Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese football legend, has been the first-ever football player to achieve billionaire status, his net worth being $1.4 billion approximately, as per the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.
This milestone is currently being celebrated along with a two-year extension of his contract with Al Nassr which is considered to be more than $400 million including stocks and performance bonuses. His case is one of the biggest player contracts in the football world ever.
The 10 richest footballers in 2025, Ronaldo, Messi & others, are among them. Some names will surprise you because their wealth isn’t just from playing.
1. Faiq Bolkiah – $20 Billion
He sits at No.1 by a long shot. Most of his fortune comes from his family wealth tied to Brunei royalty, property holdings, and businesses. His football career isn’t what made him richest but it adds to his profile.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo – $1.4 Billion
Cristiano Ronaldo has become the first billionaire football player, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, thanks to a huge Saudi deal in the twilight of his career.
Here's how his wealth stacks up: https://t.co/eW1MTtJBPp
📷: Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images pic.twitter.com/Ve3abAXz0e
— Bloomberg (@business) October 8, 2025
Ronaldo recently hit billionaire status. He is the first footballer to officially get the billionaire tag. It’s a mix of a massive Al-Nassr contract, endorsement deals, his brands, and smart investments. Even at 40 he is still stacking up earnings off and on the pitch.
Ronaldo has not only excelled in the pitch and surpassed all his competitors but has also constructed a huge empire away from the field with endorsements that last for decades and profitable business ventures in hotels, fashion, and perfumes through his CR7 brand.
3. Lionel Messi – $850–$900 Million
Messi may not yet be a billionaire, but he’s close. Big salary at Inter Miami, huge endorsement deals, and revenue from business projects keep boosting his net worth. The ex-Barcelona star remains a giant when it comes to brand pull.
4. David Beckham – $450 Million
Retired but still rolling. David Beckham is still a wealthy man due to his numerous sources of income which include the fashion industry, endorsements, and the sharing of ownership in Inter Miami. He has created a lifestyle and a character that remains on the top even after leaving the sport for a long time, thus getting to the top of the market in terms of personality and lifestyle.
5. Neymar Jr. – $250–$350 Million
Neymar’s fortune comes from on-field pay plus heavy endorsement deals. Even though form and fitness sometimes hurt him, his off-field earnings keep him high on rich lists.
6. Dave Whelan – $200–$230 Million
An older name for many fans. He made his fortune more off football than as a player. Business, ownership, investments in sport infrastructure helped his bank.
7. Wayne Rooney – $170–$220 Million
Rooney earned big during his Premier League years. After retiring, he has income from media, endorsements, and managerial roles. Smart money moves help him retain a top spot.
8. Zlatan Ibrahimovic – $180–$190 Million
Ibrahimovic is legendary on a personal and performance basis. Long career across top clubs, plus constant endorsement work makes his wealth solid. He hasn’t slowed down in leveraging his name.
9. Kylian Mbappe – $180–$300 Million
Mbappe is one of the few still playing at peak earning potential. The Real Madrid superstar’s contract numbers are huge, endorsements are global, and he’s still young enough to grow that net worth further.
10. Ronaldo Luís Nazario – $150–$170 Million
“R9” made his big money earlier in his career. Now, earnings come from business ventures, club ownership stakes, and nostalgic appeal. Even long retired, his name still makes cash.
