Top 10 richest footballers playing in this World Cup

Worlds biggest football carnival is about to begin in Brazil where each and every footballer craves to make his mark in the history. As we will be absorbed in the thrills and chills of one-month extravaganza, here let us see the top 10 richest football players playing in this World Cup.[Salaries and endorsements (as given in Forbes list) of the footballers in 2013 has been considered in compiling this list.]

#10 David Silva (Spain)

Spain’s David Silva salary and endorsements reached up to $16 million in 2013. David Silva is expected to earn $15 million from his salary alone from Manchester City.

After his wonderful season with his club, Silva will play a major role in his country’s World Cup campaign along with other Spanish stalwarts like Xavi and Iniesta.

#9 Steven Gerrard (England)

England skipper Steven Gerrard is an overwhelming fan-favourite among England fans as he is expected to lead the three lions to glory, in what will be his last World Cup.

The Liverpool captain managed $17m last year through his salary and endorsements (Jaguar and Adidas) as he sits at 9th place in the list.

#8 Robin van Persie (Netherlands)

The Dutch captain, who is tipped to be the trump card of van Gaal in this World Cup, takes up in 8th position in this list. Van Persie earned $19m in 2013 by way of his salary from United and his endorsement of BT Sports.

After a season marred by injuries, the striker will be looking forward to revive his magic touch in this World Cup.

#7 Fernando Torres (Spain)

Though his move from Liverpool to Chlelsea damaged his form, El Ninos earnings are still in a decent form. Last year, he earned $20 million together from Chelsea and his endorsements.

Being selected in the Spain squad, he will have to fight for his starting position with Costa and Villa in this World Cup.

#6 Yaya Toure (Ivory Coast)

The Ivory Coast star Yaya Toure earned $20.5 million last year to be placed at the 6th position in this list.

The City star’s major sponsor is Puma and he is regarded as one of the best paid footballers in the World. In Brazil, he will look forward to replicate his red-hot club form with his country as well.

#5 Sergio Aguero (Argentina)

Sergio Aguero raked up $21 million in 2013 as the gulf owner reportedly paid him £200,000 a week at Manchester City. Besides, the Argentine striker also earned from his endorsements for Puma and Pepsi in 2013.

As a part of a formidable attacking unit of Argentina, this man will provide a cutting edge against the opposition.

#4 Wayne Rooney (England)

England striker Wayne Rooney earned a whopping $22m in 2013 from his salaries and endorsements. During 2013, the Manchester United forward endorsed brands like Tiger beer, Nike and EA Sports which along with his salary puts him in the fourth place marginally ahead of Aguero.

In this World Cup, England will be hopingthat Rooney will revive his form to help England cross the group-stage hurdle.

#3 Neymar (Brazil)

The 22-year old Samba wonder boy lands in the third position in this list. The Barcelona star earned $28 million in 2013 from salaries and endorsements which include Nike, and Volkswagon. Following Beckham, he is the brand ambassador of Italian eyewear brand – Police.

In his home soil, Neymar is expected to play a key role in delivering the sixth title to his football mad nation.

#2 Lionel Messi (Argentina)

The liitle Argentine comes second only to Ronaldo in this list as he racked up $65 million from salaries and endorsements last year. The four-time Ballon d’Or recipient endorses for some of the prominent brands like EA Sports, Pepsi and Turkish Airlines.

The Barcelona wizard carries the hopes of millions of fans to replicate the success achieved by Diego Maradona’s men in 1986.

#1 Cristano Ronaldo (Portugal)

As expected, the Portugal captain takes the first place in the richest footballers playing in this World Cup list. The Real Madrid superstar’s salaries and endorsements come up to $73m which puts him at the top of the list. Ronaldo’s extensive brand endorsements include Nike, Konami and Armani which helps him to score off the pitch as well.

Meanwhile in Brazil, Ronaldo will the go-to man for Portugal in this World Cup as he finished the season in a high winning the European golden shoe.