Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United has topped Lionel Messi of Paris Saint Germain and Robert Lewandowski of Beyern Munich on Forbes’ list of highest-paid footballers in the world for the 2021-2022 season.
Lionel Messi who topped the list in the 2020-2021 season is ranked second behind his career rival this season despite making a money-spinning move to French Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint Germain.
Below are the highest-paid footballers in the world led by Cristiano Ronaldo according to Forbes
- Cristiano Ronaldo – $125 million
Before the end of this season, Cristiano Ronaldo who joined Manchester United from Juventus in August 2021, is expected to earn $125 million.
Forbes claimed that the 36-year-old Portuguese football icon will earn $70 million of the money from his salary and bonuses at Manchester United.
Ronaldo will receive the remaining balance of his total earning from endorsement deals. His total earnings from endorsement deals this season are estimated to be $55 million.
Only sportsmen like tennis legend, Roger Federer ($90m), basketball icon, LeBron James ($65m), and golf legend, Tiger Woods ($60m) will earn more than Ronaldo in terms of sponsorship deals this season.
- Lionel Messi – $110 million
According to Forbes, Lionel Messi will earn $110 million before the end of the 2021-2022 season. The 34-year-old Argentine football icon will earn $75 million of the money via his salary and bonuses at Paris Saint Germain while the rest will come from sponsorship deals.
- Neymar – $95 million
Neymar is the second-highest-paid footballer in the world. Forbes claimed that before the end of this season, the Brazilian football star will earn $95 million.
- Kylian Mbappe – $43 million
Kylian Mbappe who is expected to sign a new contract with Paris Saint Germain or leave for Real Madrid anytime soon is the fourth highest-paid footballer in the world. He will earn $43 million before the end of the 2021-2022 season.
- Mohamed Salah – $41 million
Mohamed Salah who is also expecting a new deal from Liverpool anytime soon is ranked 5th highest paid footballer in the 2021-2022 season. The Egyptian football star is expected to earn $41 million before the end of the season.
- Robert Lewandowski – $35m
Robert Lewandowski who received his European Golden Boot awards earlier today, September 22, is ranked the sixth highest-paid footballer in the world. The Bayern Munich goals machine is expected to earn $35 million before the end of the season.
- Andres Iniesta – $35 million
Though Andres Iniesta is no longer playing for a European club or in a major league, the FC Barcelona midfielder is ranked seventh on the list of highest-paid footballers in the world. The Spanish veteran football star is expected to earn $35 million from his Japanese club Vissel Kobe in the 2021-2022 season.
- Paul Pogba – $34 million
Paul Pogba who is expected to sign a new deal with Manchester United is ranked 8th on the list of highest-paid footballers in the world. Forbes claimed that the French midfielder would earn $34 million before the end of this season.
- Gareth Bale – $32 million
Gareth Bale might not be playing at his peak, he is still among the highest-paid footballers in the world. The Welshman who currently plays for Real Madrid is expected to earn $32 million before the end of this season.
- Eden Hazard – $29 million
Former Chelsea talisman, Eden Hazard is the 10th highest paid football in the world. The Belgian captain who is contracted to Real Madrid is expected to earn $29 million before the end of this season.
