The Five Highest Paid Footballers Around the World

With hundreds of countries around the world proudly bearing a national football team, it’s no wonder that the sport is so popular. The most successful football players often become household names, but have you ever wondered how much they earn?

Below, we delve into the list of the five highest-earning football players in the world. You’ll find players like Neymar and Ronaldo on the list, but can you guess where they rank? Take a look below to find out.

5. Paul Pogba $33 million

Paul Pogba began his senior career with Manchester United in 2009 before transferring to Juventus in 2012, where he helped the team to their first UEFA Champions League Final in 12 years. He returned to Manchester United in 2016, signing a five-year contract that will see him earning more than $98 million with the club.

Pogba also plays for the French national team, and helped his side to victory in the 2018 FIFA World Cup after scoring a goal in the final.

His transfer from Juventus to Manchester United was worth a then-record breaking sum of $105 million, which continues to be the highest fee paid for a player by any English club.

Pogba’s largest sponsorship deal is with sportswear brand Adidas – he is halfway through a 10-year deal, which is worth a huge $40 million.

4. Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior $105 million

The Brazilian player has won more than 30 titles in his career so far. Neymar signed with Santos in 2009 before transfering to FC Barcelona, costing $76 million, in 2013. Neymar went on to help Barcelona achieve the treble of a Copa del Rey title, La Liga championship and UEFA Champions League title.

When Neymar left Barcelona and signed to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017, his transfer cost a whopping $263 million, which was paid in full by the French club. At the time of his transfer, he became the highest-paid player in the world.

His five-year contract with Paris Saint-Germain sees him receiving $37 million per year, and is due to run out in 2020.

3. Cristiano Ronaldo $109 million

Ronaldo spent nine years with Real Madrid before signing a deal with Juventus ,which will see him staying with the club until 2022.

Since joining Manchester United in 2003 aged 18, he has become a five-time Ballon d’Or winner and collected six league titles.

When he signed to Real Madrid in 2009, he received a then-record transfer fee of €94 million, and is set to receive $64 million per year until his current contract ends.

2. Lionel Messi $130 million

FC Barcelona player, Messi is the second highest-paid footballer, with an impressive club contract as well as a lifelong sponsorship deal with Adidas.

Since joining Barcelona in 2004, Messi has managed to gain 33 club titles across more than 687 matches, as well as holding the record for the most goals scored in one calendar year, which currently stands at 91.

In 2017, Messi signed a new contract with the Spanish club, which sees him receiving $80 million each season, and isn’t due to end until 2021.

1. Eli Manning $253 million

Former NFL player, Eli Manning tops the list of highest-paid footballers around the world thanks to his dazzling career, which spans 16 seasons. Manning has celebrated two Super Bowl wins, but if you're planning to bet on American football, bear in mind that Eli Manning retired from the NFL in 2020 so you won't see him playing this season.

He received a huge $17 million from the New York Giants for his final season, and his highest single-season earnings were a massive $37 million. This included a $31 million signing bonus when he joined the Giants in 2015. The 39 year old quarterback is, perhaps, the best known American football player of all time.

Although Eli Manning is way ahead of the competition, it’s likely that he won’t top the leader board forever. Whilst the rivalry between Ronaldo and Messi continues, we are likely to see one of them creep further in front of the other, as transfer fees climb higher and higher with each season.