FC Barcelona superstar, Lionel Messi was the highest paid player in the world in 2014, beating Cristiano Ronaldo by nine million Euros.
Read: Kaka Snubs Messi For His Dream Team
A survey by France Football revealed that Messi earned an annual salary of over €36 million, and another €28 million from endorsement deals with the likes of adidas, FIFA 15 and Turkish Airlines.
His total annual income was €65 million, which is nine million more than his long-standing rival Cristiano Ronaldo, with €54 million.
According to France Football, the Portuguese added around €15 million in new endorsement deals over the last year to close the gap on Messi.
Messi's teammate, Neymar followed in third spot with an income of €36.5 million.
Disclaimer: The France Football survey differentiates from Forbes' recent announcement of Ronaldo being the highest-paid footballer.
Read: Ronaldo Is Highest-Paid Footballer
Meanwhile, Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is the highest paid coach in the world, earning €18 million.
Real Madrid's Carlo Ancelotti follows the Portuguese with an income of €15.5 million, while Pep Guardiola is in third position with €15.2 million.
Arsenal's Arsenal Wenger (€11.3 million) and Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal (€10 million) follow in fourth and fifth respectively.
Who do you think deserves to be the highest-paid player on the planet? Have your say in the comments section below.
