Football isn’t just a game where passion delivers. It’s a game where money follows. If you play your heart out, you can amass incredible wealth — and luxury will follow you wherever you go. That’s pretty much a given!
The world’s wealthiest footballers are also some of the top athletes on the planet. They’ve reached the pinnacle because they’ve put in the effort, the kind that demands unimaginable sacrifices. The kind most of us would never manage.
It’s easy to fantasise about their lifestyles, but to match their commitment and work ethic is something different. As Cristiano Ronaldo famously said: ‘I give you the map, are you willing to do that? It’s the main point because everyone wants to be Cristiano, but I give you the map, you think you will do it? It’s difficult!’
If you want to see what effort, sacrifice, commitment, and work ethic truly translate to, you only have to look at the most popular football players. Maybe you’ll find the inspiration from their lifestyles to do the hard work yourself.
Richest Players With Luxury Lifestyles
What is a luxury lifestyle? It’s not just about owning expensive cars, jets, yachts, or mansions. It’s about doing or having whatever your heart desires without ever thinking about the price. That is what money buys, the freedom to live the way you want.
These popular footballers know the luxury of living in complete freedom. Here are some of the biggest names of the game and how they flaunt their luxuries:
- Cristiano Ronaldo: Multi-million dollar mansions, a garage full of rare supercars, and the biggest endorsement portfolio in sports history.
- Lionel Messi: Stunning properties in France and Argentina, along with an impressive ensemble of luxury cars.
- Neymar Jr.: Extravagant mansions, private jets, and a flair for high fashion.
- Faiq Bolkiah: All thanks to Brunei’s royal fortune, he’s the world’s richest football player who flashes his family wealth wherever he can. As a royal, he lives luxuriously and invests in real estate, energy businesses, and financial markets.
- Mathieu Flamini: A rare breed where football wealth kickstarted a successful business empire. Flamini’s biotech business takes him around the world. He’s one such footballer who is using his wealth to do social good.
The Wealth of the World’s Richest Football Players
When it comes to footballers and their wealth — it’s all in their titles. Through their hard work, they amassed wealth by cashing their names.
Here’s a rundown of the top 5 richest footballers in the world and the secret to their riches:
Footballer | Net Worth | Source of Earning |
Faiq Bolkiah | $20 billion | Inherited wealth and minor football earnings. |
Lionel Messi | $600 million | Football salary, endorsements (Adidas, Pepsi), real estate, and other minor business ventures. |
Cristiano Ronaldo | $550 million | Football salary (Al Nassr), endorsements (Nike, CR7 brand), hotels, and business ventures. |
Neymar Jr. | $400 million | Football salary, endorsements (Puma, Red Bull), and business ventures. |
Kylian Mbappé | $250 million | Football salary and endorsements (Nike, Hublot, EA Sports). |
What Do Footballers Spend Their Money On?
The short answer — whatever they want. From luxury homes and high-end cars to fashion, travel, and wild parties, these stars don’t hold back. Here’s a look at what these talents do when money is not an issue!
Lavish Mansions and Real Estate Investments
Footballers’ houses are not just places to live — they’re luxury statements! Cristiano Ronaldo owns glamorous homes in some of the most prime locations around the world, including a grand villa in Saudi Arabia.
Lionel Messi’s Paris home offers pure comfort, featuring an infinity pool and stunning city views. Neymar’s mansion is built for entertainment, boasting a private beach, a helipad, and sprawling outdoor spaces. It’s truly a one-of-its-kind property in Brazil.
Many players also pick up high-end apartments in hotspots like London, Dubai, and Miami — not just as homes, but as valuable investments that retain massive price tags.
Exotic Car Collections
Footballers love fast and flashy cars. The world’s richest football players own and drive some of the rarest and most expensive vehicles available.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s collection includes a Bugatti Centodieci worth over $9 million, a Lamborghini Aventador, and a Rolls-Royce Cullinan. Lionel Messi’s garage houses a Ferrari 335 S Spider Scaglietti and a Pagani Zonda. Neymar owns a Lykan Hypersport, a Ferrari 458 Italia, and a McLaren 570S.
Some players go even further, ordering custom-built supercars designed to fit their exact preferences. For these stars, driving isn’t just about getting around — it’s about telling the world, they’re driving in style!
Luxury Fashion and Accessories
Footballers and high fashion often go hand in hand. From a simple shirt to a chess match on a Louis Vuitton suitcase, their fads can break the internet.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are often seen wearing brands like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Dolce & Gabbana. Neymar enjoys exclusive Balmain pieces and high-end Rolex watches to make a bold style statement wherever he goes. These players know that style matters, and their influence on fashion reaches millions of fans worldwide.
Private Jets
There are stars who are first-class rich, and then there are stars who are private jet rich. The world’s most popular footballers are the latter. Cristiano Ronaldo has a Gulfstream G650 which is a top-of-the-line luxury variant worth a whopping $65 million.
Lionel Messi’s Embraer Legacy 650 is customised with his family’s names on the steps. Neymar’s Cessna Citation 680 is decorated with his initials to show who’s flying high.
Private Yachts
There is something about football players and private yachts. They absolutely love them! Like Cristiano Ronaldo’s ultra-luxury, $7 million yacht, Messi has his own 92-foot vessel. She’s called “Seven C” and is valued around $13 million.
Neymar has been known in the luxury yachting community, though it’s unclear whether his yacht, which was confiscated in 2016, was returned to him or not.
Apart from these three, it seems no other footballer owns a yacht, but they all fancy being seen on one. They enjoy quality time with family or partying along the beaches of Ibiza and Saint-Tropez.
Exclusive Travel Experiences
Apart from toys, money also buys exclusivity. And it shows in how these footballers travel. When it comes to taking a vacation, or partying on the other side of the globe, these stars live viral-worthy experiences.
Ronaldo, when vacationing in Mykonos or Dubai, loves staying in private villas. Ronaldo is also known for buying a secluded family resort in Dubai worth 10 million euros. Messi prefers the quiet luxury of Ibiza’s top resorts. And Neymar splits his time between Miami, Rio de Janeiro, and ski resorts in Europe.
Extravagant Parties and High-End Social Circles
Every footballer parties differently, but their escapades are all legendary! Neymar is famous for throwing wild events attended by the entertainment world’s elite.
Cristiano Ronaldo prefers more private, intimate gatherings of high-profile friends and acquaintances. Messi keeps things low-key, celebrating only with close friends and family.
Philanthropy and Business Ventures
Even with all their luxury, many footballers use their money to help others. Lionel Messi’s foundation supports healthcare and education for children in need. Cristiano Ronaldo has donated millions to charity and disaster relief efforts.
Beyond giving back, many footballers are smart investors. Mathieu Flamini’s biofuel company is worth billions. Ronaldo and Messi have invested in hotels, fitness centers, and fashion brands to ensure their wealth continues to grow after retirement.
Famous footballers don’t just play the game — they live life at the very top. From their expensive houses to their supercars, private jets, and luxury vacations, they spend their money on the best things life has to offer.
F.A.Q.
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Which Footballers Own the Most Expensive Mansions?
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What Luxury Cars Do Top Footballers Drive?
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How Do Footballers Spend Their Wealth Outside of Sports?
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Do Footballers Invest in Business and Philanthropy?