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Let’s take a look at the 10 highest earning footballers during last season.
10) Zlatan Ibrahimovic
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Salary/winnings: $17.2M
Endorsements: $2.5M
Total earnings: $19.7M
The controversial Swede had an outstanding season with PSG, scoring 34 goals in all competitions and inspiring PSG to the Ligue 1 title. He is currently one of the higest-paid footballers in the world although if he keeps performing the way he did last season, no one can say that he doesn’t deserve every million he earns.
9) Fernando Torres
Fernando Torres
Salary/winnings: $17M
Endorsements: $3M
Total earnings: $20M
The Spanish striker has struggled for goals since his move to Chelsea, but he did manage to find the back of the net 23 times last season and became the first player to score in seven different competitions in the same season. The Spaniard will no doubt look to build on a sold goal-scoring season.
8) Neymar
Neymar
Salary/winnings: $10.5M
Endorsements: $10M
Total earnings: $20.5M
During his last season at Santos, he scored 12 goals in 18 appearances in the Paulista (state championship) but the biggest moment of his career came when he decided to leave Santos and join Spanish champions Barcelona. It is undoubtedly a massive step for the man who is considered football’s next superstar.
7) Yaya Toure
Yaya Toure
Salary/winnings: $18.2M
Endorsements: $2.5M
Total earnings: $20.7M
The Ivorian midfielder, a key player during City’s title winning campaign in 2011/12 had another good season although it ended in disappointment as City ended the season without any silverware. His impressive performances earned him a new contract from the club.
6) Didier Drogba
Didier Drogba
Salary/winnings: $15.8M
Endorsements: $5M
Total earnings: $20.8M
The former Chelsea striker joined Galatasaray during the January transfer window of 2013 and was an immediate success with the fans. He won the Turkish League title with the club, with impressive returns of 6 goals and 6 assists in all competitions during the season.
5) Sergio Aguero
Sergio Aguero
Salary/winnings: $17.4M
Endorsements: $3.5M
Total earnings: $20.9M
The Argentine striker was blighted by injuries last season and this affected his form as he ended the season with returns of 17 goals from 40 appearances, figures that were far less impressive than those of last season. Despite that he still looked threatening whenever he played.
4) Wayne Rooney
Wayne Rooney
Salary/winnings: $18.1M
Endorsements: $3M
Total earnings: $21.1M
The English striker might have found himself being shunted out of position at times to accommodate star striker and big-money signing Robin van Persie, but he still managed to finish the season with a total of 16 goals in 37 appearances in all competitions. His future at United still remains unclear despite David Moyes’ insistence that he won’t be sold.
3) Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi
Salary/winnings: $20.3M
Endorsements: $21M
Total earnings: $41.3M
Messi was his usual clinical self during last season, scoring 60 goals in 50 appearances in all competitions. His 46 league goals powered Barcelona to the La Liga title, with the Catalans finishing 15 points ahead of runner-up and bitter rivals Real Madrid. Messi also finished the season as the league’s top-scorer.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Salary/winnings: $23M
Endorsements: $21M
Total earnings: $44M
The 2012/13 season might have been disappointing for Real Madrid, but it was a good season for Cristiano Ronaldo on a personal level. The Portugese forward scored 55 goals in 55 appearances in all competitions for Los Blancos, averaging a goal a game. However, his future at Real Madrid still seems uncertain as is yet to sign a new contract.
1) David Beckham
David Beckham
Salary/winnings: $5.2M
Endorsements: $42M
Total earnings: $47.5M
The former England captain and veteran footballer called time on a spectacular career last season, but not before adding the Ligue 1 title to his already impressive trophy cabinet. After leaving LA Galaxy, Beckham joined PSG on a 5-month contract and while his short career there was far from eventful, it was a good way to end a stellar career.
