It’s that time of the year again when Forbes unveils its list of the top ten biggest earners in football. The annual list is an outcome from the magazine speaking to commercial sponsors, clubs, agents, and other experts from and around the United States and Europe.
According to Forbes’ 2020 rich list, the 33-year-old footballer has managed to pocket total earnings worth $126 million this year – $34 million in endorsements and $92 million from his salary – leaving behind his close rival Christiano Ronaldo. Having been sponsored by the likes of Pepsi and Adidas, the six-time Ballon d’Or winner has added to his list of achievements yet another feat by releasing a limited-edition beer by Budweiser.
The Juventus striker Ronaldo has bagged the second position on the Forbes list. Reports suggest he stands to earn $117 million, which is certain to move his status as the richest and most followed soccer player on social media. The next on the list is the Brazilian trickster, Neymar, with earnings close to $96 million, followed by his 21-year-old teammate, Kylian Mbappe, grabbing the fourth spot with $42 million. The Liverpool maestro, also a title-winning striker, Mohamed Salah is in the fifth spot with $37 million – thanks to his endorsements from Vodafone Egypt and Adidas.
Unsurprisingly, Manchester United’s midfielder, Paul Pogba, ranks sixth with $34 million, followed by Barcelona’s Antoine Griezmann and Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale in the seventh and eighth position, with earnings worth $33 million and $29 million, respectively. Bayern Munich striker, also the sole Bundesliga player, Robert Lewandowski has occupied the ninth, with more than pleasing wages of as much as $28 million, which may help cheer him up!
Though last on the list, the Manchester United’s goalkeeper, David de Gea, made a decent earning of $27 million from the Red Devils and a nice bonus through sponsorships. The shot-stopper may not have had the best season on the pitch, however, it proved to be a good year for the Spaniard monetarily. Meanwhile, Messi has agreed to continue to stay at Barcelona for a season more this month, despite having stated in the 8-2 Champions League defeat by Bayern Munich that he wanted out. The wealthiest soccer player is presently in his contract’s final year, which prompts he could exit for free by the next summers. Should he stay with the Catalan club, Messi will likely earn an $83 million loyalty bonus, so he will certainly manage to lead the money charts!