Top 10 Richest Footballers In The World (2021)

richest footballers in the world
richest footballers in the world

Who are the richest footballers in the world? Football, also known as Soccer, is one of the most popular sports in the world. The game, which has various versions of its origin story is today widely acclaimed to be a way of life for many people and groups all around the world.

When it comes to participants as well as spectators, football takes the lead. There are various leagues and tournaments, played by various teams of varying nationalities and professional clubs. These professional clubs consist of football or soccer personnel that have completely dedicated their time, energy and livelihood to the growth and excellence of said professional football clubs.

This personnel consist of players, coaches, assistant coaches and not field staff like accountants and investors. Other in-game personnel like referees and paramedics and even commentators are usually employed by the football governing bodies under which those matches are played. 

In terms of lucrativeness, football is one of the most lucrative sports on earth, if not the most lucrative. The game has generated billions upon billions of dollars in revenue each year. The players are bought and sold from club to club at a ridiculously expensive price. The salaries that are paid to the players in the big leagues are so outlandishly large that you might want to question your life choices.

Many professional players have testified of how the game of football/soccer has rescued them from a life of mediocrity and abject poverty, into a life of wealth and affluence. Today we are going to learn about the top 10 richest football players in the world. Stick around because the person ranked first will shock you, and no, the richest footballer is NOT Cristiano Ronaldo, neither is Lionel Messi. 

Before we proceed, it is important we mention that the wealth of the players on this list is not necessarily a reflection of their skills and accomplishment in the field over the years. So sit back, relax and enjoy the read.

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Top 10 Richest Footballers In The World

10. EDEN HAZARD ($100 MILLION)

This player comes from Belgium; of which he is a key part of the country’s national team. He has had quite a successful career over the years. He played for Chelsea FC in the English premier league for a lengthy period of time, where he performed remarkably well, scoring a number of goals and points for his team.

He was later taken to Real Madrid FC, where he continues to do wonders till this day. He is paid 550 thousand solid pounds on a weekly basis, a figure that has boosted his already soaring net worth to the figure you see up there, placing him as the 10th richest footballer in the world today.

9. MESUT OZIL ($120 MILLION)

Ozil is a popular household name, especially amongst Arsenal fans. The 33-year-old German footballer has built his career by playing for some really big teams like Real Madrid and Arsenal, two clubs that paid him really well during his time there.

He recently left Arsenal after some friction between himself and the board members earlier this year, a move that might have a negative effect on his career. He currently plays for a club in Turkey, where he is still paid relatively quite well.

Although he is currently recovering from an ankle injury, he promises to bounce back in due time and get his career back on track.

8. ANDRES INIESTA ($123 MILLION)

As you can tell from his net worth, Iniesta is one of the most dedicated and hardworking footballers of our time. He has made sacrifices and impacts in the football world. Building his career in Barcelona where he captained the team for years even during the era of Lionel Messi.

He paid his dues, building his career and credibility as a player, earning over 200,000 US Dollars every week, while playing for Barcelona. He has recently moved to Japan where he plays for a club called Visel Kobe, where he experienced a drastic rise in his weekly salary, now he earns $600,000 per week.

In addition to all these monetary blessings, Iniesta also enjoys many brand deals and endorsement deals from various renowned brands and companies. From the news of his transfer to a not so popular club, we can only speculate that the thirty-seven (37) year old player wants to live out his golden football age in luxury and peace.

7. PAUL POGBA ($125 MILLION)

Playing for one of the biggest English teams has its perks.  Paul Pogba plays for Manchester United, where he earns a total of $290,000 weekly. At some point, he was once the most expensive player in the world, having been sold for almost a 110million pounds. He owns a fleet of cars and luxurious assets and is known to have tons of endorsement deals.

6. GARETH BALE ($150 MILLION)

Bale plays for Tottenham currently, a team he returned to recently after spending some time in Real Madrid. Along with his many Brand deals, Gareth Bale also signed a contract with his team. This contract stipulates that the Player from Wales be paid at least $10 million pounds.

5. ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC ($195 MILLION)

Popularly dubbed The Swedish Magician, Ibrahimović is worth 195 million US dollars, thanks to his prowess on the field that makes him a formidable striker and a headache to his opposing teams. He has played for a few clubs in Europe and continues to strike fear into the hearts of his oppositions. 

4. NEYMAR JR ($200 MILLION)

Thanks to his role during his time in Barcelona and PSG, Neymar Jr has been able to reach new heights both in his career and fame. He is ranked as the 6th highest-paid athlete on earth, having an annual salary of 95 million US dollars, 25 million of which comes from his brand deals and endorsements. 

3. CRISTIANO RONALDO ($500 MILLION)

CR7 as he is loosely called is a legend that is still in action. He has the highest followership on social media and hundreds of endorsements. He made waves when he decided to return to his former club, Manchester United after a successful career in Real Madrid and Juventus.

2. LIONEL MESSI ($600 MILLION)

Having spent most of his football career and life in Barcelona, the Argentine footballer made a big splash after he decided to move to PSG in France. He has various brand deals and sponsorship as well as a huge bump in his salary after his move to his new club, PSG. 

1. FAIQ BOLKIAH ($20 BILLION)

Unlike the players on this list, his wealth comes from his status as a royalty of Brunei; being the son of the Crown Prince. The 22-year-old has built a career for himself though, having played for teams like Chelsea and Southampton. He currently plays midfield for a Club in Portugal.

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