Forget Messi or Ronaldo, the world’s richest footballer isn’t who you think

Even die-hard football fans might be surprised to learn that neither Cristiano Ronaldo nor Lionel Messi, the sport's biggest superstars, top the list of richest footballers. While they reign supreme on the pitch, they lag behind in the race to be wealthiest athletes.

Football, known for its massive popularity and multi-billion dollar industry, attracts attention with the extravagant lifestyles of its players. Many footballers own luxurious mansions on islands.

The world’s richest football icons are:

Bruneian prince and footballer Faiq Bolkiah claims the title of the world's richest footballer in 2024 with a whopping net worth of $20 billion.

Inter Miami and Argentina captain, Lionel Messi, ranks second among the world's wealthiest footballers with a net worth of $600 million.

The Portuguese forward for Al Nassr, Cristiano Ronaldo claims the third spot with a net worth of $500 million. 

Former English footballer David Beckham, now a successful businessman, holds the fourth spot with an impressive net worth of $450 million.

English entrepreneur and former footballer Dave Whelan boasts a net worth of $210 million.

The Brazilian forward, Neymar Jr. playing for Paris Saint-Germain, has a net worth of $200 million, securing the sixth spot.

Swedish icon Zlatan Ibrahimovic, currently playing for AC Milan, scores seventh place with a staggering $190 million net worth.

Paris Saint-Germain's French striker, Kylian Mbappe holds the eighth position with a promising $180 million net worth.

English legend Wayne Rooney, now managing DC United, takes ninth place with a net worth of $170 million.

Brazilian legend Ronaldo Luís Nazário secures the tenth spot with a net wroth of $160 million.

These figures comprise multifaceted income streams of these football icons, including impressive salaries and bonuses. Endorsement deals and savvy business ventures play a key role in boosting their overall net worth.