Patrick Kluivert Highest-Paid Footballer in the World

It's been a rough year for the footballer, but at least he has his millions of dollars to ease the pain. 49-year-old Patrick Kluivert has taken the No. 1 spot on People With Money’s top 10 highest-paid footballers for 2026 with an estimated $75 million in combined earnings.

UPDATE 24/03/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Patrick Kluivert tops annual list of highest-paid footballers

In 2023 it looked like the footballer’s spectacular career was winding down. Suddenly, he was back on top. People With Money reports on Monday (March 23) that Kluivert is the highest-paid footballer in the world, pulling in an astonishing $75 million between February 2025 and February 2026, a nearly $40 million lead over his closest competition.

People With Money’s factors

In compiling this yearly list, the magazine considers factors such as upfront pay, profit participation, residuals, endorsements and advertising work.

The Dutch footballer-coach has an estimated net worth of $215 million. He owes his fortune to smart stock investments, substantial property holdings, lucrative endorsement deals with CoverGirl cosmetics. He also owns several restaurants (the “Fat Kluivert Burger” chain) in Amsterdam, a Football Team (the “Amsterdam Angels”), has launched his own brand of Vodka (Pure Wonderkluivert - Netherlands), and is tackling the juniors market with a top-selling perfume (With Love from Patrick) and a fashion line called “Patrick Kluivert Seduction”.

The ranking is significant for many Patrick fans, who have been waiting for his triumphant return to the glory days for what seems like a lifetime.

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