LIST OF TOP 10 RICHEST FOOTBALLERS IN THE WORLD IN 2025

Football is not just a game- it is an emotion that connects people. One fun fact about football is that it is the only sport with a globally chosen holiday in its honor. Every year 21 May is celebrated as World’s Football Day.

As we step into 2025, the financial world of footballers keeps on changing, with some players earning huge salaries while others build their empire through brand endorsements.

From famous footballers like Ronaldo and Messi to surprising players like Faiq Bolkiah whose wealth comes from royal inheritance the list features players who have turned their love for football into great wealth.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Top 10 Richest Footballers in the World in 2025 including their age, birthplace, playing position, team and many more.

1. FAIQ BOLKIAH ($20 MILLION)

• AGE: 26 Years
• TEAM: Chonburi F.C. (Thailand)

Faiq Bolkiah holds the title of the richest footballer in the world in 2025, largely because of his royal background as a member of Brunei’s ruling family . Born on May 9, 1998, in Los Angeles, California, he comes from a unique international background.. He plays in the position of winger for Chonburi F.C. and has represented Brunei national team since 2014. His major endorsements include Puma, Red Bull, Richard Mille and AirAsia.

2.   Cristiano Ronaldo ($ 800 million)

• AGE: 39 Years
• TEAM: Al Nassr (Saudi Arabia)

Cristiano Ronaldo DOS Santos Aveiro is the second richest footballer in the world in 2025. He was born on February 5, 1985, in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal. He plays as the forward (winger/striker) position in Al-Nassr (Saudi Arabia) team. His major endorsements are Nike and Herbalife. His current ventures are CR7 hotels, gyms and fragrances.

3. LIONEL MESSI ($ 650 MILLION)

• AGE: 37 Years
• TEAM: Inter Miami (USA)

  Lionel Andrès Messi Cuccittini is the third richest footballer among the list in 2025. He was born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina. He plays in the position of forward (attacking midfielder/ winger) in Inter Miami CF (USA). His major endorsements are Adidas, Pepsi and Gatorade. His current ventures include MiM hotels, Messi store and Messi foundation.

4. DAVID BECHKAM ($450 MILLION)

• AGE: 48 Years
• TEAM: Ratchaburi FC (Thailand)

David Robert Joseph Beckham is the fourth richest footballer in the list. He was born on 2 May 1975 in Leytonstone, London, England. He retired in the year 2013 but earlier he used to play at the position of midfielder (right wing). His major endorsements include Tudor watches, Adidas and H&M. His current ventures include Inter Miami CF (MLS-USA) and Beckham Brand Holdings Ltd.

5. NEYMAR JR. ($250 MILLION)

• AGE: 33 Years
• TEAM: AL Hilal (Saudi Arabia)

 Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior is the fifth richest footballer in the world in 2025. He was born on February 5, 1992, in Mogi das Cruzes, Brazil. He plays at the position of forward (winger/ playmaker). His major endorsements include Puma, Red Bull and Qatar Airway. His current ventures are NFTs, NR sports Management and Digital streaming.

6. DAVE WHELAN ($230 MILION)

• AGE: 88 Years
• TEAM: Owner of Wigan Athletic Football Club.

David Whelan is the sixth richest footballer in the world in 2025. He was born on 24 November 1936 in Bradford, England. His current status is that he is retired from football and business as a major entrepreneur and former club owner. His major endorsements include JJB sports and Wigan Warriors.

7. WAYNE ROONEY ($ 216 MILLION)

• AGE: 39 Years
• TEAM: Head coach of EFL Championship club.

 Wayne Mark Rooney is the seventh richest footballer in this list. He was born on 24 October 1985 in Croxteth, Liverpool, England. His current status is that he is a retired football player and currently he is a football manager of Plymouth Argyle FC, England. His major endorsements include Nike, Coca-Cola, Ford and EA sports. His current ventures include Football management, Soccer Academies and Punditry.

8.  KARIM BENZEMA ($ 200 MILLION)

• AGE: 37 Years
• TEAM: AI-Ittihad (Saudi Arabia)

Karim Mostafa Benzema is the eight richest footballer in the world in 2025. He was born on 19 December 1987 in Lyon, France. He plays at the position of striker (center forward) for Ai-Ittihad team. His major endorsements include Adidas, Hublot and Hyundai. His current ventures are Űnkut, Real Estate and Investments in tech.

9. ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIĆ ($195 MILLION)

• AGE: 43 Years
• TEAM: Earlier Malmö FF.

Zlatan Ibrahimović is the one of the top 10 richest footballers in 2025. He was born on October 3, 1981, in Malmö, Sweden. He is now a retired football player since 2023 and earlier he used to play at the position of striker in the team. His major endorsements include Nike, Volvo, Samsung and Nivea. His current ventures are A-Z Fashion brand, Media Production and Real estate investments.

10. KYLIAN MBAPPÉ ($ 180 MILLION)

• AGE: 26 Years
• TEAM: Real Madrid (Spain)

Kylian Mbappé Lottin is among the top 10 richest footballers in 2025 in the world. He was born on December 20, 1998, in Paris, France.. He plays at the position of forward (striker/winger) in the Real Madrid team. His major endorsements are Nike, Dior and Hublot. His current ventures include KM brand, Football Academics and charity work.

CONCLUSION

The journey from the football field to global wealth is not just about scoring goals or winning trophies but it is about smart branding, endorsements and business deals altogether.

Whether it is Ronaldo’s fitness empire, Messi’s hospitality ventures or Faiq Bolkiah inherited royal fortune, each player has created his own unique path of wealth.

As the business of football grows and new generations of players rise, the money rankings will likely change in the coming years. But for now these football legends and stars remain on top.