Football is not only the world’s most popular sport but also one of the most lucrative careers for the top players. The financial rewards for elite footballers extend beyond their impressive salaries; they also include brand endorsements, sponsorships, and investments that significantly boost their net worth. In 2022, several footballers have amassed staggering fortunes, establishing themselves as some of the wealthiest athletes globally.
This article takes an in-depth look at the top ten richest footballers in 2022, exploring their earnings, sources of income, and how they leverage their wealth to maintain their status both on and off the field.
1. Lionel Messi – $600 Million
Club: Paris Saint-Germain
Endorsements: Adidas, Pepsi, Budweiser, and others
Lionel Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, tops the list with a staggering net worth of $600 million. After a long and illustrious career at FC Barcelona, Messi made a historic move to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in 2021. His contract with PSG, which pays him an estimated $41 million annually, is only part of his earnings.
Messi’s endorsement deals also contribute significantly to his wealth. His lifetime deal with Adidas is one of the most lucrative in sports, and he is a global ambassador for brands such as Pepsi and Budweiser. Messi’s influence extends beyond football, with numerous charitable endeavors, including the Leo Messi Foundation, which supports access to education and healthcare for vulnerable children.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo – $500 Million
Club: Manchester United (2021-2022), Al Nassr (2023)
Endorsements: Nike, CR7 brand, Herbalife
Cristiano Ronaldo is not only a football icon but also a marketing juggernaut. With a net worth of $500 million in 2022, Ronaldo remains one of the highest-paid athletes in the world. His contract with Manchester United, worth an estimated $31 million annually, and his switch to Saudi club Al Nassr added to his earnings.
Ronaldo’s off-field ventures, however, are what set him apart. His CR7 brand, which includes clothing, footwear, fragrances, and hotels, has grown into a global business empire. In addition, his lifetime deal with Nike is valued at over $1 billion. Ronaldo’s influence on social media is unparalleled, boasting the highest number of followers on Instagram for any athlete, which boosts his endorsement deals and overall wealth.
3. Neymar Jr. – $200 Million
Club: Paris Saint-Germain
Endorsements: Puma, Red Bull, Qatar Airways
Brazilian sensation Neymar Jr. continues to be one of the richest footballers in the world, with a net worth of $200 million. His record-breaking transfer from Barcelona to PSG in 2017 for $263 million remains the most expensive in football history. Neymar’s current contract with PSG pays him approximately $36 million annually, making him one of the highest-paid players in the sport.
Endorsements play a major role in Neymar’s wealth. His deal with Puma, signed after ending his association with Nike, is worth millions, and he continues to endorse high-profile brands like Red Bull, Qatar Airways, and Panasonic. Neymar also has a strong presence on social media, which further bolsters his earning potential through various partnerships.
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4. Kylian Mbappé – $150 Million
Club: Paris Saint-Germain
Endorsements: Nike, Hublot, EA Sports
At just 23 years old in 2022, Kylian Mbappé has already achieved immense success, both on the field and financially. His net worth of $150 million is a testament to his growing influence in football. Mbappé’s contract with PSG, which was extended in 2022, made him one of the highest-paid players globally, with an annual salary of over $40 million.
Mbappé’s endorsement deals have also skyrocketed, with partnerships with global brands like Nike, Hublot, and EA Sports. As one of the most marketable young athletes in the world, Mbappé is poised to see his wealth grow even further in the coming years.
5. Zlatan Ibrahimović – $190 Million
Club: AC Milan
Endorsements: Nike, Volvo, Vitamin Well
Zlatan Ibrahimović, known for his larger-than-life personality and footballing talent, has accumulated a net worth of $190 million. Despite being in the twilight of his career, Ibrahimović remains a valuable player for AC Milan, where he earns an annual salary of around $7 million.
Off the field, Ibrahimović has secured several lucrative endorsement deals, including with Nike, Volvo, and Vitamin Well. He has also ventured into the business world, launching his own sportswear brand A-Z and investing in several startups. Ibrahimović’s longevity in the sport and his smart business moves have contributed to his significant wealth.
6. Paul Pogba – $125 Million
Club: Juventus (2022)
Endorsements: Adidas, Pepsi, EA Sports
French midfielder Paul Pogba boasts a net worth of $125 million, thanks to his successful football career and numerous endorsement deals. Pogba’s return to Juventus in 2022 after a stint at Manchester United saw him continue to earn a substantial salary. His dynamic playing style and charismatic personality have made him one of the most recognizable footballers worldwide.
Pogba’s long-term deal with Adidas is one of the most lucrative in the sport, and he also partners with brands like Pepsi and EA Sports. Pogba has used his wealth to give back, notably through his foundation, which focuses on providing clean drinking water and education to children in Africa.
7. Andrés Iniesta – $123 Million
Club: Vissel Kobe
Endorsements: Asics, UFX.com, Nissan
Andrés Iniesta, a Barcelona legend, continues to rake in wealth even in the later stages of his career. Playing for Japanese club Vissel Kobe, Iniesta earns around $30 million per year, making him one of the highest-paid players outside of Europe. His net worth in 2022 is estimated at $123 million.
Iniesta’s endorsement deals are substantial, including partnerships with Asics, UFX.com, and Nissan. He has also ventured into the wine business, launching his own wine label, Bodega Iniesta, which has added to his wealth.
8. Eden Hazard – $120 Million
Club: Real Madrid
Endorsements: Nike, Lotus Bakeries
Belgian winger Eden Hazard has amassed a fortune of $120 million, despite struggles with injuries during his time at Real Madrid. Hazard’s contract with the Spanish giants, which pays him around $28 million annually, remains one of the most lucrative in football.
Off the pitch, Hazard has secured deals with Nike and Lotus Bakeries, which have helped boost his earnings. Despite his recent challenges, Hazard remains one of the wealthiest footballers globally, thanks to his impressive career and endorsement portfolio.
9. Gareth Bale – $110 Million
Club: Los Angeles FC (2022)
Endorsements: Adidas, EA Sports
Gareth Bale, known for his time at Real Madrid and more recently Los Angeles FC, has a net worth of $110 million. Bale’s successful stint at Real Madrid, where he earned $33 million per year, significantly contributed to his wealth. His move to Major League Soccer (MLS) in 2022 marked a new chapter in his career.
Bale’s endorsement deals with Adidas and EA Sports have further boosted his income. Known for his love of golf, Bale has also invested in a golf-related business, adding another dimension to his financial portfolio.
10. Robert Lewandowski – $100 Million
Club: Barcelona
Endorsements: Nike, Huawei, Head & Shoulders
Polish striker Robert Lewandowski, one of the most prolific goal-scorers of his generation, rounds out the top ten richest footballers with a net worth of $100 million. His move to Barcelona in 2022 followed a hugely successful spell at Bayern Munich, where he earned an annual salary of $20 million.
Lewandowski’s endorsement deals include partnerships with Nike, Huawei, and Head & Shoulders, which have contributed to his wealth. Known for his disciplined lifestyle, Lewandowski has also invested in businesses related to sports nutrition and fitness.
Conclusion: The Wealth Beyond the Pitch
The top ten richest footballers in 2022 have not only achieved incredible success on the pitch but have also built substantial fortunes through savvy business decisions, endorsements, and investments. While their salaries are undoubtedly impressive, their ability to leverage their brand and influence beyond football is what sets them apart as some of the wealthiest athletes in the world.
As the sport continues to grow in popularity and commercial opportunities expand, the financial rewards for elite players will only increase, ensuring that footballers remain among the richest individuals in the sports world.
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