10 Richest Soccer Players in the World & How They Made It

Soccer is more than just a sport; it’s a multi-billion-dollar industry where elite players build massive fortunes. While their skills on the pitch earn them fame and wealth, their off-field ventures and financial strategies ensure long-term success. Some invest in real estate, fashion, or technology, while others explore riskier financial markets like cryptocurrency. This article dives into the 10 richest soccer players in 2025, detailing their careers, net worth, and business ventures, including their involvement in high-risk investments like Forex and crypto trading.

The 10 Richest Soccer Players in 2025

1. Lionel Messi – $850 Million

• Clubs: Barcelona, Paris St. Germain, Inter Miami
• Achievements: 8 Ballon d’Ors, multiple Champions League titles
• Side Businesses: Clothing line, hotels, and Playtime Sports investments
• High-Risk Investments: Invested in cryptocurrency via Socios.com

Messi’s wealth comes not just from his soccer contracts but also from sponsorship deals with Adidas, Pepsi, and Huawei. His business ventures include a luxury hotel chain and investments in tech and sports startups.

2. Cristiano Ronaldo – $800 Million

• Clubs: Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, Al-Nassr
• Achievements: 5 Ballon d’Ors, record goal tally across multiple leagues
• Side Businesses: CR7 brand (clothing, hotels, gyms), Nike lifetime deal
• High-Risk Investments: No known Forex or crypto investments

Ronaldo’s massive earnings stem from endorsements with Nike, Herbalife, and his globally recognized CR7 brand. His disciplined approach to business mirrors his commitment to fitness, ensuring long-term financial security.

3. David Beckham – $450 Million

• Clubs: Manchester United, Real Madrid, LA Galaxy
• Achievements: England captain, multiple Premier League and La Liga titles
• Side Businesses: Co-owns Inter Miami CF, real estate, fashion, DB Ventures
• High-Risk Investments: No known Forex or crypto investments

Beckham transitioned smoothly from player to entrepreneur. His ownership of Inter Miami CF and collaborations with major fashion brands keep his net worth growing.

4. Neymar – $350 Million

• Clubs: Santos, Barcelona, Paris St. Germain
• Achievements: Multiple Ligue 1 titles, Copa Libertadores winner
• Side Businesses: Real estate, technology investments, NR Sport
• High-Risk Investments: Invested in NFTs (Bored Ape Yacht Club)

Neymar is one of the few footballers deeply invested in crypto, spending over $1 million on NFTs. His investments in tech startups and esports also contribute to his expanding empire.

5. Kylian Mbappé – $250 Million

• Clubs: Monaco, Paris St. Germain, Real Madrid
• Achievements: World Cup winner, Ligue 1 top scorer
• Side Businesses: Endorsements, Zebra Valley production, Oakley partnership
• High-Risk Investments: No known Forex or crypto investments

Mbappé’s net worth is growing thanks to his endorsements with Nike, Oakley, and Hublot. As one of soccer’s most marketable stars, his off-field ventures will likely expand further.

6. Karim Benzema – $200 Million

• Clubs: Lyon, Real Madrid, Al-Ittihad
• Achievements: Champions League winner, multiple La Liga titles
• Side Businesses: Real estate, clothing line
• High-Risk Investments: No known Forex or crypto investments

Benzema has focused on traditional investments like real estate and fashion. His clothing brand is gaining traction among football fans worldwide.

7. Zlatan Ibrahimovic – $190 Million

• Clubs: AC Milan, Manchester United, Barcelona
• Achievements: 33 trophies, dominant presence in multiple leagues
• Side Businesses: Real estate, production company
• High-Risk Investments: No known Forex or crypto investments

Zlatan’s larger-than-life persona extends to business, with investments in property, sports media, and entertainment ventures.

8. Wayne Rooney – $170 Million

• Clubs: Everton, Manchester United, DC United
• Achievements: England’s all-time top scorer, Premier League champion
• Side Businesses: Pub co-ownership, real estate
• High-Risk Investments: No known Forex or crypto investments

Rooney has built a restaurant and pub empire alongside real estate investments, ensuring financial stability post-retirement.

9. Ronaldo Nazário (Original Ronaldo) – $160 Million

• Clubs: PSV, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Real Madrid
• Achievements: 2x World Cup winner, multiple league titles
• Side Businesses: Real estate, football club ownership
• High-Risk Investments: No known Forex or crypto investments

Ronaldo owns Real Valladolid and has invested in Brazilian football clubs, showing a keen interest in long-term financial planning.

10. Gareth Bale – $145 Million

• Clubs: Tottenham, Real Madrid, LAFC
• Achievements: 4x Champions League winner, crucial goals in finals
• Side Businesses: Real estate, golf-related businesses, Penderyn Distillery investment
• High-Risk Investments: Invested in cryptocurrency via Sorare

Bale has turned his passion for golf and whiskey into profitable ventures, making him one of the smartest financial planners among retired players.

High-Risk Investments and Forex Trading

While Forex trading isn’t a major investment area for these players, some have engaged in high-risk investments like cryptocurrency and NFTs. Neymar and Bale have experimented with NFTs and crypto-backed ventures, but specific Forex trading remains largely undocumented among soccer players. However, athletes interested in active trading strategies could explore Forex markets as a high-risk, high-reward alternative to traditional investments.

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Unexpected Detail: The World’s Richest Soccer Player Is Not Who You Think

One surprising fact: Faiq Bolkiah, a former Leicester City reserve player, is technically the richest footballer in the world, with an estimated net worth of $20 billion. However, his wealth comes from his royal lineage rather than his playing career, making his case unique compared to self-made football stars.

Conclusion: Lessons from Soccer’s Wealthiest Players

The richest soccer players in the world didn’t rely solely on salaries—they built empires through smart investments. From real estate and fashion to cryptocurrency and production companies, their wealth strategies offer valuable insights for aspiring athletes and entrepreneurs alike.

🔹 Key Takeaways: 

✅ Diversify income sources beyond salary contracts.
✅ Invest in stable assets like real estate and businesses.
✅ Consider high-risk investments like cryptocurrency, but with caution.
✅ Use your personal brand to create long-term financial opportunities.

Whether you’re an aspiring athlete or an investor, these strategies prove that financial intelligence is just as important as talent on the field. Who do you think will be the next soccer billionaire?