Cristiano Ronaldo is currently only the third highest-paid player in the world, with two stars earning more than the five-time Ballon d'Or winner – here are the 10 best earning footballers world-wide right now.
Click through the gallery above to see the 10 highest-paid players in the game, according to Marca and Italian journalist Tancredi Palmeri.
The Portuguese forward was reportedly unhappy with his Real Madrid salary, which was believed to be €21 million (R333 million) per year. As a consequence he was looking for a move away from the club and joined Juventus in a €100 million (R1.6 billion) transfer ahead of 2018/19.
At Juve, he became the highest-paid player in Italy, pocketing €30 million (R476 million) per season. However, his longstanding rival Lionel Messi and Neymar still earn more.
Messi is currently on a reported annual salary of €46 million (R730 million) at FC Barcelona, while Neymar receives a whopping €36 million (R571 million) at Paris Saint-Germain. Ronaldo completes the podium, followed by Andres Iniesta, who reportedly receives €25 million (R397 million) from Vissel Kobe in Japan.
Former Chelsea midfielder Oscar is still collecting €24 million (R381 million) at Shanghai SIPG each campaign, while Alexis Sanchez makes €22.5 million (R357 million) per year at Manchester United.
Antoine Griezmann joined the elite bracket when signed a new €20 million (R317 million) per year deal at Atletico Madrid, earning as much as Brazilian forward Hulk at Sahnghai SIPG.
Read: The 10 Highest-Paid Players In Europe
Former FC Barcelona duo Javier Mascherano and Xavi Hernandez, who reportedly pocket €19 million (R302 million) at Hebie China Fortune and Al Sadd respectively, complete the 10 highest-paid players in football right now.
Note: All figures in this article are based on information from Marca and beIN SPORTS correspondent Tancredi Palmeri, and are salaries after deductions but excluding personal sponsorship deals.
Which of football's top earners do you think is overpaid? Have your say in the comments section below.
