10 highest paid footballers in the world (2021)

#7 Gareth Bale (Real Madrid, on loan at Tottenham) - €17m

Tottenham Hotspur v Crystal Palace - Premier League

Gareth Bale was warming the bench at Real Madrid in his latter days, pocketing a hefty sum on a weekly basis, and Los Blancos had to do something about it.

With teams not willing to buy him due to his injury problems, they eventually loaned him out to his former club Tottenham Hotspur, reportedly on the condition that they'll pay half his wages.

Bale struggled to hit the ground running at his former club due to injury woes once again. But now it looks like he is back to his best and the Welshman has become one of Spurs' main players over the last couple of months.

In his last eight matches, Gareth Bale has scored six goals and provided three assists and those are the kind of numbers we're used to seeing from him and that is the reason why he gets pockets €17 million in wages.

Rafael Van Der Vaart on Gareth Bale’s return:“I’m happy that he’s back at Spurs, but I’m more happy that at what he’s doing now because I think he’s a great player. I hope he can give Spurs a title after a long time.”#COYS #THFC pic.twitter.com/biG80L9QAL

— The Spurs Express (@TheSpursExpress) March 12, 2021

#6 Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City) - €18m

Manchester City v Borussia Moenchengladbach - UEFA Champions League Round Of 16 Leg Two

Manchester City midfield maestro Kevin De Bruyne being on the list of the highest earning players in the world should come as no surprise. Arguably one of the very best midfielders in Europe right now, it is De Bruyne's unbelievable passing range and vision that sets him apart.

In addition to pulling the strings from midfield and orchestrating play, Kevin De Bruyne also chips in with goals and he has scored some absolute peaches this season as well.

The Belgian has five goals and 11 assists to his name in the Premier League this term. He has a goal and four assists from three appearances in the UEFA Champions League as well. KDB is a champion footballer and his annual wages reflect the same.

#5 Paul Pogba (Manchester United) - €19m

Manchester United v Everton - Premier League

Frenchman Paul Pogba is currently Manchester United's highest paid player. Though critics are still divided on whether or not Paul Pogba has justified the £90 million the Red Devils paid to bring him back from Juventus, there is no doubting the fact that he has been one of their most important players over the last five years or so.

Under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, particularly after the arrival of Bruno Fernandes, Pogba has been exceptional. His importance to the team was interestingly highlighted in his absence as Manchester United endured a slew of underwhelming results as they struggled to win midfield battles in several games.

Whether or not Paul Pogba will be at Manchester United beyond the end of the season is still up for debate. If he ends up staying, he will earn more than he currently does at Old Trafford and that will take him higher up this list.

Paul Pogba - The Story So Far pic.twitter.com/A4uvJzzFxC

— RiZzy🔴 (@RiZzyUTD) March 12, 2021

#4 Antoine Griezmann (Barcelona) - €21m

FC Barcelona v Athletic Club - Supercopa de Espana Final

The jury is out on whether or not Antoine Griezmann's signing has been beneficial for Barcelona. After all they shelled out €120 million to trigger his release clause in the summer of 2019.

Griezmann has not really hit the heights of his Atletico Madrid days just yet at Barcelona and he will turn 30 in a few days. But he is one of Barcelona's highest earners right now, going home with an annual pay of €21 million.