Ballon d'Or Awards: Top 7 Richest Winners of Football's Biggest Individual Prize

• Footballers are undoubtedly some of the wealthiest athletes in the world
• Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo top the list of the richest football stars
• The two are also the most successful players to have won the Ballon d'Or

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are the two most successful footballers of the current generation.

The duo's dominance and longevity have seen them win top honours, including 13 Ballon d'Or awards between them.

Messi has won the most of those accolades, having carted it home on eight occasions.

The Argentine's most recent triumph came on Monday night when he was crowned the winner of the 2023 edition of the Ballon d'Or.

According to Euro Sport, the Barcelona legend saw off stiff competition from Manchester City hotshot, Erling Haaland and 28 others to win the prize.

Messi's victory came owing to his integral role in helping Argentina win the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

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Incredibly, the forward and his fellow award winners have enjoyed some significant success off the pitch, as they are also some of the wealthiest footballers.

Sports Brief takes a look at the top seven richest Ballon d'Or winners.

7. Luís Figo - £41 million

The Real Madrid and Portugal legend won the 2000 edition of the Ballon d'Or.

Figo, who made a controversial transfer from Barcelona to Los Blancos the same year he won the accolade, is believed to be worth £41 million.

6. Zinedine Zidane - £52 million

Away from his illustrious managerial stint, Zidane enjoyed a successful playing career. He won multiple honours during the period, including the 1998 Ballon d'Or when he helped France win the World Cup.

His successful football career both as a player and manager have earned him a fortune, with reports suggesting he is worth £52mil.

5. Michael Owen - £54.4 million

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The former England international won the Golden Ball in 2001. Despite retiring in 2013, Owen has gone on to enjoy a successful career as a TV pundit.

The ex-midfielder played for the likes of Manchester United and Real Madrid.

4. Karim Benzema – £62.5 million

The former Real Madrid striker is said to be worth £62.5mil.

Benzema has made a fortune through endorsement deals for big brands. He recently moved to Saudi Arabia after leaving the Santiago Bernabeu outfit.

3. Kaka - £74 million

The 41-year-old won the Ballon d'Or in 2007 before Messi and Ronaldo entered the fray.

After his retirement in 2017, Kaka has struck up lucrative deals with a number of brands, including global smart technology company, OPPO as well as American Tourister and PlayStation.

2. Lionel Messi - £105 million

Despite his success with the Ballon d'Or award, Messi only ranks second when it comes to the richest footballers to win the trophy.

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The 36-year-old, who recently moved to the MLS, is said to be worth £105mil and boasts properties in Europe and the US. He has also been involved in several brand endorsements.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo – £363 million

The Real Madrid and Manchester United legend is the wealthiest Ballon d'Or winner. The Portuguese star won the award on five occasions and is believed to be worth £363mil.

Recently, the Al-Nassr star topped Forbes' 2023 football rich list, per ESPN.

Suarez challenges Messi for 9th Ballon d'Or

Sports Brief has also reported on former teammate and friend, Luis Suarez challenging Messi to win another Ballon d'Or and not stop at eight.

Suarez commented on Messi's post on Instagram, celebrating his achievements and cheekily asked him to go for more as he 'deserves it'.