Top 10 highest-paid footballers in the world

#9 Oscar

AFC Champions League: Group Stage - Shanghai SIPG v Sydney FC

For many, it's still bewildering how a player as talented as Oscar could bid adieu to European football and international limelight for a move to China when he was at the peak of his powers. Nevertheless, that will remain an enigmatic story, just like the player itself.

So far, the Brazil international seems to be happy plying his trade for Shanghai SIPG. He has continued his rich vein of form in China too, inspiring his side to a runners-up position in the Super League in his debut season and then taking it up a notch last year to win the title, the first in the club's history.

However, his move to China appears to have taken its toll on his international career. Previously a regular in the Brazil team, Oscar's most recent of 47 Brazil caps came in November 2015.

The former Chelsea ace has an annual earning of $29 million courtesy of a whopping $27 million from salary and other winnings plus $2 million from endorsements.