Cristiano Ronaldo replaces Lionel Messi and sits on the top of the Forbes list of the world highest paid footballer 2021
Portuguese International Cristiano Ronaldo has overtaken Lionel Messi and is now the highest-paid footballer in the world. Meanwhile, PSG becomes the highest spending team with their 3 superstars on the list.
Ronaldo made the surprising switch to Premier League at the age of 36 which proves his strong willpower and determination. Ready to take on a challenge so tough like Premier League is not what other players will be able to repeat. On the other hand, Lionel Messi joined Paris-Saint Germain after failing to extend his contract with Barcelona.
World Highest Paid Footballer Forbes 2021: List of the top earning footballers in the world
10. Eden Hazard – Real Madrid
Real Madrid winger Eden Hazard is one of the highest-earning members of the Los Blancos squad. However, his injury problems have plagued his appearances on the field just like Gareth Bale. Meanwhile, Eden Hazard bags a whopping $29 million per year.
9. Gareth Bale – Real Madrid
Wales International Gareth Bale joined Real Madrid in 2013 and had a good start to his career helping the team to secure 4 UEFA Champions League titles. Meanwhile, he bags somewhere around $32 million per year in his current deal with Madrid who are looking to offload him.
8. Paul Pogba – Manchester United
Manchester United midfielder is one of the highest-earning members in the Premier League alongside his teammate, Cristiano Ronaldo. Meanwhile, the French International has entered into the final year of his deal with United and earns a whopping $34 million per year.
7. Andres Iniesta – Vissel Kobe
37-years-old Spanish footballer Andres Iniesta is still amongst one of the highest-paid footballers in the World after leaving Europe in 2018. Meanwhile, the former Spanish International earns $35 million annually and is on the verge of becoming an ambassador in the J League.
6. Rober Lewandowski – Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich forward Robert Lewandowski is one of the greatest strikers in the World and deserves to be paid amongst the elites. Meanwhile, the Polish striker earns $35 million annually through salary and endorsements.
5. Mohamed Salah – Liverpool
Mohamed Salah is another representative from the Premier League on the list of highest-paid footballers. Meanwhile, the Egyptian bags $41 million per year with the Merseyside club and is one of the highest-earning members of the Liverpool squad.
4. Kylian Mbappe – PSG
French wonderkid Kylian Mbappe has already made his way into the elite league of players but is out of contract next year. Meanwhile, he reportedly earns around $43 million at the French club and is fourth on the list.
3. Neymar – PSG
Brazilian forward Neymar is one of the most decorated footballers of all time. He possesses a different kind of flair and deserves to be paid in millions. Meanwhile, the Brazilian earns a humungous salary of $95 million annually.
2. Lionel Messi – PSG
Argentine International Lionel Messi joined Ligue 1 club, Paris-Saint Germain, in the summer transfer window. However, he earns more than what he did at Barcelona but is still behind Cristiano Ronaldo who earns more money. Messi bags a total of $110 million through endorsements and salary.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo – Manchester United
The Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo was behind Lionel Messi last year but retook the lead after signing with Manchester United. Meanwhile, he earns one of the highest salaries of $125 million at Manchester United.