List of Top 10 Richest Soccer Players in the World

One of the most viewed sports of all time, Soccer continues to have a huge fanbase and viewership worldwide. Though the top soccer leagues generate lower revenues than other leagues, things are transitioning as soccer has evolved financially over the years, generating massive revenue each matchday. TV Rights for every major soccer league are increasing, which further boosts the overall net worth of high-profile soccer stars.

These stars further endorse several brands to increase their net worth and as of now, several rich soccer players are earning a hefty amount of money annually. Whether they are playing at the top level or are retired and running several promotional campaigns, soccer has truly evolved each of these athletes financially making them some of the richest soccer players in the world. Join us as we look at the richest soccer players in the world; some names might even shock you.

The list we have crafted includes some all-time legends of the game along with players who are currently active in the realm of soccer. They have been ranked based on their net worth, annual salary, and current status.

Top 10 Richest Soccer Players in the World

10) Mohamed Salah

The Egyptian Mohamed Salah is one of the most prolific wingers of all time and continues to shine on the highest level at the Premier League playing for Liverpool. He has scored some crucial and breathtaking goals over the years for the club and country. His impressive performances in Liverpool, AS Roma and Chelsea have always made him the centre of attention.

Being the highest-paid athlete for Liverpool with an annual salary of $35 Million, Salah also has bonuses and incentives along with his annual pay adding more to his net worth. His captivating talent has also made him famous amongst several marketers worldwide. Having several sponsorship deals with Addidas, Vodafone, Pepsi, Gucci and several other deals further increases Salah’s overall net worth.

9) Paul Pogba

Being one of the most versatile midfielders of all time, Paul Pogba is truly an offensive mastermind on the pitch. His quick decision-making and playmaking style have valued him to be one of the most innovative and brilliant midfielders in soccer history. Being a star player for almost every club he played, Pogba’s reputation was at stake after he was involved in a drug scandal. However, the French midfielder is now cleared to make a comeback and is currently a free agent.

Before his unfortunate decline in the realm of soccer, Pogba was one of the most valuable players earning a huge amount of fees annually. From having an annual salary of €10 million to having his salary down to €24k, Pogba has suffered immensely with his failed drug test which led to his unfortunate downfall. His brand endorsements and overall fan following over social media added heavily to his overall net worth.

It remains to be seen where Pogba ends up, as it is certainly not the end for him. His fans are waiting for the ultimate midfielder to rule the pitch once again and showcase another talented phase ahead of him.

8) Kylian Mbappé

After completing his dream move to Real Madrid, World Cup winner Kylian Mbappé was one of the most talked about soccer players in the world. His contributions were underwhelming for the club initially but as time has passed, Mbappé continues to vow the audiences with his commendable goal scoring abilities and immaculate finishes. The Real Madrid’s number 9 is currently one of the most popular and probably the most talked about player in Spain for his big money move to Madrid and captivating performances in the FIFA World Cup 2022.

With his current annual salary being $70 Million, it adds heavily to his overall net worth which is estimated to be $180 Million. Alongside his sporting ventures, Mbappé is hugely involved in several brand deals ranging from Nike, Hublot, and Dior to gaming giants EA Sports. He was also featured on the cover of FIFA 21, FIFA 22, and FIFA 23 consecutively for three years. Being on the cover of these at such young age was truly an achievement to remember for the French striker.

As he continues his dream run at Real Madrid, it remains to be seen where his trajectory goes from here. Having high expectations from the season ahead, fans are waiting for Mbappé to showcase his potential fully giving an all-out splendid season at Madrid.

7) Zlatan Ibrahimovic

The ‘Lion’ of the game Zlatan Ibrahimovic is one of the most influential yet dangerous attackers in the history of soccer. His intense finishes inside the box, breathtaking long shots, gravity-defying headers, and magical volleys have made him one of the best goal-scorers of this century. After being retired from the sport, he maintains a net worth of $190 million with his various brand endorsements, and social media ventures and has several investments in Sweden in different businesses.

