Footballers, money and cars go hand in hand. Winning fans world over with their speed on the pitch, footballers also tend to flirt with speed even off the pitch. The 2014 World Cup in Brazil is witnessing a gathering of some of the world's finest footballers. Instead of focusing on their exploits on the pitch, here's a look at their heroics on the roads.
#10 Franck Ribery (France and Bayern Munich)
His Ride: Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder
Though he has missed out on particpating at this World Cup, Ribery can still enjoy in his Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder. The French winger has chosen a striking green colour for his ride. But the Gallardo stays in spotlight, even without that bright colour. Able to clock a top speed of 323 kmph (201 mph), the Bayern star had to shell out £133,000 (INR 1.35 crores) for it.
#9 Samuel Eto\'o (Cameroon and Chelsea)
His Ride: Maybach 57 S Xanatec Coupe
Once the highest paid players in the world, Samuel Eto'o has a fleet of swanky cars. But his prized possesion is the Maybach 57 S Xanatec Coupe. Adorned with luxury interiors, this Maybach model priced at £600,000 (INR 6.1 crores) could burn a hole through your pockets, but this Cameroon millionaire doesn't mind.
#8 Andres Iniesta (Spain and Barcelona)
His Ride: Audi A7
Iniesta other than having a fondness of looking for the perfect pass, also likes superfast cars. The Spain midfielder is a proud owner of an Audi A7. The four-door hatchback with a V6 engine needed the Barcelona star to spend £38542 (INR 39.3 Lakhs).
#7 Robin van Persie (Netherlands and Manchester United)
His Ride: Porsche Panamera
The Flying Dutchman prides on his Porsche Panamera. The four-door sedan is the favourite of the Manchester United striker. Van Persie didn't mind shelling 46030 (INR 46.93 Lakhs) for his drive, but that may not be the case for you.
#6 Mesut Ozil (Germany and Arsenal)
His Ride: Ferrari 458
Playmaker Ozil is a treat to watch on the football pitch, and so is his car on the roads. The Arsenal record-signing's car is billed at an approximate £129,859 (INR 1.32 crores). While Autocar magazine states that the German star's ride can clock a top speed of 325 kmph. A metallic black coupe of this clasic model is there in Ozil's London garage.
#5 Mario Balotelli (Italy and AC Milan)
His Ride: Ferrari F12
This maverick striker tends to grab headlines quite often. Sometimes with his heroics on the pitch, his wacky celebrations, and sometimes by setting off fireworks in his bathroom. Currently playing for the red half of Milan, Super Mario's ride also is fiery red. His Ferrari F-12 is the most powerful road-going Ferrari ever. His pride, the F12 can reach speed of 339 kmph (211 mph) and costs a whooping £239,352 (INR 2.44 crores).
#4 Wayne Rooney (England and Manchester United)
His Ride: Aston Martin Vanquish
Rooney while choosing his ride stays close to his British roots. The English striker owns a Aston Martin Vanquish. The first-generation Vanquish was designed by Indian automobile designer Dilip Chhabria and Brit Ian Callum. It was featured as the official James Bond car in the 2002 flick starring Pierce Brosnan as 007. The Manchester United hitman is yet to prove his worth at the World Cup, but his car is sure to grab some eyeballs. His ride can clock 294 kmph (183 mph) and costs a whooping £166,000 (INR 1.69 crores).
#3 Neymar (Brazil and Barcelona)
His Ride: Audi R8 GT
Neymar chooses to cruise down Brazilian streets on his Audi R8 GT. The 22-year-old forward may have to bear the expectations of an entire nation on his shoulders, but off the pitch he likes to fulfill his need for speed. His drive costs nearly 148,000 (INR 1.51 crores).
#2 Lionel Messi (Argentina and Barcelona)
His Ride: Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale
While on the football field, Messi foxes defenders to plunder goals. But when he has to get things done off the pitch, he rides a Maserati GranTurismo. The Turismo is 2-door coupe that was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in 2010. The Argentine skipper's ride can clock a top speed of 302 kmph (188 mph). For someone who is always locked in a battle with La Liga rival Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi's ride also lives up to the hype. Messi's white Turismo is only for people with deep pockets, as it has a price tag of £107,000(INR 1.09 crores).
#1 Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal and Real Madrid)
His Ride: Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4
The Ballon D'Or winner is not someone to shy away from media glare, instead he loves it. Ronaldo likes to live the good life, and his pair of wheels is a definite proof of it. The Portuguese swashbuckler owns a Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4. The Aventador is built for scorching the roads, no doubt it is named after a bull. Ronaldo's matte black beauty can reach a top speed of 350 kmph (217 mph). With just 4000 units produced, CR7's car is quite a rarity. For those interested in owning these beauty on wheels, be ready to shell out £267,000 (INR 2.72 crores).