Football Legends of 2025: Inspiring an Era

Football Legends in 2025: Age, Achievements, Controversies, Wealth & Clubs

1. Cristiano Ronaldo 🇵🇹 (40 years old)

   • Achievements: 5 Ballon d'Ors, 5 Champions League titles, and the all-time top scorer in international football.

   • Controversy: Criticized for walking off during matches and public disagreements with managers at Manchester United and Juventus.

   • Wealth: Estimated net worth of $550 million, thanks to endorsements with Nike and his CR7 brand.

   • Club: Al-Nassr (Saudi Pro League), where he remains a top performer.

2. Ángel Di María 🇦🇷 (37 years old)

   • Achievements: Copa América 2021, FIFA World Cup 2022 winner with Argentina, and multiple domestic titles with PSG and Real Madrid.

   • Controversy: Fallout with Manchester United over his role and lifestyle in England.

   • Wealth: Estimated net worth of $60 million, driven by his long career at top clubs.

   • Club: Benfica, making an emotional return to his first European club.

3. Karim Benzema 🇫🇷 (38 years old)

   • Achievements: Ballon d’Or 2022 winner, 5 Champions League titles, and Real Madrid's second-highest all-time goal scorer.

   • Controversy: Involved in the Mathieu Valbuena blackmail scandal, leading to his exclusion from the French national team for years.

   • Wealth: Estimated net worth of $80 million, bolstered by his recent move to Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia.

   • Club: Al-Ittihad (Saudi Pro League), dominating the league as a key player.

4. Lionel Messi 🇦🇷 (38 years old)

   • Achievements: 7 Ballon d'Ors, FIFA World Cup 2022, and the all-time leading scorer for Barcelona and Argentina.

   • Controversy: Criticized for leaving Barcelona for PSG and later for his move to Inter Miami, seen as prioritizing money over competition.

   • Wealth: Estimated net worth of $600 million, including his lifetime deal with Adidas and massive MLS salary.

   • Club: Inter Miami (MLS), transforming the league with his presence.

5. Robert Lewandowski 🇵🇱 (37 years old)

   • Achievements: FIFA Best Player of the Year 2020 and 2021, over 500 career goals, and multiple Bundesliga titles.

   • Controversy: Criticized for forcing a transfer from Bayern Munich to Barcelona.

   • Wealth: Estimated net worth of $90 million, including endorsement deals with Nike and Huawei.

   • Club: Barcelona, continuing to deliver consistent performances.

6. Luka Modrić 🇭🇷 (40 years old)

   • Achievements: Ballon d’Or 2018, Champions League titles, and Croatia's first-ever World Cup final in 2018.

   • Controversy: Accused of perjury in a corruption trial in Croatia.

   • Wealth: Estimated net worth of $75 million, thanks to a storied career at Real Madrid.

   • Club: Real Madrid, a veteran leader both on and off the pitch.

7. Manuel Neuer 🇩🇪 (39 years old)

   • Achievements: 2014 FIFA World Cup winner, multiple Bundesliga titles, and one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time.

   • Controversy: Criticized for publicly opposing Bayern Munich's coaching staff decisions.

   • Wealth: Estimated net worth of $50 million, primarily from his long career and endorsements with Adidas.

   • Club: Bayern Munich, continuing as a reliable shot-stopper.

8. Sergio Ramos 🇪🇸 (39 years old)

   • Achievements: 4 Champions League titles, 2 European Championships, and the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

   • Controversy: Known for his aggressive playstyle and infamous red cards, including the one in the Champions League final against Juventus.

   • Wealth: Estimated net worth of $80 million, including lucrative sponsorships with Nike.

   • Club: Sevilla, returning to his boyhood club for the final years of his career.

9. Luis Suárez 🇺🇾 (38 years old)

   • Achievements: La Liga titles, Copa América 2011, and over 500 career goals.

   • Controversy: Involved in multiple biting incidents during his career, including the infamous one with Giorgio Chiellini.

   • Wealth: Estimated net worth of $70 million, bolstered by endorsements and high salaries.

   • Club: Gremio (Brazil), still showcasing his scoring prowess.

10. Sergio Busquets 🇪🇸 (37 years old)

    • Achievements: 3 Champions League titles, 2010 FIFA World Cup winner, and a core member of Barcelona's golden era.

    • Controversy: Criticized for diving and exaggerating fouls during key matches.

    • Wealth: Estimated net worth of $45 million, including earnings from his long tenure at Barcelona.

    • Club: Inter Miami, reuniting with Lionel Messi in the MLS.

These legends have defined an era of football, and as they near the twilight of their careers, they continue to inspire fans worldwide.