Top 10 Richest Football Players in the World

It won’t be absurd to label Football or Soccer as the most popular sport, provided this sport alone has more than 4 billion fans worldwide. Many of the fans as well as players consider football more like a sacred religion than just another entertaining sport. This might be the reason that makes FIFA World Cup as the most watched events across the globe.

Given below is my handpicked list of 10 richest footballers in the world as per their net worth from annual salary, endorsements and contracts – updated in 2017.

Lionel Messi – $200 million

Messi tops the list as his estimated salary at FC Barcelona comprises of $45 million. He has a long-term tie up with Adidas and is even the global face of FIFA range of video games. He has ongoing endorsement deals with Samsung, Dolce and Gabbana, Gillette, Lay’s and other multinational brands.

Cristiano Ronaldo – $198 million

Along with earning a basic salary of $40 million, Cristiano Ronaldo earns equal amount of money from endorsements for Armani, Nike, Herbalife, Toyota, Soccerade, KFC etc.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic – $160 million

With basic salary of $35 million, he scores 3^rd place in the list of top 10 richest football players. His book, I am Zlatan and partnership with Dan Oloffson for launching Mikz application also added a handsome amount of money to his total net worth.

Wayne Rooney – $125 million

Wayne, the captain of Manchester United, has an estimated net worth of around $125 million. Along with an annual salary of $27 million, his off-field income comes from his deals with Samsung, Harper Collins and Nike. Known for his extraordinary strength on the field, he earned himself a high paying contract from Man U.

Kaka – $106 million

This Brazilian soccer player has an estimated salary of $11 million. Kaka owns a big property in Madrid, Milan. Additionally he also has several deals with top notch brands Pepsi, Samsung, Gillette, Hyundai, Adidas etc that add to his total net worth.

Neymar – $100 million

The face of World-cup hosting team Brazil in the year 2014; has a net worth of around $100 million. His annual salary is around $14 million, which is brilliant for a 24 year old athlete. He has been endorsing for Nike, Red Bull, Panasonic, Konami and many more.

Ronaldinho – $91 million

Ronaldinho, the Brazilian footballer, currently plays for GallosBlancos in Mexico. The goal he scored to help Brazil win Copa America against Venezuela is still considered to be the greatest in soccer’s history.

Frank Lampard – $90 million

He plays as an attacking midfielder for Chelsea and earns an estimated salary of $14 million. In 2008, he became the highest paid football player in Britain.

Samuel Eto’o – $85 million

This legendary African and European footballer has been crowned a king both in terms of skill and money. His net worth increased after signing deals with international brands Puma and Ford.

Raul – $20 million

Raul topped the list of Real Madrid’s highest earners as he was in high demand because of his flexibility. His companies Luri and Cadmus add around 10 percent to his total net worth. He currently playing for the popular football team called for SSC Napoli and Spanish national team.

Sr.No.	Content	Amount in USD
1	Lional Messi	$200 Million
2	Cristiano Ronaldo	$198 Million
3	ZlatanIbrahimovic	$160 Million
4	Wayne Rooney	$125 Million
5	Kaka	$106 Million
6	Neymar	$100 Million
7	Ronaldinho	$91 Million
8	Frank Lampard	$90 Million
9	Samuel Eto’o	$85 Million
10	Raul	$20 Million