Having launched his sportswear brand A-Z Sportswear, Zlatan has also endorsed brands like Nike, Volvo, XBOX, H&M, and Nivea. Despite being retired from the sport, Zlatan Ibrahimovic continues to be one of the most decorated soccer stars of all time and has scored countless goals for clubs like AC Milan, FC Barcelona, and Paris Saint-Germain. Manchester United, Inter Milan, Juventus, and several other teams over the years.

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6) Karim Benzema

French striker Karim Benzema is one of the most lethal finishers in history of the sport. His goal-scoring abilities were truly showcased during his time at Real Madrid where he formed a dangerous trio alongside Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo ruling the LaLiga for almost a decade before joining Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad. Having an estimated net worth of $200 Million, Benzema’s transfer to Saudi Arabia also grants him a $100 Million annual salary.

Along with having brand endorsements from huge brands like Addidas, EA Sports, Hyundai, Bwin, LCL, SFR, Volkswagen, and many others brands, Benzema is also the Brand ambassador of Fendi Faster. His overall net worth is highly increased with his brand endorsements and other investments. Being one of the top goal scorers for Real Madrid, Benzema has an impressive resume in the real of soccer and continues to shine each week for Al-Ittihad.

5) Neymar Jr.

The extremely skillful and highly talented Brazil forward Neymar Jr. is probably one of the most popular soccer players in the world. His high profile status and goal-scoring abilities absolutely match with his staggering net worth of $250 Million. The forward earns this staggering net worth from his club Al-Hilal with an estimated $219 Million annual salary.

Being one of the most popular soccer players on the planet, he has a massive social media appeal adding more to his net worth. His brand deals with Puma, Panasonic, Volkswagen, Unilever, and Claro also add to his already hefty net worth.

4) David Beckham

For playing in legendary clubs like Manchester United and Real Madrid, England legend David Beckham was one of the most innovative midfielders in history. His presence ultimately changed the game and with his crucial goals and legendary free-kicks, Beckham has edged his name as one of the best in soccer history.

Having a net worth of almost $450 Million, Beckham has several brand endorsements, including being Inter Miami CF’s president and co-owner of Salford City. His overall net worth is boosted by his wife’s involvement adding more to the official net worth of the legendary footballer.

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3) Lionel Messi

The little boy from Rosario, Argentina has turned into one of the biggest phenomena in soccer history with his performances for over two decades. Lionel Messi has turned Barcelona into a worldwide soccer giant with his crafty goals for the club. As he currently plays for USA’s Inter Miami, Messi has a staggering net worth of $650 Million.

Crossing over $1 Billion in earnings throughout his career, Messi has an annual salary of $60 Million during his run at Inter Miami. He has multi-million dollar deals with brands like Pepsi, Socios, Budweiser, and, Addidas and has also various investments which add more to his overall net worth. He has also invested hugely in media, sports, and other ventures which further make his overall net worth around $650 Million.

2) Cristiano Ronaldo

One of the world’s best, Cristiano Ronaldo is the second richest soccer player in the world with an estimated net worth of $900 Million. His career has been one of the most followed careers of all time venturing through Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and continues to be in Al Nassr. Crossing over a Billion followers on all social media accounts, Ronaldo’s overall net worth is hugely increased with his social media deals.

His brand endorsements include brands like Nike, and Herbalife, Nike along with his own investments and brands like CR7. He earns $285 Million annually with Al Nassr and continues to score goals consistently. It remains to be seen if Cristiano will be able to score 1000 goals in his entire career as he aims to do the unthinkable.

1) Faiq Bolkiah

Faiq Bolkiah is the richest soccer player in the world with an estimated net worth of $20 Billion. While it is surprising to know that Faiq’s net worth is hugely dominated by his royal Brunei family wealth, his annual salary $34k plays almost no role in his overall net worth.

He currently plays in the Thai League 1 for Ratchaburi and is also the captain of the Brunei National team. While there is not much information regarding his brand endorsements, there are high chance that the player does not promote any brand and has a staggering net worth due to his royal family’s wealth and fortune.