According to Forbes, Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo has reclaimed the top spot from Lionel Messi on the list of the world’s highest-paid footballers.
Ronaldo returned to United from Turin Juventus in August after a 12-year absence, while Messi transferred from Barcelona to Paris Saint Germaine.
The 36-year-old who is one of the world’s most popular athletes with more than 500 million followers on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, will earn $125 million before taxes in the 2021/22 season, with $70 million in salaries and bonuses in Man U.
The rest will come from partnerships and endorsement with brands such as Nike, Herbalife, Clear and their brand CR7.
Last year, Messi, topped the list with a salary of $75 million and an additional $35 million from endorsements for a total expected profit of $110 million.
PSG’s Neymar, who signed a new deal until 2025 in May, is third on the list with a total profit of $95 million.
On number four is French player, Kylian Mbappé ($ 43 million) is fourth on the Forbes list, while Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah ($ 41 million) is in fifth place.
Top 10 soccer players:
1. Cristiano Ronaldo $ 125M
2. Lionel Messi $ 110M
3. Neymar $ 95M
4. Kylian Mbappe $ 43M
5. Mohamed Salah $ 41M
6. Robert Lewandowski 35M $
7. Andres Iniesta $ 35 million
8. Paul Pogba $ 34 million
9. Gareth Bale $ 32 million
10. Eden Hazard $ 29 million
