#2 Lionel Messi: Net worth - $280m
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Messi is the currently the second highest paid footballer in the world earning about €21m per year at Barcelona after his contract extension in 2014. Messi also has a number of lucrative sponsorship and endorsement deals.
His contract with Adidas makes him the face of the world’s second largest sporting brand and earns him around $24m a year. His other tie-ups are with Pepsi, Samsung, Walkers and EA sports which collectively contribute about $5m to $10m to his wealth.
Collectively, Messi earns about $80m a year which makes him the second highest-earning football player in the world.
#1 Cristiano Ronaldo: Net worth - $320m
Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the best players in the world and is the richest and by far the most marketable.
Ronaldo is thought to have a net worth of over $400m largely due to a number of international and domestic endorsements but we conservatively estimate it at just over $300m. Ronaldo currently earns about €17m a year at Real Madrid, which is set to last for another couple of years.
But a lion’s share of his wealth is attributed to his off the pitch endeavors.
Ronaldo has the fourth most lucrative endorsement deal in the sporting world with Nike from which he receives around $22m a year. Apart from that, the Portuguese ace also has deals with brands like Tag Heuer, Armani, Samsung, Konami and others from which he bags another $10m a year.
Ronaldo has also very recently moved into the real estate market. After making a huge investment in Pestana hotels, he is now a leading partner and will have hotels valued at $80m, with the CR7 branding. The hotels are set to be located in Lisbon, New York, Madrid and Funchal. The Real Madrid superstar also has a collection of properties in Spain and England which includes an 8600 sq. feet mansion.
If you thought that was it, you're wrong. The 31-year old has his own branded underwear and shoes line which drops another $10m into his pocket.
The three-time Ballon d'Or winner is the world’s most popular athlete with over 200 million social media followers.
