Cristiano Ronaldo drops to second spot in Football’s Highest Earner List

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Updated: April 26, 2018
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“Who’s the best?’ or more particularly, ‘Who is the better footballer?”—has been a never-ending debate surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, two of the greatest footballers of all time. While their fans are involved in such futile discourse, both of the two players are making millions by entertaining the world.

Messi and Cristiano had their battle going on for obtaining new career achievements every time they take to the pitch. Now another dimension to has opened to the battle up as the Argentine has zoomed past Ronaldo to become the highest earner among footballers.

The Real Madrid star topped the list since 2016 and has now been surpassed by another five-time Ballond’Or winner. Last season, Ronaldo was on top with €87.5 million, while Messi was on €76.5 million.

However, according to France Football magazine, the Barcelona is now well ahead of his rival when it comes to their annual incomes. Messi is expected to earn a total of $115 million (€126 million), compared to the $115 million (€94 million) that Ronaldo is on course to make for this season.

That means Lionel Messi has been earning $30,000 (€25,000) per minute pitch time this season for every competitive match, assuming that plays all of Barcelona’s five remaining matches.

Neymar, the world’s most expensive player stands third with €81.5 million (£71.3 million), followed by Gareth Bale with €44 million (£38.5 million) putting him in fourth.

Also read: Real Madrid ready to shell out £70m for Manchester City’s ‘best young player’ – Reports

The likes of Gerard Pique, Karim Benzema, Andres Iniesta, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic have also made it among the top 15 earners while on the other hand, Jose Mourinho remains the biggest earner among the coaches.

Top 15 highest earning footballers:

15) Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich): £20.1m

14) Karim Benzema (Real Madrid): £20.6m

13) Alexis Sanchez (Manchester United): £20.6m

12) Ezequiel Lavezzi (Hebei China Fortune): £22.1m

11) Andres Iniesta (Barcelona): £22.3m

10) Luis Suarez (Barcelona): £22.7m

9) Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid): £22.7m

8) Zlatan Ibrahimovic (LA Galaxy): £23.4m

7) Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid): £24.1m

6) Toni Kroos (Real Madrid): £24.7m

5) Gerard Pique (Barcelona): £25.4m