The specialized magazine in the world of business and finance, published in the United States Forbes, has made a list with the highest-earning players, published by the Spanish newspaper AS.
1.- Leo Messi (Barcelona): $125 million
The player who year after year remains one of the highest earners. He exceeds annual income of 118 million. Barcelona pays him nearly 59 million net annually to keep him on their team. This year his contract ends, and in addition to that, his advertising campaigns with Pepsico (such as Lays ads) must be added, making him the player who earns the most money annually.
2.- Cristiano Ronaldo (Juventus): 116 million
The Portuguese almost reaches 118 million in earnings, but with one caveat: his salary, of almost 71 million, is almost entirely net after taxes. His hotel investments (alongside the Portuguese chain Pestana), plus his lifelong agreement with Nike and his advertising campaigns with Herbalife and Clear Shampoo, give him nearly 47 million more.
3.- Neymar (PSG): 95 million
The Brazilian star quadrupled his earnings in 2017 after leaving Barcelona for Paris. Precisely, the French team has spent more than 592 million to keep their franchise player. Less than a month ago, Neymar broke his historic agreement with Nike to sign with Puma.
4.- Kylian Mbappé (PSG): 41 million
The French forward is the youngest player to appear on this list. Interestingly, two-thirds of his earnings come solely from his salary, while the rest comes from his advertising deals, marketing, etc.
5.- Mohamed Salah (Liverpool): 37 million
The Liverpool forward is the only African player to appear in this ranking of the top 10 richest players from last season. The Egyptian earned over 36 million. Interestingly, almost 13 million came through a commercial agreement with Vodafone to become the company's digital figurehead in North Africa.
6.- Paul Pogba (Manchester United): 33 million
The French midfielder falls just short of 35 million. Like almost all players, the majority of his income comes from his salary (around 28 million). The rest comes from his sponsorships (he did a Pepsi campaign with Messi and Salah) and video games.
7.- Antoine Griezmann (Barcelona): 31 million
Antoine Griezmann's first season at FC Barcelona ended with earnings of almost 33 million. The forward has seen his salary increase compared to Atletico Madrid. He accumulates 28 million in salary alone. The rest comes from his investments in esports, where he has a company.
8.- Gareth Bale (Real Madrid): 29 million
The Welshman, who is not going through his best moments at Real Madrid, accumulated earnings of 29 million euros last year. One-fourth of this came from his golf club commercials and other advertisements featuring his image.
9.- Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich): 28 million
The Polish forward of the German team is attributed with earnings of 28 million. Lewangoalski, as he is known, was one of the clear favorites to win the Ballon d'Or, but the coronavirus pandemic has led France Football to leave the award vacant this year.
10.- David de Gea (Manchester United): 27 million
The Spanish goalkeeper of Manchester United is the highest-paid goalkeeper in the world. De Gea, who has been defending the Red Devils' goal since the 2011-12 season, earned almost 27 million last year, more than 23 of which came from his salary. (D)