The new ‘’Top Wealthiest Footballer” list released by Forbes has placed Lionel Messi at the peak, above rival Cristiano Ronaldo, following research into his earnings.
According to the report, Messi’s total earnings in 2020 stand at $126 million; with $92m coming from his salary and the additional $34m coming from endorsements.
In second place is rival, Cristiano Ronaldo with a total earning of $117m. However, he still has a lot to be happy about since he currently is the most followed soccer player in the world on social media.
Neymar comes in third on the Forbes list ($96 million) with his Paris Saint-Germain teammate, 21-year-old Kylian Mbappe, up in fourth spot ($42m).
Other players who make up the top 10 list include, Liverpool’s title-winning striker Mohamed Salah in fifth spot ($37m) and Manchester United’s midfielder Paul Pogba ($34m) in sixth. Barcelona’s French forward, Antoine Griezemann sits in seventh position while Real Madrid’s winger, Gareth Bale is in eighth position.
Rounding up the list in ninth position is Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski, the only Bundesliga player and finally in tenth position is Manchester United’s shot-stopper, David De Gea ($27m)
Messi unenthusiastically agreed to stay at Barcelona for another season this month, despite saying in the wake of an 8-2 Champions League defeat by Bayern Munich that he wanted out.
He contended that a clause in his contract stating that a €700m buyout fee would need to be met for him to join another club was no longer active and that he could leave on a free transfer; a situation that would have allowed him to command huge wages from the likes of Manchester City.
Messi, 33, is in the final year of his contract so could leave for free next summer. By staying with the Catalan club, Messi is in line for an $83m loyalty bonus so it is likely he will continue to top the money charts.
InlandTown! 2020
