Timo Boll at a Glance
- Net Worth: $7 million
- Birthdate: March 8, 1981
- Birthplace: Erbach, West Germany
- Nationality: German
- Profession: Professional table tennis player
Table of Contents
What is Timo Boll’s Net Worth?
Timo Boll has a net worth of $7 million. As one of the most successful and recognized table tennis players in history, particularly outside of China, Boll has built his fortune through a combination of professional club salaries, tournament prize money, and significant, long-term brand endorsements. His career is marked by extraordinary longevity, allowing him to remain a top earner in the sport for over two decades.
His wealth is primarily derived from his professional contracts and his status as a sports icon in Germany and Asia. Boll has long played for Borussia Düsseldorf in the German Bundesliga, one of the top leagues in Europe, where star players command substantial salaries. He also competed in the lucrative Chinese Super League, increasing his earnings and profile. This is supplemented by winnings from a career that includes multiple World Cup titles, eight European Singles Championships, and numerous ITTF Pro Tour victories.
Endorsements
A massive portion of Timo Boll’s income comes from his powerful brand endorsements. His most significant partnership is with Butterfly, a leading table tennis equipment manufacturer. Boll signed with Butterfly when he was just 11 years old and has been with the brand for over 30 years, a rare and deeply integrated relationship in sports. He has his own successful line of signature blades and equipment, which provides a steady revenue stream.
Boll is also a key brand ambassador for the German insurance group ARAG, which sponsors both him and his club, Borussia Düsseldorf. In August 2025, Boll accepted a new role as a brand ambassador for the prominent football club Borussia Dortmund (BVB), a move designed to leverage his immense popularity in Asia to grow the football club’s brand.
Early Life
Timo Boll was born in Erbach, West Germany, on March 8, 1981. He began playing table tennis at just four years old, initially coached by his father. His talent was immediately apparent. By the age of eight, he was discovered by Hessian trainer Helmut Hampel, who began to nurture his skills.
He joined the club TSV Höchst and quickly rose through the ranks. At 14, Boll was already competing in the national league, holding the title of the league’s youngest-ever player at the time. His junior career was dominant; in 1995, he won three gold medals at the European Youth Championships, signaling the start of a legendary international career.
Career
Timo Boll’s professional career is defined by his success and his ability to compete at the highest level across multiple decades. In 2002, he became the first German player to win the Europe-Top-12-Tournament and also won the World Cup, which propelled him to the World No. 1 ranking for the first time in January 2003.
He has been a cornerstone of his club, Borussia Düsseldorf, since joining them in 2007, leading the team to numerous German championships and Champions League victories. While an individual World Championship gold medal eluded him, he has a decorated collection of medals from the tournament, including singles bronze in 2011 and 2021.
Boll is also a four-time Olympic team medalist, winning two silver medals (2008 Beijing and 2020 Tokyo) and two bronze medals (2012 London and 2016 Rio) with the German national team. His remarkable longevity was proven when he regained the World No. 1 ranking in 2011 and again in March 2018, more than 15 years after he first held the spot.
Boll announced his retirement from international competition following the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. He continues to play for his club, Borussia Düsseldorf, and remains a prominent ambassador for the sport, appearing at events like the WTT Champions Frankfurt in 2025.
