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#3 Lionel Messi (Net worth - $400 million)
When you're the greatest footballer of all time, you become one of the most recognizable faces on the planet. This obviously translates to lucrative endorsement deals. Lionel Messi has won the Ballon d'Or, football's most prestigious individual honor, a record seven times.
He is reportedly the highest paid footballer in terms of wages. According to Forbes, Messi earns as much as $165 million annually as salary and incentives. The Argentinian set up his own clothing line and opened 'The Messi Store', a retail outlet, in 2019.
Messi has also signed a lifetime contract with Adidas. At Paris Saint-Germain, Messi reportedly earns close to a million per week. The 34-year-old is admired all across the globe and it's only surprising that he is not the richest footballer in the world.
#2 David Beckham (Net worth - $450 million)
Is there a more recognizable face from the world of football than David Beckham? He had an illustrious career and is the first English footballer to win the league in four different countries. His immense popularity stemmed from his incredible technical ability and also from his good looks.
Beckham was the most marketable player of the 2000s. He was one of the best free-kick takers around, had a charming personality and played for some of the biggest clubs in the world. He has investments in various sectors like food and drinks, fashion, television and entertainment and more.
He is the co-owner of MLS outfit Inter Miami. Beckham has a lucrative endorsement deal with the retailer H&M. Tudor watches, Haig Club whisky, Breitling, Sainsbury's, Armani, Gillette, AIA Group, Adidas and Pepsi Co. are all big brands he has collaborated with.
#1 Cristiano Ronaldo (Net worth - $450 million)
Yet another player who is in the argument for the greatest footballer of all time, Cristiano Ronaldo, is one of the most popular sporting icons on the planet. Ronaldo is a machine and even at the age of 36, he continues to be one of the best footballers in the world.
The Portuguese international has won league titles in three different countries. He had record-breaking stints with Real Madrid and Juventus and has returned to Manchester United for a second spell. In addition to being one of the best athletes in the world, Ronaldo has also shown that he is a great entrepreneur.
He has opened hair transplant clinics across Spain and Portugal called 'Insparya'. Ronaldo has a lucrative deal with Nike and has collaborated with a number of top brands like Herbalife, Armani, Clear Shampoo and Unilever, to name a few. He also has a luxury hotel brand named 'CR7' in partnership with the Pestana Group. These hotels are present in Portugal, the United States and Spain.
The Portuguese international is the richest footballer in the world right now.
