Cristiano Ronaldo, Beckham and Zidane Top List of 8 Richest Real Madrid Players of All Time

Real Madrid has been home to some of the world’s best footballers in the world including five-time Ballon d’Or winner, Cristiano Ronaldo.

The record UEFA Champions League winners have never shied away from spending big to bring the best football talents to the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

Real Madrid's talent and success on the field have not only earned them fame and money but have also helped to establish the club as one of the most recognisable in the world.

According to the club's official website, the Spanish giants are ranked as the world's most valuable football club in the world as of 2022 by Forbes with a value of $5.1 billion.

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That wealth has also been spread across to players who are wearing the club’s colours and who have done so in the past.

In view of this, Sports Brief, alongside The Richest, have ranked the top eight richest players to have played for Real Madrid.

8. Kaka ($90 million)

Kaka is a former Brazilian professional footballer who specialised in the attacking midfield. During his prime, he was regarded as one of the best players in the world, winning numerous individual awards, including the Ballon d'Or in 2007.

Kaka was signed for an eye-watering €67 million in the same transfer window in which Madrid signed Cristiano Ronaldo. However, his career in Spain was quite anti-climactic compared to the price-tag he arrived for, courtesy of a series of injuries.

Over four seasons, he appeared in 120 games for Real Madrid, scoring 29 goals and assisting on 39 others, Goal reports. Kaka also won La Liga and the Copa Del Rey before returning to Milan on a free transfer in 2013.

7. Eden Hazard ($100 million)

Eden Hazard, who electrified the Premier League in England with Chelsea, signed for Real Madrid for approximately €100 mil before add-ons three seasons ago, Forbes reports.

The Belgian winger receives approximately €500,000 a week, or over €20 million per year in gross pay, putting him as the club’s highest current earner.

6. Zinedine Zidane ($120 million)

Zinedine Zidane, widely recognised as one of the greatest players of all time, was a vital player for Real Madrid during the early 2000s Galacticos era, The Richest reports.

The 1998 World Cup winner helped the Spanish giants win multiple titles, including the UEFA Champions League as a player.

After retiring from playing, Zidane went on to become a hugely successful manager, leading Real Madrid to three consecutive Champions League victories between 2016 and 2018.

Zidane is not only one of Real Madrid's best players but also one of its richest.

5. Mesut Ozil ($122 million)

Mesut Ozil's success stems from his time at Real Madrid, where he won three Champions League titles and was a key member of the club's midfield.

Ozil was a key part of the rejuvenated Los Blancos team under Jose Mourinho that impeded Barcelona’s dominance of La Liga in the early 2010s.

The German midfielder who would later move to Arsenal and then Fenerbahçe on hefty contracts are currently worth around $122 million.

4. Gareth Bale ($145 million)

Gareth Bale joined Real Madrid in 2013 for a then-world record fee of $108 million. The Welsh winger quickly established himself as an important member of Los Blancos, assisting them in winning multiple Champions League titles.

Bale is one of the wealthiest Real Madrid players of all time and one of the richest footballers in the world, with an estimated net worth of more than $145 million.

3. Ronaldo Nazario ($160 Million)

Ronaldo Nazario is believed to have a net worth of about $160 million. Before joining AC Milan in 2007, the Brazilian legend won two La Liga titles and a UEFA Cup with Real Madrid.

Despite his brief five-year stay at the Spanish capital, his immense talent and remarkable goal-scoring record have secured his place in the club's history. Understandably, he has amassed enormous wealth over the years.

According to Planet Football, Ronaldo became the first-ever former player to buy a club in one of the major European leagues, after agreeing to invest €30 mil to become the major shareholder of La Liga club, Real Valladolid in September 2018.

2. David Beckham ($450 million)

David Beckham is the leading contender for a global brand that transcends football, as the former England captain - known for his free kicks and passing - has also excelled in fashion and entertainment.

The Englishman's financial prowess helped him build an empire outside of football, while his personality and elegance have made him a legend both on and off the field.

According to Players Bio, Beckham Brand Holdings, co-owned by David, his wife Victoria, and Simon Fuller turns over $341 million. This company protects Becks' image rights and owns Victoria’s fashion business.

Besides this, he has a separate company, DB Ventures, that handles his endorsement deals. This brand has made a profit of more than $100 million. The former Real Madrid superstar is also the co-owner of Major League Soccer Franchise Inter Miami.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo ($500 million)

Cristiano Ronaldo has cemented his position as one of the best football players of all time and is among the richest, with an estimated net worth of over $500 million.

The Portuguese star has built an empire that extends far beyond his football achievements, and he is well-known for his exceptional skills and business savvy off the field.

According to Bleacher Report, Real Madrid signed Ronaldo for a then world record fee of £80 million from Manchester United after a two-year chase. He went on to win multiple Champions League titles with Los Blancos.

Ronaldo's net worth is presently pegged at $500 mil and constantly increases because of his rich endorsement deals with well-known brands and wealthy businesses.

Ronaldo is most-Googled footballer

The 38-year-old's popularity continues to grow in leaps and bounds despite switching from Europe to the Middle East.