10 highest paid footballers in the world

5 Lionel Messi (Barcelona) £336,000/week (after tax)

The only footballer ever to win the Ballon d’Or five times, Lionel Messi is an absolute phenomenon. The diminutive Argentine has been Barcelona’s main man since 2008 and has put in some spell bounding performances in La Liga and the Champions League.

His pace and technical ability enable him to undertake individual dribbling runs towards goal, often leading to spectacular solo goals. Tactically, Messi plays in a free attacking role; a versatile player, he is capable of attacking on either wing or through the centre of the pitch.

Having formed a fearsome partnership with Suarez and Neymar, Barcelona will be desperate to sign Messi on a new contract. With rumours suggesting that Bartomeu wants to make Messi the highest paid player in Europe, the Argentine might well be higher up on this list next year.