Although football is usually packaged as a game of passion, over the years, the intense monetary involvement in the beautiful game has somehow blighted that statement.
The last couple of transfer windows have revolved around several eye-watering transfers which have taken the world by storm. Consequently, the footballers also earn big money through endorsements and obviously, astronomical salaries. Here are the top five earners in World Football.
#5 Paul Pogba
In 2016, Manchester United paid a whopping £89m to Juventus in order to bring Paul Pogba back to his former club, which he departed from as a free agent in 2012. The fee made the Frenchman the most expensive footballer back then.
According to Forbes, Pogba earns a total of $29.5m annually as a result of his $25m worth salary and $4.5m from endorsements. The midfielder, famous for his freakish hairdos, has a 10-year deal with Adidas worth an estimated $31 million.
Pogba was one of the bright spots in an anaemic Manchester United squad this season. Even though he found himself in the firing line all but throughout the first season at the Red Devils, the wunderkind has managed to silence his critics with his back-to-back commendable performances at the Old Trafford.
This season, the 25-year-old made 28 appearances for Manchester United, managing 6 goals and 10 assists in the process. Pogba is now looking forward to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, having already won 53 international caps.
#4 Gareth Bale
The Welshman grabbed the headlines of late with his awe-inspiring bicycle kick against Liverpool that won Real Madrid their 13th Champions League title, fourth in the last five years.
Bale was bought by Real Madrid for a record-breaking transfer fee of £90m in 2013. Since then, he has inspired Los Blancos to a La Liga, 4 Champions League titles, 2 UEFA Super Cups and 2 FIFA Club World Cups.
Recently, in a post-match television interview, the 28-year-old hinted at a move away from the club due to the dearth of game time under Zidane.
As of now, the Welsh international grosses $34.6m annually with $6m from endorsements and a salary of $28.6m
#3 Neymar
Paris Saint-Germain emptied a host of coffers to fork out £198 million last summer in order to lure the Brazilian to Parc des Princes.
This season, the 26-year-old scored 28 goals in 30 appearances for PSG which could have been more impressive if it had not been for a fractured metatarsal in early March.
The Brazilian international works off the pitch with global sponsors Nike, Red Bull, Gillette, McDonalds and Beats by Dre.
#2 Cristiano Ronaldo
In the early stage of the recent season, it appeared that Ronaldo was past his prime due to his below par performances. However, the Portuguese humbled his critics in a glorious fashion by netting 44 goals in 43 matches in all competition this past season.
The Real Madrid megastar has a total earning of $108m which is a result of $61m salary and $47m from endorsements.
The 33-year-old dropped a bombshell after the Champions League final by casting doubts on his future at the club, which many have billed as a blackmail with the aim of forcing an increase in his salary.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has deals with Nike, Herbalife, EA Sports and American Tourister, along with a growing line of CR7 branded products.
#1 Lionel Messi
Sorry, Cristiano Ronaldo, but it’s Lionel Messi who has topped this list. The Barcelona star signed a contract extension at the end of the last year, which will keep him at the Nou Camp through 2020-21.
The 30-year-old receives an aggregate of $111m as a result of $84m from salary and $27m from endorsements.