Many years ago, say in the in the 70s and until the late 80s, many families in some parts of the world did not see football as a career that was good enough for their children, especially the boy child.
However that narrative has since changed, with the huge amount of money that footballers command these days.
Football players are unarguably some of the richest persons in the world, and on a weekly and monthly basis these stars make big fortune, just kicking the round leather object.
In Africa, there are high earning football players in the past and present like Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon), Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast), Nwankwo Kanu (Nigeria), John Obi Mikel (Nigeria), to name but a few in the 90s, until late 2000s.
In present days, the likes of Victor Osimhen (Nigeria), Mohamed Salah (Egypt), Sadio Mane (Senegal), Yacine Bonou (Morocco), are earning eye-watering wages.
But on the global scale, who are the official top earners and richest football stars.
Using infos and stats from Transfermarkt and other foreign news sources, correspondent, Izuchukwu Okosi presents the richest soccer stars making the biggest cash and net worth.
1. Faiq Bolkiah
This is a name that will not resonate with a lot of football supporters. Faiq who?
The 26-year-old American-born, plays professional football in the Thai league of all places, as a midfielder for Ratchaburi FC.
However Bolkiah is born into wealth. He is the son of Jefri Bolkiah, the Prince of Brunei and nephew to the Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah, reputed as one of the richest men in the world.
Faiq Bolkiah is said to have a net worth of $20 billion (£16m) higher than the likes of Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and co.
2. Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi, is arguably the best footballer of his generation and unsurprisingly is on the list.
Some have said that he is the greatest of all times, above Arantes dos Nascimento (Pele), Diego Maradona, Franz Beckenbauer, Ronaldinho, Mitchel Platini etc.
The latter point raised is up for serious debate, but what is not in doubt is that the former Barcelona is one of the richest football players, in history.
The Inter Miami star, is valued at a net worth of $600 million (£516 million), as he has earned a lot of money in weekly wages, match bonuses and endorsement deals.
3. Cristiano Ronaldo
Can we ever have a conversation about Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, without a mention of the other?
These guys have taken football to new heights and beyond the football pitch, they have taken the rivalry to the business side of their carers, with massive income from endorsement deals.
Ronaldo plays for Al Nassr, in the Saudi Arabian Pro League and is undoubtedly the star that shone brightly, for others to start earning big in the Gulf.
Ronaldo’s net worth is estimated at $500 million
4. Neymar Jnr
Currently out injured due to a serious knee injury, the Brazilian superstar Neymar Jnr plays for Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal, and like Messi, was a former Barcelona player.
Considered the best of the rest after Messi and Ronoado, Neymar is a player known to love the flamboyant lifestyle, which also reflects somewhat in his game.
Neymar has had numerous endorsement deals, also and earns astronomical figure albeit he has not quite made it to the exclusive list of the world’s top two positions, in terms of status and money, as occupied by Messi and Ronaldo.
Neymar is expected to return to the game in the coming weeks, although he has been linked to some clubs away from Saudi Arabia.
5. Kylian Mbappe
Paris Saint Germain striker/forward Kylian Mbappe, earns handsomely at the French club reportedly close to £1 million.
However, the France international of Cameroon, descent has informed his club that he intends to depart the club in the summer with Real Madrid, widely considered as his next destination.
Real Madrid have been mooted to be on the trails of the twinkle-toed star, who won the 2018 World Cup with his adopted country, and was key to France’s run in the 2002 World Cup, where they finished runners up to Argentina.
The net worth of Mbappe is put at £143 million.
If that figure would increase remains to be seen, as he is expected to take a paycut in his aspirations to play for Real Madrid, according to multiple media sources
6. Paul Pogba
Paul Pogba, may have become a yesterday’s man in terms of football, following his injury problems that has been compounded by the recent football ban, after he failed a drug test.
Currently, the Juventus player who played at Manchester United previously, and has commanded the highest transfer fee for the Red Devils, is valued at £99 million.
What remains of Pogba’s career after his four-year ban, remains to be seen.
7. Antoine Griezmann
France international Antoine Griezmann, makes the cut and is currently valued at £71 million, which is by no means a staggering figure on its own.
The Atletico Madrid forward had a stint at Barcelona, which didn’t go as planned but playing for such a historic club indeed helped to upgrade his account,s and his income off the pitch.
Griezmann is a key member of the French national team, and was the star of the show in their Euro 2016 campaign.
8. Mohamed Salah
Former African Footballer of The Year, winner Mohamed Salah, is unarguably one of Africa’s finest exports to European club.
The Liverpool and Egypt superstar, had had stints at Chelsea and AS Roma, but his star has shone brightest at Liverpool, where he has won a couple of laurels like the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League.
Chased by a couple of clubs in the Saudi Arabian league, Salah last summer, should Saalh agree to move to the Arab nation this year, his earnings and ultimately met worth will surpass the current £71 million, that it stands at.
9. Robert Lewandowski
Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski, made his name whilst at German Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich, where he created lots of records.
Although a certain Harry Kane, has broken his goal-scoring record of scoring 30 league goals in his debut seasonm ( Kane now has 31), Lewandowski is undoubtedly a special player and should have won the Ballon D’Or Awards, that was not awarded in 2020 ostensibly due to Covid 19.
The Polish star, however deservedly won the FIFA The Best the following year, and has seen his net worth reach the £67 million mark.
10. David De Gea
Making the top 10 of the current richest footballers is Spain goalkeeper, David De Gea who is a free agent.
The former Man United keeper, has not found a new club since his departure from Old Trafford last summer, but his valuation in terms of income is reported to be in the region of £60m.
As a free agent, if he gets a new club this summer, that could see his net worth further bigger.
