net worth
Zlatan has a net worth of $90 million. He is the eleventh richest footballer. Zlatan’s pedigree of playing for big clubs puts him at the top end of the earning list. Aged 39, his current salary is $8.5 million per year. He also earns around $5 million from endorsements.
| Net Worth | $90 Million |
|---|---|
| Club | AC Milan |
| Nationality | Sweden |
| Born | 3rd October 1981 |
| Salary per year | $8.5 Million |
12. Mohammed Salah
Liverpool’s Mo Salah is the 12th richest footballer in the world. Salah’s journey to limelight began at FC Basel. He had spells with Chelsea, Fiorentina and Roma before moving to Liverpool in 2017.
Since joining the Reds, Salah has been exceptional, scoring lots of goals that’s helped Liverpool win their first Premier League title in 30 years. He was voted the PFA player of the year in 2018.
On his day, Mo Salah is a defender’s nightmare. He has great pace and good technique.
Mo Salah net worth
Salah’s net worth is pegged at $90 million. He earns $12.6 million as salary yearly making him the highest paid player at Anfield. Mo Salah also earns around $10 million from several endorsements. He is signed to top kit manufacturing company, Adidas.
| Net Worth | $90 Million |
|---|---|
| Club | Liverpool |
| Nationality | Egypt |
| Born | 15th June, 1992 |
| Salary per year | $12.6 Million |
13. Robert Lewandowski
Poland international, Robert Lewandowski is the 13th richest footballer in the world. The Bayern Munich striker has been at the top of his game for quite a long time, scoring goals and helping Bayern win 7 Bundesliga titles in a row, as well as an unprecedented treble in 2020.
He is the second highest goalscorer in Bundesliga history, just behind German legend Gerd Müller.
Lewandowski net worth
Robert Lewandowski has a net worth of $85 million. His annual salary is $25 million, while endorsements contribute about $6 million yearly. Lewandowski is the highest paid player in the Bundesliga. He is obviously the richest player in the Bundesliga.
| Net Worth | $85 Million |
|---|---|
| Club | Bayern Munich |
| Nationality | Poland |
| Born | 21st August, 1988 |
| Salary per year | $25 Million |
14. Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford of Manchester United is the 14th richest footballer in the world. A product of United’s academy, Rashford has become a first team regular at Old Trafford.
His humanitarian work has seen him gain affection and recognition. Last year, Marcus Rashford was awarded an MBE by Queen Elizabeth in recognition of his services to vulnerable children in the United Kingdom during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rashford’s net worth
Marcus Rashford has a net worth of $80 million. His salary is said to be close to $15 million per year, and he reportedly earns around $7 million a year from endorsements.
| Net Worth | $80 Million |
|---|---|
| Club | Manchester United |
| Nationality | England |
| Born | 31st October, 1997 |
| Salary per year | $15 Million |
15. Sergio Agüero
Concluding our list of 15 Richest Footballers in the World is Sergio Agüero. The Argentine forward is Manchester City’s all time top scorer. He has won 5 Premier League titles, and other numerous collective and individual honours.
Agüero is a modern day striker. He can shoot, link up play and even create chances for his teammates. Primarily right-footed, Agüero’s shot power, technique and accuracy is amazing.
In the middle of the 2020-2021 season, Manchester City announced that Sergio Agüero would leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season.
Aguero’s net worth
Sergio Agüero has a net worth of $80 million. His yearly salary is $16.8 million, with endorsements fetching him a further $5 million.
| Net Worth | $80 Million |
|---|---|
| Club | Manchester City |
| Nationality | Argentina |
| Born | 2nd June, 1988 |
| Salary per year | $5 Million |
Please note that the amount footballers earn from salaries and endorsement deals can change from time to time as they sign new deals.
