Career rivals, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are topping the list of highest-paid players in the world even though they are no longer at the peak of their football careers.
The two players have been leading everything in the game since 2004 when they hit the limelight as football stars. Their consistency has made them two of the greatest footballers in the world.
As they are winning titles for their clubs and countries, they are winning individual honors. They didn’t stop there, they have been the highest-paid players in the world over the years.
Below are the 10 highest-paid players in the world in 2021
- Cristiano Ronaldo – €108 million
According to Forbes, Cristiano Ronaldo is number one on the list of the highest-paid players in the world. The 36-year-old Portuguese star who joined Manchester United from Juventus last summer currently earns €108 million per year.
- Lionel Messi – €95 million
Argentina’s football icon, Lionel Messi is second on the list of highest-paid players in the world according to Forbes. The 34-year-old Paris Saint Germain forward earns €95 million per year.
- Neymar – €82 million
Brazil’s football star, Neymar is the third highest-paid footballer in the world. The 29-year-old Paris Saint Germain star currently earns €82 million per year.
- Kylian Mbappe – €37 million
France’s star, Kylian Mbappe is the fourth highest-paid player in the world. The 22-year-old Paris Saint Germain striker earns €37 million per year.
- Mohammed Salah – €35 million
Egyptian footballer, Mohammed Salah is the 5th highest paid footballer in the world. Forbes claimed that the 29-year-old Liverpool forward earns €35 million per year.
- Robert Lewandowski – €30 million
Polish striker Robert Lewandowski is 6th on the list of highest-paid players in the world. The 33-year-old Bayern Munich striker earns €30 million per year.
- Andres Iniesta – €30 million
Andres Iniesta might not be playing in mainstream Europe, he is still earning like a superstar. The 37-year-old FC Barcelona Spanish legend is currently earning €30 million per year at a Japanese side Vissel Kobe.
- Paul Pogba – €29 million
France’s star, Paul Pogba is the 8th highest paid footballer in the world. The 28-year-old Manchester United midfielder earns €29 million per year.
- Gareth Bale – €28 million
Wales international, Gareth Bale, is the 9th highest-paid player in the world. The 32-year-old Real Madrid winger earns €28 million per year.
- Eden Hazard
Belgian footballer Eden Hazard is the 10th highest-paid player in the world. The 30-year-old winger earns €25 million per year at Real Madrid.
