The Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has successfully dethroned his nemesis Lionel Messi to become the highest-paid footballer in the world right now. According to the list released by Forbes magazine, earnings by players before taxation have risen by $15 million since last year’s $570million (collectively for all top ten players). The majority chunk of player’s earnings comes from club wages and bonuses. This too has increased by 2.6% from last season. (Clubs are careful with wages given the economic situation after the pandemic).
Ronaldo is right at the top of the list with $125 million followed closely by three Paris Saint-Germain players – Messi, Neymar Jr and Kylian Mbappe who have $110 million, $95 million and $43 million respectively. Up next we have the Egyptian king Mohammed Salah at fifth who is the highest-paid footballer in the Premier League with $41 million.
Robert Lewandowski is the only Bundesliga player on the list with $35 million. Former FC Barcelona legend, Andres Iniesta is earning a lot in Japan with him getting $35 million as well at Vissel Kobe. To complete the list, we have Paul Pogba ($34 million), Gareth Bale ($32 million) and Eden Hazard ($29 million).