Counting down the net worth of the top ten richest living footballers…
It doesn’t take an expert to tell you that footballers earn a lot of money, in fact, they earn an insane amount of money – a tally of which any normal person could dream of. But just quite how much are they worth?
SEE MORE:
Angel di Maria in Manchester United’s most expensive ever XI.
Lionel Messi career in pictures – ten years since Barcelona star’s debut!
Top 50 best footballers in the world 2014/15
CaughtOffside counts down the cream of the crop, the top ten living footballers who earn more than anyone else. The list includes an ex-Arsenal legend, a current Manchester United striker, and multiple World Cup winners – see the full list below:
10) Thierry Henry (Net Worth, £47m)
Spells with Arsenal, Barcelona and four years in the MLS have seen Henry’s vast fortune grow. The Frenchman has also been at the forefront of boot and kit campaigns for Puma.
9) Gianluigi Buffon (Net Worth, £52m)
The long-serving Juventus goalkeeper has long since been established as one of the world’s best goalkeepers, and has consistently earned well during his time in Turin.
8) Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Net Worth, £57m)
Has represented major sponsors Nike for almost a decade, while his playing career has included spells with some of Europe’s wealthiest clubs – Inter Milan, Barcelona, AC Milan and, most recently, PSG.
7) Ronaldinho (Net Worth, £64m)
His deals with Nike, Barcelona, and the FIFA game series ensured he was raking in the cash during the early 2000’s, and while his wage packet has since diminished, he’s still earning a hefty retirement bonus in Mexico.
6) Neymar (Net Worth, £66m)
Another lucrative Barcelona buy, as well as the poster boy for his national side, and in many ways the face of football’s future. The main man at the 2014 World Cup, and a prominent figure in Nike’s boot and kit campaigns.
5) Kaka (Net Worth, £67.5m)
Several big-money transfer moves have widened the Brazilian’s pockets, with his spell with Real Madrid particularly lucrative. Two spells at AC Milan have clearly helped complete his fortune.
4) Wayne Rooney (Net Worth, £69m)
Rooney’s infamous £300,000-a-week contract at Manchester United sees him earn approximately 50p a second. He’s been one of Nike’s marquee names for many years, and has also been employed across numerous other advertising campaigns.
3) Samuel Eto’o (Net Worth, £70m)
Spells at Real Madrid, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Chelsea, and now Everton, among others, as well as a reputation of one of the world’s deadliest marksmen, have seen him earn a staggering amount. His £18m-a-year contract with Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala from 2011 to 2013 also gave him a big boost.
2) Lionel Messi (Net Worth, £120.5m)
Reportedly earns around £16m in a year at Barcelona. Throw in his deals with Adidas, EA Sport’s – where he’s the long serving face of the FIFA game series – and the fact that he’s one of the best players of all time, and you’ll quickly realise why his net worth stands so high.
1) Cristiano Ronaldo (Net Worth, £122m)
The Argentine wizard is only outdone by his long term rival, Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo. His popular image has seen him become something of a model as well as a footballer, and expensive deals with fashion companies have provided an extra type of income. His latest deal with Nike is also suggested to be worth around £76m.
SEE ALSO: World’s Top 50 Hottest Sportswomen