Here are the top 10 richest footballers 2025. In this list, we explain what they do and how they earn their money. Each one plays football and does other jobs or businesses too.
1. Faiq Bolkiah
What he does: He is a prince in Brunei. He plays as a winger for Chonburi F.C. in Thailand. Most money comes from his royal family, not football. Salary: $52,000 per year
2. Cristiano Ronaldo
3. Lionel Messi
What he does: He is a star forward at Inter Miami. He sets records and wins trophies. He also has ads with Adidas and Pepsi. Salary: $60 Million per year
4. David Beckham
What he does: He is retired but owns Inter Miami CF. He models clothes and works with fashion brands. Salary: (at peak) $50 Million per year
5. Neymar Jr.
What he does: He is a forward at Al Hilal. He is famous for tricks and skill. He has ads with Puma and Red Bull. Salary: $160 Million per year
Dave Whelan
What he does: He used to play football long ago. Now he runs shops (JJB Sports) and owned Wigan Athletic. He is a businessman. Salary: Business income, not a football salary
7. Wayne Rooney
What he does: He is a coach and former forward at Manchester United and DC United. He also works on TV as a pundit. Salary: $8 Million per year
8. Karim Benzema
What he does: He is a striker at Al‑Ittihad. He scores many goals and is a team leader. He also has ads and fashion deals. Salary: $30 Million per year
9. Zlatan Ibrahimović
What he does: He is retired but acts in movies and writes books. He also helps coach young players. Salary: (retirement work) $10 Million per year
10. Kylian Mbappé
Dave Whelan
What he does: He used to play football long ago. Now he runs shops (JJB Sports) and owned Wigan Athletic. He is a businessman. Salary: Business income, not a football salary
7. Wayne Rooney
What he does: He is a coach and former forward at Manchester United and DC United. He also works on TV as a pundit. Salary: $8 Million per year
8. Karim Benzema
What he does: He is a striker at Al‑Ittihad. He scores many goals and is a team leader. He also has ads and fashion deals. Salary: $30 Million per year
9. Zlatan Ibrahimović
What he does: He is retired but acts in movies and writes books. He also helps coach young players. Salary: (retirement work) $10 Million per year
10. Kylian Mbappé
What he does: He is a forward at Paris Saint‑Germain. He is one of the fastest players. He has ads with Nike and EA Sports. Salary: $40 Million per year
Each richest footballer 2025 plays football and does other work too. Some sell brands, some run businesses, and some act or coach. This is how they earn more money than just their football salary.
This article was inspired by information originally published by Kriti Barua on India Today Group (June 5, 2025), along with data compiled from official club announcements, Forbes athlete earnings reports, and verified sports financial sources
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