Cristiano Ronaldo is now the best paid footballer in the world

Cristiano Ronaldo (R) with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez (L) (Getty Images)

Cristiano Ronaldo signed a new contract with Real Madrid to keep him at the Bernabeu until 2018 and the deal is reportedly worth €21 million a season, net, according to Spanish newspaper AS. The contract is the highest ever in the history of the game.

Ronaldo previously earned €10 million a year and the total cost to Real Madrid will be around €40 million a year, including taxes and other payments.

The current tax rate in Spain is 52%, having increased significantly from the drop to 24% because of the “Beckham law.”

Samuel Eto’o had been the highest paid player in football during his spell at Anzhi Makhachkala, where he earned €20 million net.

Ronaldo is now the highest paid player ahead of Zlatan Ibrahamvic (€14.5 million) and Lionel Messi (€13 million).

Below is a picture of AS’ front page on Monday

Image via 101greatgoals.com