Forbes released its list of the highest paid footballers in the world and it won’t surprise you, who are in it.
Topping the list, is Portugese national, 31 year old, Christiano Ronaldo, who plays for Real Madrid. The three- time FIFA best player in the world, earned a whooping $82 million, making him the highest paid athlete last year, he made $29 million from endorsements alone, he modelled for Nike’s new self- tying shoe and released a namesake fragrance legacy, the rest, $53 million, came from his salaries and bonuses.
The second highest-paid footballer and reigning FIFA player of the year, was Lionel Messi, who earned $77 million last year — $51 million in salary and bonus and $26 million in endorsements from companies like Adidas and EA Sports
The next highest paid footballer, last year was, Zlatan Ibrahimovic who made $37 million. Ibrahimovic earned $7 million in endorsement money, thanks to deals with companies like Nike and Volvo, and earned the rest $30 million on the pitch.
Number four on the list, was, Neymar Jr, who earned a whopping $14million from salaries and bonuses and $22 million from endorsements with companies like Clear, Rexona, Nike and Panasonic, totaling up to $36 million, come to think of it, Neymar earned more off the pitch than he did on it.
Coming at position five was Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale with total earnings of $34million of which, $24 million consisted of salaries and bonuses and pulled in the extra $10 million thanks to endorsement deals with companies such as Sony Xperia, Adidas and BT Sport.
Sixth on the list was Wayne Rooney, the Manchester United player collect $20 million in salaries and bonuses and reeled in an extra $6 million from relationships with brands like Harper Collins and Nike, bringing his total to $26 million.
Sergio Aguero, came in at number seven with $17 million in salaries and bonuses and an extra $7 million in endorsement money from companies such as Pepsi, Puma and EA Sports. This saw Man City’s top scorer take home a total of $24 million.
Luis Suarez took eighth place. Suarez, who plays for Barcelona, took home $5 million in endorsement money from deals with companies like Adidas, Pepsi and Abitab, coupled with $18 million that he made on the pitch, he took home a whooping $23 million, last year.
Belgian national, Eden Hazard, came in at number nine. Hazard, who plays for Chelsea took home $18 million in salaries and bonuses and another $4 million in endorsement money with companies like, Topps, Lotus Bakeries, Sina Sports and Nike.
Number ten in the list of the highest paid footballer of 2016 was Cesc Fabregas. The Chelsea midfielder got paid quite handsomely for his efforts, this saw him take home a cool $21 million which consisted of $16 million in salaries and bonuses and an extra $5 million in endorsement money from deals with companies like Puma and Beats by Dre.
