Top 10 Richest Footballers in France: 2025 Fortune Ranking
France's richest footballers
Soccer isn't just about sporting glory, it can also be profitable. very big. French footballers, whether in activity or retiredare among the world's best-paid athletes. From mega-salaries to lucrative advertising contracts and shrewd investments, some of them have amassed a veritable fortunes. Fasten your seatbelts, because the first place reserves a a real surprise !
Top 10 richest French footballers in 2025
10. Yoann Gourcuff - 50 million euros
Former great hope of French soccer, Yoann Gourcuff had a chequered, injury-plagued career. Despite an early retirement, he amassed a comfortable fortune of around 50 million euros. This tidy sum comes from his resounding transfer to Lyon in 2010 (with a salary that lived up to expectations), advertising contracts and the wise management of his assets. Discreet since retiring from football, Gourcuff now enjoying the fruits of his career in peaceproving that it's possible to be away from the pitch and still be in the game. Top 10 the fortunes of French soccer.
9. Éric Cantona - 54 million euros
L'"Eric King of Manchester United has lost none of his superb style once his career is over. Éric Cantonaa legend in the 90s, has built up an estate estimated at 54 million euros. His income comes not only from his wages and bonuses as a footballer, but also from his many cult commercials (who's forgotten the Nike spots with his raised collars?) and his successful reconversion as an actor and director. Cantona has starred in a number of films and TV series, adding to his bank account. As charismatic as ever, he proves that charm and financial success can go hand in hand, even away from the stadiums.
8. Franck Ribéry - €70 million
After a long career at the highest level, Franck Ribéry can boast of having accumulated a handsome fortune of around 70 million euros. Revealed in Marseille, then star of the Bayern Munich For over a decade, Ribéry enjoyed a substantial salary in the Bundesliga, topping several million a year. Nicknamed "Kaizer Franck" in Germany, he also signed advertising contracts (boot deals with Nike, then Puma) and didn't hesitate to indulge his wealth - remember his famous gold-covered steak, which caused a stir on Instagram! Now retired, Ribéry is enjoying his family life in Italy, with a bank account as golden as its track record.
7. Antoine Griezmann - €80 million
Still active and at the top of his game, Antoine Griezmann has already amassed a fortune estimated at 80 million euros. The 2018 world champion striker earned huge wages during his time at FC Barcelona (we're talking around €20m a year), before returning to Atlético Madrid with a still very comfortable pay-slip. Grizi is also a marketing icon sponsored by Puma, has been the face of Huawei and even has his own team. e-sport. Known for his sense of humor and video game-style celebrations, Griezmann also knows how to be serious when it comes to making his millions go further. And at just 32, his fortune still has time to grow. score new goals in this ranking!
6. Zinedine Zidane - 120 million euros
Zinedine Zidane is not only a living soccer legend, he's also a shrewd businessman. His fortune is close to 120 million eurosThe result of an exceptional career and an equally successful conversion to the bench. Zizou shone for Real Madrid as a player (with a record transfer at the time) and then as a coach, a position for which he earned up to 12 M€ per year. Add to this advertising contracts with Adidas, Orange and Generali, and you have a healthy bank account. Today, even if he's taking his time before returning to the bench, Zidane remains one of the most sought-after players in the world. favorite personalities of the French - and one of the richest too, thanks to its global aura and well-placed real estate investments.
5. Paul Pogba - 125 million euros
At just 30 years of age, Paul Pogba has already accumulated a fortune estimated at 125 million euros. The midfielder, another World Cup winner, has enjoyed a number of high-profile transfers (from Juventus to Manchester United for 105 M€ in 2016) and astronomical salaries reaching 15 M€ per year in England. Added to this are his advertising contracts with Adidas (which provides bonus income every year) and other lucrative partnerships (Pepsi, Amazon Prime, etc.).
Pogba is known for his extravagant style and taste for luxury - sports cars, unusual hairstyles, jewelry - but also for his generosity: he has, for example, donated his World Cup bonuses to charity. Despite recent setbacks (injuries, suspension), the "Pickaxe remains one of the richest and most popular French footballers on the planet, combining talent with a healthy wallet.
4. Thierry Henry - 130 million euros
Thierry Henry remains an icon of French soccer, and his financial success matches his legend. With an estimated fortune of 130 million eurosThe former Arsenal and Les Bleus striker has made the most of his exemplary career. Henry earned comfortable salaries at club level (notably at FC Barcelonathen a final big cheque to the New York Red Bulls in MLS), and has since become a star consultant (he was seen on Sky Sports, then assistant coach with the Belgian team and coach with the French national team). MLS). Sponsors, Titi has been the face of Renault (the famous "Va va voom!"), Gillette, Puma and Pepsi - collaborations that have strengthened his bank account. As elegant as ever, Thierry Henry continues to pass on his passion through commentary and coaching, while remaining one of France's most affluent sportsmen and women. A fine career move for France's all-time top scorer!
