Ronaldo overtakes Messi as top 10 highest-paid footballers are revealed; see full list

September 22, 2021 11:35 AM

Cristiano Ronaldo is back on top as the highest-paid footballer in the world with a salary of $125 million for the 2021/22 season.

Ronaldo overtakes Messi as top 10 highest-paid footballers are revealed; see full list

The Manchester United star has overtaken long-time rival Lionel Messi, who is now the second highest-paid footballer in the world, according to Forbes.

Both Ronaldo and Messi made big-money moves in the summer, with the former re-joining Manchester United while the latter moved to PSG.

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In its latest list of top-earning footballers in 2021, Forbes noted that Ronaldo will earn $125 million (£91.5m) before taxes this season, with $70m (£51.25m) of that coming from his salary and bonuses.

Messi is also expected to earn $110m (£80.5m), while Neymar is third with earnings of $95 million for the season.

The Brazilian superstar’s PSG teammate Kylian Mbappe is fourth with $43 million and Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah is fifth at $41 million.

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The list of top 10 highest-earning footballers is completed by Robert Lewandowski, Andres Iniesta, Paul Pogba, Gareth Bale and Eden Hazard in that order.

Below is Forbes’ list of top 10 highest-paid footballers in the world in 2021:

Cristiano Ronaldo - $125 million

Lionel Messi – $110 million

Neymar - $95 million

Kylian Mbappe - $43 million

Mohamed Salah - $41 million

Robert Lewandowski - $35 million

Andres Iniesta – $35 million

Paul Pogba - $34 million

Gareth Bale - $32 million

Eden Hazard - $29 million

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