LONDON: Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo has reclaimed top spot in the list of the world’s highest-paid football players from Lionel Messi, according to Forbes.
Ronaldo, aged 36, rejoined United from Juventus in August after 12 years away, while Messi has swapped boyhood club Barcelona to join Paris St Germain. Forbes said Ronaldo is set to make $125 million before taxes in the 2021-22 season, with $70 million coming from salary and bonuses at United.
The rest will come from endorsements and partnerships with brands including Nike, Herbalife, Clear and his CR7 brand. He is among the world’s most popular athletes with over 500 million followers across Facebook, Instagram and Twitter,
Messi, who topped last year’s list, will be paid a salary of $75 million with an additional $35 million from endorsements for total expected earnings of $110 million.
The Argentine’s strike partner at PSG Neymar, who in May signed a new contract until 2025, is third on the list with total earnings of $95 million. Another PSG player, Kylian Mbappe ($43 million), is fourth on the Forbes list while Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah ($41 million) is fifth.
Top 10 highest earners in football:
Cristiano Ronaldo – $125 million
Lionel Messi – $110 million
Neymar – $95 million
Kylian Mbappe – $43 million
Mohamed Salah – $41 million
Robert Lewandowski – $35 million
Andres Iniesta – $35 million
Paul Pogba – $34 million
Gareth Bale – $32 million
Eden Hazard – $29 million
