1. Lionel Messi: Argentine superstar Lionel Messi, formerly of FC Barcelona and currently playing for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), has consistently been among the highest-earning footballers. His massive contracts and endorsement deals with brands like Adidas and Pepsi have contributed to his estimated net worth of over $400 million.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo: Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo, who has had successful stints with Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and returned to Manchester United in 2021, is known for his incredible talent and marketability. Ronaldo has numerous endorsement deals with companies such as Nike, Tag Heuer, and Herbalife. His net worth is also estimated to be over $400 million.
3. Neymar Jr.: Brazilian forward Neymar Jr., currently playing for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), became the world's most expensive football transfer when he moved from Barcelona to PSG in 2017. Neymar has lucrative sponsorship deals with brands like Nike, Red Bull, and Gillette, contributing to his net worth of around $200 million.
4. Zlatan Ibrahimović: Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimović has played for several top clubs throughout his career, including Ajax, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, and AC Milan. He has also secured numerous endorsement deals and has a reported net worth of approximately $190 million.
5. Mohamed Salah: Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah has gained worldwide recognition for his performances with Liverpool FC. Apart from his success on the field, Salah has endorsement contracts with companies such as Adidas and Vodafone, and his net worth is estimated to be around $90 million.
6. Gareth Bale: Welsh winger Gareth Bale, who spent several successful seasons with Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid, is known for his blistering pace and goal-scoring ability. He has sponsorship deals with brands like Adidas and BT Sport and has amassed a net worth of approximately $85 million.
7. Paul Pogba: French midfielder Paul Pogba, currently playing for Manchester United, has been a key figure in both club and international football. Pogba has endorsement deals with brands like Adidas and Pepsi, contributing to his net worth of around $80 million.
9. Mesut Özil: German midfielder Mesut Özil, formerly of Real Madrid and Arsenal and currently playing for Fenerbahçe in Turkey, has been recognized for his creative playmaking abilities. Özil has endorsement deals with companies like Adidas and Mercedes-Benz and has a net worth of around $90 million.
10. Sergio Ramos: Spanish defender Sergio Ramos, who recently left Real Madrid and joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), has been one of the most successful and highly regarded defenders in the game. Ramos has sponsorship deals with brands like Nike and Pepsi and has an estimated net worth of approximately $80 million.