10 Footballers who earn more than IPL top earners

While the weekly salaries of footballing stars from EPL, La Liga, Series A and Ligue 1 are characterised by astronomical figures, the players featuring in the IPL earn relatively modest amounts. Apparently, the reason for this 'discrimination' is the worldwide reach of football as opposed to cricket, which is limited to a few countries. Having said that, in this year's auction, Dr.Mallya broke the bank by going all out for Yuvraj Singh - eventually purchasing him for a hefty sum of Rs.14 crores. Dinesh Karthik, too, went for a whopping 12.5 crores to Delhi Daredevils. Moreover, players like MS Dhoni, David Miller, Gautam Gambhir, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, and Shane Watson were retained for Rs. 12.5 crores. To facilitate a quality comparison, we bring to you the top 10 European soccer players in terms of salaries (in INR) earned in six weeks (equal to the span of an IPL season).

#10 Sergio Aguero - Rs 11.5 crore

Sergio Aguero arrived at Manchester City before the 2011-12 season. He made an immediate impact by scoring 30 goals in the season, playing a key role in Citys first Premier league triumph after ten years. Ever since then, he has been a prolific performer in English club football. He earns a salary equaling Rs 11.5cr in six weeks.

#9 Gianluigi Buffon - Rs 11.9 crore

Gianluigi Buffon, the 36-year old goalkeeper from Italy, has been highest paid goalkeeper in the world for the past 13 years. One of the highly regarded players in the world, Buffon was an integral part of the 2006 World Cup winning campaign. Age, however, has been fast catching him up and nimbleness has been eluding him in recent times. Despite that, he continues to earn Rs 11.9 crore per six weeks at Juventus.

#8 Radamel Falcao - Rs. 12.9 crore

Known for his inerrant composure on the field, Falcao is a highly gifted forward. The AS Monaco striker has been out of action for the past three months or so due to a ligament injury. With the World Cup coming up fast, the Columbian fans will be praying desperately for their finest forward to get fit in time. Falcao earns a salary of Rs 12.9 crores per six weeks.

#7 Yaya Toure - Rs 13.2 crore

Yaya Toure is an overly underrated midfielder.

A key member of league triumphs at Barca(2009-10) and Manchester City(2011-12), Toure is a flexible and multifaceted footballer. He’ll be keen on translating his club form at the World Cup as well, wherein he represents Ivory Coast. At present, however, he has been keen on pocketing Rs 13.2 crore every six weeks.

#6 Zlatan Ibrahimovic - Rs 13.8 crore

Known for his terrific control over the ball, Ibrahimovic is one of the best strikers going around.

Thanks to his fervid character, he is too hot to handle for most defenders anyway. His excellence in the field can be fathomed from the fact that he is currently the leading goal scorer in French Ligue 1; separated from Edison Cavani at No.2 by a massive 10-goal difference.

For a period of about six weeks, Paris Saint-Germain pay a salary of about Rs 13.8 crore to Ibrahimovic.

#5 Lionel Messi - Rs 14.7 crore

Lionel Messi has undoubtedly been the best striker in the world for a period of time.

His loyalty and consistency for Barcelona is incredible. 339 goals in 352 appearances for the club explains it all. His recent form hasn’t impressed many, but hopefully his class will prevail sooner than later.

However a paycheck of 14.7 crores in six weeks doesn’t befit Lionel Messi’s stature. Does it?

#4 Fernando Torres - Rs 15.3 crore

Well past his best days, this Spanish forward has been struggling to find form since his record £50 million transfer to Chelsea in 2011.

Fitness, too, has been a grave issue for Torres over the years.

His off field form hasn’t been bad, however, given he earns Rs 15.3 crore in half a dozen weeks.

#3 Gareth Bale - Rs 17.2 crore

The second fastest footballer in the world, Gareth Bale has well and truly justified his world-record €99 transfer to Real Madrid from Tottenham.

After being plagued by injuries during the early part of the season, the Welshman has been making his presence felt of late having netted 20 goals.

Bale is the third highest salaried footballer in the world, earning Rs 17.2 crore every six weeks

#2 Wayne Rooney Rs 18 crore

After the recent salary hike to £300 a week, Wayne Rooney has leapt to be the second highest salaried footballer in the world.

Despite receiving immense backing from the under-fire manager, David Moyes, Rooney has had a rather indifferent season with just 15 Premier goals as yet.

An 18-crore pricetag certainly demands a better showing. Doesn't it?

#1 Cristiano Ronaldo - Rs 19.3 crore

Arguably the most-popular soccer player on this planet, Ronaldo is also the most polarizing footballer of this generation.

Pace, power, footwork – this talismanic star has got it all covered. His skill set is spellbinding and standing testimony to the fact are 28 and 8 assists in 27 La Liga games.

It isn’t surprising that he earns the big bucks. With Rs 19.3 crore per six weeks, this Real Madrid legend is the highest salaried footballer in the world.