In case you weren’t aware, soccer happens to be the most popular sport in the world. It might surprise you, but it’s true. And as a result of this fact, the best players alive reap major rewards, and can cost new teams a pretty penny. As if you needed another reason to be jealous of professional athletes, now you’re about to see how well it pays to be a professional footballer.
Goal.com recently released their annual “Goal Rich List,” and it provides a detailed look at which players make the most amount of money, and where their wealth comes from. This list takes into consideration salaries, endorsement deals, and any form of investment portfolios that a player might have as well. So take a seat if you must because this is going to sting.
Here’s a look at the top ten richest soccer players on the planet.
10. Frank Lampard
Total wealth: $90 million
Although Frank Lampard is currently playing with New York FC in the MLS, it was during his 14-year career in the English Premier League — 13 with Chelsea and one with Manchester City — where his fortune truly took off. During his stint at the game’s highest level, Lampard pulled in over €35 million in total earnings while matching that mark with an outstanding property portfolio. Throw in the fact that he has also been repped by both Nike and Adidas, and it’s easy to see how Lampard was able to crack the top 10.
9. Ronaldinho
Ronaldinho waves to the crowd. | OLI SCARFF/AFP/Getty Images
Total wealth: $93 million
It’s been some time since Ronaldinho tore up the pitch as a member of Barcelona, but that hasn’t stopped the former Ballon d’Or winner from raking in the big bucks. During a recent stint with Atletico Mineiro, he was pulling €2.7 million a year, and now as a member of Querétaro FC, Ronaldinho has an opportunity to earn an additional €2.5 million per year in performance-based incentives. Of course, when it comes to the greatness of Ronaldinho, this is how we’ll always remember him.
8. Raul
Raul with the sweet towel. | Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images
Total wealth: $95 million
Raul may no longer suiting up for Real Madrid, where he was making €7 million a year in salary, but that hasn’t affected his bank account one iota. Aside from a brief stint with New York Cosmos, Raul makes his mark — and money — off the field, with business ventures such as Scar Sport Europe (invests in renewable energies), Luri (a property company), and Cadmus (an energy company). As you can see, it’s good to be Raul.
7. Samuel Eto’o
Samuel Eto’o of Sampdoria in action. | Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images
Total wealth: $98 million
At one point in time, Samuel Eto’o was earning €10 million a year at Barcelona and €5 million at Chelsea, however, those days are behind him. Instead, he opted to collect a massive payday from Anzhi Makhachkala, where, according to Goal.com, he earned nearly half of his total fortune. Of course, endorsement deals with both Puma and Ford helped as well.
6. Kaka
Kaka doing work at a press conference. | Raphael Dias/Getty Images for Adidas
Total wealth: $108 million
Kaka is another one of those footballers who gets paid handsomely both on and off the field. Not only has he made plenty of bank playing for clubs like Real Madrid, AC Milan, Sao Paulo, and Orlando City, he’s also rolling in endorsement money, courtesy of deals with companies such as Adidas, Pepsi, Samsung, Gillette, and Armani. Let’s just say Kaka has it all.
5. Wayne Rooney
Wayne Rooney thanks the fans. | Jamie McDonald/Getty Images
Total wealth: $112 million
Wayne Rooney plays strike for both the English National Team and Manchester United, and is the wealthiest player in the English Premier League. Known for his strength on the field, Rooney has evolved into more than just goal scorer, which is why Man U rewarded him with a $104 million contract in 2014. On top of that, the deal is reportedly worth £300,000 a week.
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