Cristiano Ronaldo becomes football’s first billionaire: the 10 richest players ranked

October 9, 2025 Kris Isaksen

Cristiano Ronaldo has officially become the first footballer in history to surpass £1 billion in net worth, cementing his status as not just a sports legend but a global business empire. From rising stars to veteran icons, here are the ten richest active footballers in the world—counted down from number 10 to 1.

10. Robert Lewandowski – £63m

Robert Lewandowski, now spearheading Barcelona’s attack at 37, continues to prove age is just a number. After prolific spells at Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, the Polish striker has accumulated £63 million through years of elite wages and commercial success.

9. Mohamed Salah – £66m

Liverpool’s talisman Mohamed Salah earns around £400,000 per week, making him one of football’s top earners. With lucrative endorsements on top of his Premier League success, Salah’s net worth has reached an impressive £66 million.

8. Antoine Griezmann – £67m

Antoine Griezmann, the World Cup-winning forward, boasts a net worth of £67 million. Now back thriving at Atletico Madrid, his marketability and return to form have made him a favourite for brands and fans alike.

7. Son Heung-min – £75m

Heung-min Son — Mark Fann / Shutterstock.com

After his historic move to Los Angeles FC in 2025, Son Heung-min became the MLS’s most expensive player. With massive popularity across Asia and a long-standing Adidas deal, Son’s net worth now stands at £75 million.

6. Paul Pogba – £93m

Despite a challenging period that included an 18-month ban, Paul Pogba has maintained a £93 million net worth. His return to France with Monaco could help reignite both his career and financial momentum.

5. Karim Benzema – £150m

Karim Benzema’s move to Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia has only boosted his £150 million fortune. Known for his longevity and lethal finishing, the French striker has combined sporting success with lucrative contracts.

4. Kylian Mbappé – £186m

Kylian Mbappe — Mikolaj Barbanell / Shutterstock.com

Kylian Mbappé, now the face of Real Madrid, is earning like the superstar he’s become. Between his huge wages and Nike sponsorships, the French forward’s net worth has surged to £186 million.

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3. Neymar Jr – £280m

Neymar Jr, now back at Santos, has made his mark not just with flair on the pitch but with big-money deals off it. Thanks to Puma, Red Bull, and other sponsorships, he’s sitting on a fortune of £280 million.

2. Lionel Messi – £620m

Lionel Messi, playing out his final years in Miami, continues to top financial charts with a net worth of £620 million. From Barcelona to PSG and now MLS, his unmatched career has been fuelled by both wages and worldwide endorsements.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo – £1.045bn

Cristiano Ronaldo has officially become football’s first billionaire, with a net worth of £1.045 billion. Playing for Al-Nassr and backed by global deals under the CR7 brand, the 40-year-old remains a financial force even as his career nears its end.