Footballers poised to be top 10 earners in 2021/22 season

The list of highest earners after the 2021/22 football season is led by Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo, who overtook, former Barcelona skipper Lionel Messi. The Argentine is the second on the list. 

The list, released by Forbes on Wednesday, includes three Paris Saint Germain players in the top five. Two in the top rungs play in the Premier League. 

Ronaldo, following his transfer to Old Trafford, is forecasted to earn $125 million before taxes this season, as per Forbes. The reports added that $70 million will come from his salary and bonuses alone. Messi, who is a part of PSG after spending 21 years in Barcelona, is expected to earn $110 million in the 2021-22 season. The 34-year-old is expected to earn $75 million in salary, which is more than Ronaldo.

 According to Forbes, social media will bring Ronaldo $55 million in endorsements against Messi’s $35 million. 

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Lionel Messi’s Paris colleagues Neymar and Kylian Mbappe are third and fourth on the list, and are expected to earn $95 million and $43 million respectively. 

Neymar signed a four-year extension with PSG recently. His salary- $75 million – also tops Ronaldo’s. But endorsements add only $20 million to the Brazilian’s wealth. L

iverpool’s Mohamed Salah makes up the top five, with the Egyptian expected to earn $41 million this season.

Robert Lewandowski, Andres Iniesta, Paul Pogba, Gareth Bale and Eden Hazard are the others in top 10. 

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The World’s Highest-Paid Football Players as per Forbes:

Cristiano Ronaldo — $125M

Lionel Messi — $110M

Neymar — $95M

Kylian Mbappe — $43M

Mohamed Salah — $41M

Robert Lewandowski — $35M

Andres Iniesta — $35M

Paul Pogba — $34M

Gareth Bale — $32M

Eden Hazard — $29M