Money in football used to be about who scored the goal. In 2025, earnings come from contracts, endorsements, image rights, business deals, and more. Before you find out more about richest footballers net, how they earn, and what deals make them stand out.
Big Names at the Leading
Cristiano Ronaldo is number one. He earns a big salary at Al-Nassr. He has big deals with Nike. His CR7 brand, with clothes, hotels, and gyms, brings in more. In 2025, he earns about $275 million.
Lionel Messi is close behind. His move to Inter Miami matters for contract value. Endorsements with Adidas, Pepsi, and other brands lift him up. His net worth in 2025 is around $135 million from salary + endorsements.
Karim Benzema also earns big. He plays in Saudi Arabia now. His club contract + sponsor deals give him over $100 million in 2025.
Surprising Wealth: Faiq Bolkiah
Faiq Bolkiah is not as well-known as Ronaldo or Messi. But he has a huge wealth. An estimated $20 billion net worth in 2025. Most of that comes from family inheritance rather than football pay.
His football career is small in comparison to his wealth. Still, he appears at the top of some “richest footballer” lists because of that inherited fortune.
Big Contracts in Saudi Arabia
The Saudi Pro League has changed the game. Players like Ronaldo, Benzema, and others now have very large contracts. Clubs in Saudi Arabia pay more than most teams in Europe or America. Players get big salaries, bonuses, and extra perks. Ronaldo’s deal with Al-Nassr is one of the biggest ever.
Endorsements Matter a Lot
Being good at football is only one part. Endorsements push income much higher. Brands pay for ability, popularity, social media, and global recognition.
Ronaldo’s lifetime deal with Nike is one big example. Messi still gets major sponsors like Adidas and Pepsi. Other players like Neymar get deals with fashion, sportswear, and media. Those deals add tens of millions.
Business Ventures Beyond the Pitch
Some of the richest players are more than athletes. They invest. They build brands. They own properties.
David Beckham is retired but still earns a lot. He owns part of Inter Miami. He has endorsements and brands. His net worth is in the hundreds of millions.
Messi invests in real estate. Some players start product lines, hotels, fashion, or tech. These ventures diversify income and help with long-term wealth.
How Net Worth Is Calculated
It is not exact. Net worth includes salary, bonuses, endorsements, image rights, business, and real estate. It may also include inheritance or family wealth.
Some sources list huge net worths for players like Faiq Bolkiah because of family money. That may not reflect how much they earn from football.
Also, contract terms matter — whether payments are guaranteed, bonuses, length, and additional benefits (housing, cars, equity).
Comparing Earnings
Some players earn more off-pitch than on-pitch. Others earn more from their club contract.
Players like Ronaldo, Messi, and Neymar make huge sums from their brand deals. Sometimes these exceed portions of their club salary.
Others rely more on club wages. But if you are at the top level, endorsement and business income become very important.
Age, Legacy, and Wealth Growth
Older players or retired players often earn from their legacy. Their past success gives them brand power. Also, retirees with strong business strategies stay rich.
Beckham, for instance, is far from playing, but still very rich because of his brand, ownership, and endorsements.
Younger stars like Mbappé are building wealth fast. They sign big contracts early, get many sponsors, and invest wisely.
Rising Stars to Watch
Young players are becoming stars fast. Players like Jude Bellingham and Vinícius Júnior get big contracts and sponsors. They are not as rich as legends yet, but they are the next generation of wealthy footballers.
Retirement and Wealth Management
Footballers can still earn money after retiring. Many invest in property, businesses, or clubs. Smart money management helps them grow their wealth. Players like David Beckham built brands that stay strong even after they stop playing.
The Impact of Global Tournaments
Big tournaments like the World Cup or Champions League can make players more valuable quickly. Playing well can bring higher pay, more sponsors, and fame. One great tournament can change a player’s financial future.
Highest-Paid Players List Snapshot
In 2025, these are among the top earners:
- Cristiano Ronaldo ~ $275 million combined salary + endorsements.
- Lionel Messi ~ $135 million in similar combined income.
- Karim Benzema has over $100 million in combined earnings.
Others like Neymar, Mohamed Salah, and Kylian Mbappé are also very high on the list.
Risks and Variations
We must note that these figures can vary. Some numbers are estimates. Endorsements may drop. Contracts may have clauses. Some stars lose value from injuries or scandals.
Country tax, currency changes, and inflation also affect real value. What someone earns in Saudi Arabia might look huge in dollars, but it is taxed heavily.