3. Karim Benzema - 150 million euros
Visit Ballon d'Or 2022 Karim Benzema has seen its wealth explode in recent years. Estimated at around 150 million euroshis fortune reflects a career at the top and choices that paid off. KB9 has long been one of Real Madrid's key (and highest-paid) players, earning more than 15 M€ per year at the end of his career. But it was above all his transfer to Saudi club Al-Ittihad in 2023 that brought about a new financial dimension: there is talk of a staggering salary in excess of his current salary. 100 M€ per year over there! In other words, his bank account is on the verge of collapse. score a hat-trick. In addition to his wages, Benzema has signed advertising contracts (Adidas, Hyundai, Fendi...) and owns a fine collection of luxury cars and even a private jet - little pleasures allowed by his multimillionaire status. At the age of 36, the man whom Zidane called "the best French striker of all time" is also one of the richest Frenchmen, and the trend is only accelerating.
2. Kylian Mbappé - 180 million euros
At just 25 years of age, Kylian Mbappé is already taking the world by storm, including financially. In 2024, his fortune is estimated at around 180 million eurosmaking him one of the richest footballers in the world. The Paris Saint-Germain striker hit the jackpot with his XXL contract at PSG, including a signing bonus of over €100m when he extended his contract to 2022 instead of going to Real Madrid. On the pitch, his performances have led to him being courted by sponsors: Nike has made him the heir to RonaldoHe appears on the cover of the FIFA game, and is involved in numerous partnerships (Hublot, Oakley...) while refusing to advertise junk food brands out of conviction. Mbappé, already world champion in 2018could well become the first footballer billionaire only thanks to his sporting career, if he continues in this vein. In the meantime, he occupies second place in this ranking... but for how much longer?
1. Mathieu Flamini - 15 billion euros
And the number 1 is... an ex-player nobody expected to be at such a party! Mathieu Flaminia modest midfielder who has played for Marseille, Arsenal and AC Milan, surpasses widely all other French footballers in terms of wealth, with an estimated fortune of 15 billion euros. Yes, you read that right: billions.
In 2008, Flamini co-founded GF Biochemicalsa pioneering company in petroleum fuel substitutes. His entrepreneurial flair has paid off far more than his tackles: the valuation of his company (which he partly owns) has propelled him into the financial stratosphere, to the point where he is often cited as the richest footballer on the planet. He has even eclipsed legends such as Messi or Ronaldo in assets! He remains humble and has denied being a personal billionaire (the value of the company does not directly reflect the money in his bank account), but the fact remains that Mathieu Flamini has become a textbook case. Thanks to him, first place in the ranking goes to a 39-year-old retired player, richer than Zidane, Henry and Mbappé reunited. It's enough to give more than one footballer at the end of his career ideas for a new career...
Conclusion
In conclusion, the France's richest footballers highlights the exceptional success of those athletes who, beyond their exploits on the field, know how to transform their passion into veritable financial empires. From the legends of the past to the stars of today, these athletes demonstrate that a well-managed career can open the door to a radiant financial future.
FAQ : Frequently asked questions about the wealth of French footballers
Q: Who is the richest French footballer?
A: Right now, it's Mathieu Flamini who ranks first in terms of wealth, thanks to his success off the pitch (co-founder of a company worth billions). If we consider only revenues strictly derived from soccer, Kylian Mbappé would undoubtedly be the wealthiest Frenchman in 2025, given his colossal salaries and advertising contracts.
Q: Which current French player has the biggest fortune?
R : Kylian Mbappé is often cited as the richest active French player, with a fortune of around €150-180 million. He is closely followed by Karim Benzemawhose recent contract in Saudi Arabia is rapidly swelling its assets (around €150 million and growing). Behind them are other assets such as Antoine Griezmannalthough at a lower level (below €100 million).
Q: How do footballers accumulate such fortunes?
A: Footballers earn most of their money from their work. salaries The top players earn huge salaries, some of them several million euros a month. Added to this are premiums (victories, titles, international competitions) and above all sponsoring agreements and advertising: equipment manufacturers (Nike, Adidas, Puma...), TV commercials, paid social networks, etc. Some players also invest in companiesreal estate or set up their own business.
Flamini, for example, made his fortune in green chemistry, while others like Blaise Matuidi invested in a soccer club (Inter Miami) or Gerard Piqué (of non-French origin, but a wealthy footballer) in start-ups. A well-managed career, a few investments and a controlled lifestyle enable these stars to preserve and grow their millions.
Q: Are the French among the richest footballers in the world?
A: Yes, several French footballers feature prominently in the world rankings. In 2024, Karim Benzema was ranked 6ᵉ richest player in the world, and Kylian Mbappé not far behind in the overall Top 10. Historically, international legends such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi remain ahead in terms of wealth (their estimated fortunes each exceed €400-500 million).
It should be noted that there are atypical cases abroad, such as a certain Faiq Bolkiah (born in Brunei, nephew of the Sultan) who technically has billions thanks to his family. But when it comes to footballers FrenchThanks to stars like Mbappé and Benzema, and the UFO Flamini, France is well represented among the game's biggest fortunes.
