Forbes has just released the list of the highest paid football players of the year 2021 and…drum rolls… Christiano Ronaldo is arguably the richest footballer. He even pushed his long time rival Lionel Messi off the first spot.
It is no news that footballers, the most popular ones, make a ton of money every year. Here we have compiled a list of highest paid football players who have earned some serious dough.
1. Christiano Ronaldo
The famed striker has made over $1 billion from his salary and endorsement deals.
Ronaldo’s recent recent switch to Manchester United must have delighted supporters of Manchester United but it was a loss for Juventus.
He had previously played for Manchester United from 2003 to 2009 before he switched teams.
Ronaldo finished his last game for Juventus in style after winning the title of the best player of the European Championship. He also added few goals to his kitty to become the top scorer of Series A. The 32-year-old has won over 32 trophies.
2. Lionel Messi
Occupying the second spot is none other than Ronaldo’s rival, Messi.
Just like Ronaldo, Messi also switched clubs this year. Although whole Ronaldo made a decision to go back to his club where he previously belonged, Messi was forced to leave his club Barcelona after La Liga cut down on the players wages.
Over his long career, Messi has 35 titles and 78 awards to his name. He has also won the Ballon d’Or trophies for six times.
He made around $875 million from his salary and bonuses and $350 million from enforcements.
He is on the second spot because the new deal he signed with PSG is a cut from what he used to receive as part of Barcelona.
3. Neymar, Jr
Neymar used to play for Barcelona before he went over to PSG in 2017. He received around $263 joining bonus. Reportedly, Neymar also helped his club to scoop up Messi.
PSG extended his contract to four more years which means he is to remain at the French Capital till 2025.
The athlete had a brand deal with Nike, before it fell through and he signed a new deal with Puma. He collaborated with brand to launch brand new collection that features some loud and bright designs. He has also signed a contract with video making platform Triller.
He also enjoys a huge following on social media. He is the third most followed athelete.
4. Kylian Mbappe
Kylian Mbappe is probably not on par with Christiano and Messi but he surely is working his way up-the 22-year-old is already making way too much money that than Christiano and Ronaldo did when they were in their early twenties. His total earning stands around $43 million.
The Frenchman has insane potential, having won the Ligue 1 golden boot three times. His potential has not gone unnoticed by his club PSG. He was offered a three year contract extension, but the youngster turned it down.
If he had accepted the extension, he would be tied to the third spot with Neymar, but he has other goals.
His achievements also include being the solo face on the cover of FIFA 21.
5. Mohamed Salah
An icon to muslim athletes, Liverpool’s star striker, Mohamed Salah has earned around $41 million in his career. He is one of the top goal scorers.
Recently he scored the 100th goal for Liverpool and has become the fastest footballers ever to do that.
He joined the team in 2017 and since then he has contributed a lot to the success of Liverpool. Salah has only two years remaining in his contract. After the contract is up, he might switch teams like Ronaldo or Liverpool might impress him with a well drawn contract that keeps him at Anfield.
