The high salaries earned by soccer players are currently one of the most discussed topics throughout the football world.
The question as to if athletes in general and soccer players in particular, should be earning the kind of money they’re earning is more pulsating than ever these days, with clubs paying their players’ incredible amounts of money each year.
It’s somewhat difficult to judge exactly how much a player makes simply from his club salary, because many wage details are private, due to obvious reasons.
France Magazine has recently compiled a list of the highest-paid soccer/football players in the world at large which is as follows:
David Beckham, $49.4 million
No one can shift soccer merchandise like Beckham. He did it for Manchester United during his pomp and Real Madrid over the past four years, where he won over the fans if not the critics. Now coming to America on the back of potential $250 million marketing and playing deal with the Los Angeles Galaxy, he has proved he has the marketing savvy to put him in the elite of sports commercial superstars who outlast their playing days.
Ronaldinho, $38.4 million
The impish Barcelona is not only enjoying the number 2 spot but is also having the best of seasons by his standards. Like many of the stars of the last World Cup, club and international season has taken its physical toll. But he leapfrogged David Beckham last year to become soccer’s top-earning player thanks to endorsement deals with Nike and the likes of the consumer electronics giant Sony.
Lionel Messi, $36.6 million
Lionel Messi is an incredibly gifted soccer player who currently plays for Spanish giants FC Barcelona and the Argentine national team. He was almost indispensable in Barca’s first squad and although several thigh injuries kept him away from the pitch, he came back in force in the 2006-2007 season and is playing inform to date.
Cristiano Ronaldo, $31 million
Cristiano was famous for his soccer skills from his teenage. His dazzling footwork and goal-scoring touch made him a teenage star that was known as one of the most exciting young soccer players in the world. Cristiano Ronaldo’s talent caught the eye of Manchester United manager, Alex Ferguson, who bought him for $20 million US at that time, and now he is one of the highest-paid sports personalities in the world.
Thierry Henry, $26.8 million
One of Europe’s most feared strikers the Arsenal captain’s elegance and glamour on and off the pitch is remarkable-he his marriage to model Nicole Merry keeps him a marketers’ favorite, while his Arsenal contract of $220,000 (£112,000) a week keeps his bank manager merry, too.
