ATLANTA, GEORGIA— Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo has overtaken Lionel Messi as the highest-paid soccer player for 2021.
Based on the top-earning soccer player list released by Forbes, Ronaldo is number one with $125 million earnings before taxes in the 2021-22 season, with $70 million coming from salary and bonuses at United.
The rest will come from endorsements and partnerships with brands including Nike, Herbalife, Clear, and his CR7 brand.
Messi, last year’s top-earning soccer player is second with d a salary of $75 million with an additional $35 million from endorsements for total expected earnings of $110 million.
The Argentine’s strike partner at PSG Neymar, who in May signed a new contract until 2025, is third on the list with total earnings of $95 million.
Top 10 highest earners in soccer:
1. Cristiano Ronaldo – $125 million
2. Lionel Messi – $110 million
3. Neymar – $95 million
4. Kylian Mbappe – $43 million
5. Mohamed Salah – $41 million
6. Robert Lewandowski – $35 million
7. Andres Iniesta – $35 million
8. Paul Pogba – $34 million
9. Gareth Bale – $32 million
10. Eden Hazard – $29 million
