The realm of football, also referred to as soccer, stands as the most widely played and viewed sport globally. It operates within a multi-billion-dollar industry, where top-tier players garner substantial earnings. The wealthiest footballers command millions of dollars annually, with certain individuals accumulating fortunes reaching into the billions.
Various elements contribute to a footballer's financial success, encompassing salary, bonuses, endorsements, and investments. Additionally, some of the most affluent players have diversified their income streams through business ownership or other ventures.
Top 5 richest football players
Here are the top 5 richest football or soccer players in the world. Brunei prince Faiq Bolkiah tops the list, with Messi and Ronaldo following in.
1. Faiq Bolkiah | $20 billion
Team: Chonburi F.C., Thailand
Records: Richest football player in the world
Faiq Bolkiah is a Bruneian professional footballer who plays as a winger for Chonburi F.C. in Thailand and the Brunei national team. Bolkiah is the richest footballer in the world, with an estimated net worth of $20 billion. He has been capped by the Brunei national team since 2014 and has captained the team since 2018. He is the Prince of Brunei. Bolkiah’s father is Jefri Bolkiah, the Prince of Brunei, and his uncle is Hassanal Bolkiah, the Sultan of Brunei.
2. Lionel Messi | $600 million
Team: Paris Saint-Germain
Records: Most Balloon D’Or award winner, Most Liga goals, and many more
Awards: World Soccer Player of the Year, FIFA Balloon D’Or, and many more
Books: The “GOAT” Messi and more
Movie: Lionel Messi: The Greatest.jpg)
Widely considered to be one of the greatest footballers of all time, Lionel Messi is an Argentine professional footballer who plays as a forward for Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain and captains the Argentina national team. He is the second-richest footballer in the world, with a net worth of $600 million.
He has won eight Ballon d'Or awards, a record in itself. He is the player to have been awarded the coveted trophy the most number of times. He has also won six European Golden Shoes, and in 2020 he was named to the Ballon d'Or Dream Team.
3. Cristiano Ronaldo | $500 million
Team: Al Nassar
Records: Highest goal-scorer in football and many more
Awards: European Golden Shoe, FIFA Balloon D’Or, and many more
Books: Cristiano Ronaldo: The Rise of a Winner
Movie: Cristiano Ronaldo: The World at its Feet
Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo captains the Portugal national team and plays as a forward for Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr. He has won five Ballon d'Or awards, the most by a European player.
Ronaldo is the all-time leading goal scorer with the highest number of goals in international football. He is widely considered to be one of the greatest football players of all time and constantly pitted against fellow soccer legend Lionel Messi.
4. David Beckham | $450 million
Team: Manchester United
Records: Only player to win League titles in 4 countries, and more
Awards: Premier League Player of the Month, BBC Sports Personality of the Year, and more
Books: Beckham: My World (autobiography)
Movie: King Arthur, The Man from U.N.C.L.E.
David Beckham was a professional footballer who played as an attacking midfielder. He is considered to be one of the best players of his generation and was one of the most popular athletes in the world. Beckham played for Manchester United, Real Madrid, the LA Galaxy, AC Milan, and Paris Saint-Germain. He won 19 major trophies, including six Premier League titles, one La Liga title, and one MLS Cup. Beckham retired from professional football in 2013. He is currently the fourth-richest football player, with a net worth of $450 million.
5. Dave Whelan | $210 million
Team: Blackburn Rovers and Crewe Alexandra
Awards: Freedom of the Borough
Books: David Whelan: Playing to Win - The Autobiography 
Dave Whelan is an English footballer who played as a winger. He was born in Bradford, England, on November 24, 1936, and played for Blackburn Rovers and Crewe Alexandra during his career. He won the Football League Third Division North title with Blackburn Rovers in 1959–60. He retired from professional football in 1966. He later became a successful businessman and founded the Wigan Athletic football club. His net worth is $210 million.
Also Read: Argentina set to retire Lionel Messis No.10 jersey once he hangs up boots: Reports
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