Top 10 Football Players Net Worth in 2021
The 2021 ranking of the top 10 football players net worth is based on publicly reported figures from Forbes and other financial sources, reflecting salaries, endorsements, and business activities as of that year. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo led the list, followed by Neymar, Kylian Mbappé, and Mohamed Salah, with each player's wealth tied to specific clubs, contracts, and brand partnerships. The figures below use the most recent public data available for 2021 and reference Forbes estimates where applicable.
The ranking is compiled from annual reports, club disclosures, and public filings, focusing on documented income and disclosed assets rather than speculative estimates. Forbes regularly updates its football player wealth evaluations, and its 2021 data is a primary reference for this list.
Top Earners and Their Income Sources
Lionel Messi
In 2021, Lionel Messi's net worth was estimated at around $600 million, making him one of the highest-earning football players in the world. His income came from his salary at FC Barcelona, later Paris Saint-Germain, and a large portfolio of endorsements with brands such as Adidas and Pepsi.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo's net worth in 2021 was reported at roughly $500 million, driven by his contract with Juventus and later Manchester United, plus extensive endorsement deals with Nike, Herbalife, and CR7 brand ventures.
Other Leading Players and Business Activities
Neymar Jr.
Neymar Jr.'s net worth in 2021 was estimated at over $200 million, supported by his salary at Paris Saint-Germain and endorsement agreements with brands like Red Bull, Puma, and Beats by Dre.
Kylian Mbappé
Kylian Mbappé's net worth in 2021 was reported at approximately $180 million, reflecting his high salary at Paris Saint-Germain and early endorsement deals with Nike and other global brands.
Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah's net worth in 2021 was estimated at around $150 million, based on his contract with Liverpool FC and a growing portfolio of sponsorships with Pepsi, Vodafone, and other companies.
For deeper breakdowns of contracts, salary figures, and club financial disclosures, you can refer to the official Forbes list of highest-paid athletes and the SEC filings for publicly traded sports-related companies. Forbes athlete rankings and SEC company search provide additional public data on earnings and business structures behind these wealth figures.
