Football's Wealth Leaders: Top Club Owners and Highest-Paid Players

Some of football's richest owners are backed by massive fortunes, often from nations or major corporations. The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), which owns Newcastle United, leads with an estimated 696 billion in assets according to the Sovereign Wealth Fund Institute. This fund also holds stakes in clubs like Al-Ahli, Al-Ittihad, Al-Hilal, and Al-Nassr.

Sheikh Mansour, the force behind Manchester City and several other clubs such as Girona, Melbourne City, and New York City FC, is valued personally at around 22.6 billion. His family's overall wealth as rulers of the UAE dwarfs even that number.

Red Bull GmbH is a key player too, owning six clubs worldwide, including RB Leipzig, Red Bull Salzburg, and New York Red Bulls. Their estimated value comes in at 21.8 billion. They also have minority stakes in Leeds United and Paris FC.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, part-owner of Manchester United, ranks among the UK’s wealthiest with a net worth around 17 billion, despite a recent drop noted by the Sunday Times Rich List.

David Tepper, owner of Charlotte FC, rounds out the list with a fortune near 16 billion.

• PIF (Newcastle United, Saudi clubs): 696 billion
• Sheikh Mansour (Manchester City and related clubs): 22.6 billion
• Red Bull GmbH (RB Leipzig, Salzburg, New York Red Bulls, Leeds United stakes): 21.8 billion
• Sir Jim Ratcliffe (Manchester United): 17 billion
• David Tepper (Charlotte FC): 16 billion

Highest-Earning Current Football Players

Cristiano Ronaldo tops earnings charts as the highest-paid footballer worldwide, pulling in about 218 million according to InsiderMedia. Forbes lists him as the top earner across all sports globally.

Lionel Messi follows with estimated earnings near 103 million. After him, the rankings get a bit debated, but Neymar and Karim Benzema usually come next with 84 million and 79 million respectively.

Kylian Mbappe has climbed the list recently after his high-profile move from PSG to Real Madrid on a free transfer, now earning close to 69 million.

• Cristiano Ronaldo: 218 million
• Lionel Messi: 103 million
• Neymar: 84 million
• Karim Benzema: 79 million
• Kylian Mbappe: 69 million