Forbes magazine has released its yearly list of the highest-paid football players in the world. Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United’s newest and most famous entrant, has grabbed the top spot on the list this year. He has overtaken Lionel Messi, who was previously ranked first in the 2020 rankings.
Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann and Manchester United’s David De Gea have both slid off the list, while Andres Iniesta has surged into the top ten.
Cristiano Ronaldo, who made an incredible comeback to Manchester United, where he played from 2003 to 2009, was also able to sell the most Man Utd shirts. Ronaldo’s sponsorships bring in a stunning 55 million dollars. Only Roger Federer ($90 million), LeBron James ($65 million), and Tiger Woods ($60 million) have more money than CR7.
Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr. are paid more than Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar Jr. Messi left FC Barcelona to join PSG after his boyhood club (FCB) was unable to pay his wages.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo
Manchester United
Salary $70 million
Endorsements $55 million
2. Lionel Messi
Paris Saint Germain
Salary $75 million
Endorsements $35 million
3. Neymar Jr.
Paris Saint Germain
Salary $75 million
Endorsements $20 million
4. Kylian Mbappé
Paris Saint Germain
Salary $ 28 million
Endorsements $15 million
5. Mohammed Salah
Liverpool
Salary $25 million
Endorsements $16 million
6. Robert Lewandowski
Bayern Munich
Salary $27 million
Endorsements $8 million
7. Andres Iniesta
Vissel Kobe
Salary $31 million
Endorsements $4 million
8. Paul Pogba
Manchester United
Salary $27 million
Endorsements $7 million
9. Gareth Bale
Real Madrid
Salary $26 million
Endorsements $6 million
