Football is one of the most popular sports worldwide, with millions of fans around the globe. It is a game that brings together people from all walks of life, regardless of their economic status. That is the reason why Football is known as “the beautiful game”.
However, have you ever stopped to wonder what famous footballers would look like if they were poor? In this article, we will explore this fascinating topic and imagine what some of the most famous footballers in history would look like if they were not wealthy.
Cristiano Ronaldo

Let us start with Cristiano Ronaldo, arguably one of the greatest footballers of all time. If he were poor, he would not have access to the latest fashion sponsorships, luxurious cars, or a massive mansion.
The Portuguese striker would have to wear second-hand clothes or hand-me-downs from his family members. Ronaldo’s love for fashion would probably remain, but he would have to save up to buy a new outfit once in a while.
Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi, another legend of the sport and a world cup winner, would look drastically different if he were poor. The Argentine superstar’s impressive collection of cars and properties wouldn’t even exist.
He would have to rely on public transport or walk to get to training sessions and games. Messi’s humble beginnings in Rosario, Argentina, remind us that footballers do not always come from wealthy backgrounds. And to Lionel Messi’s credit, he always showed humility even in his greatest moments.
Neymar Jr

Neymar Jr., one of the most expensive footballers in history, wouldn’t look like an expensive athlete if he were poor. The Brazilian forward would not be able to afford his lavish lifestyle, which includes private jets, yachts, and expensive jewelry. He would have to live in a small apartment and make do with a basic Android phone instead of the latest iPhone 14 Pro Max.
Mo Salah

Moving on to the English Premier League, Mo Salah is one of the best wingers in the world, but what would he look like if he were poor? Liverpool’s highest-earning player would not have access to the best training facilities or nutritionists, which are crucial for any professional footballer. He would not have enough money to take a bus to Liverpool’s training ground.
Kylian Mbappe

Kylian Mbappe, who’s currently the main man at PSG, wouldn’t look the same if he were poor. The French striker’s impressive car collection, which includes expensive sports cars would be in his dreams. He would have to take public transport or ride a bike to get to training sessions and games. Furthermore, the striker would barely make enough to put food on his table.
Robert Lewandowski

Robert Lewandowski is one of the most lethal strikers in the world, with an impressive goal-scoring record in Spanish La Liga and for the Polish national team. If he were poor, however, his life would be so different from his current lifestyle.
The Polish center-forward would have to live in a small apartment or even a shared accommodation with roommates. Without his footballer’s salary, he would not be able to afford the latest fashion brands like Gucci and Balenciaga. He would have to shop at second-hand stores or settle for cheaper alternatives.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic

As a professional footballer, Zlatan Ibrahimovic earns a significant amount of money, which allows him to afford a luxurious lifestyle that includes fancy sports cars, designer clothing, and a huge luxurious mansion.
If he were poor, though, Ibrahimovic would not have access to these luxuries. He would have to live in a small rented apartment, wear dirty and torn clothing, and walk on foot to reach his destinations. His overconfident behavior, however, would likely remain the same.