Football is one of the highest paying sports in the world and people who get to play at the highest level have some big bucks to show for it. From huge salaries to mega endorsement deals and personal investments, footballers have from time been some of the richest people around. Those who are especially talented enough do get the chance to play for top clubs or high paying clubs.
Currently, the top ten richest footballers in the world for 2016 are the ones listed below. Although it would be worth noting that the list comprises of only players who are still playing as there are some retired footballers (like Kaka, Ronaldinho, Zidane, Beckham, and so on) who should have made the list.
Robert Lewandowski
The 27 year old striker is considered by many to be one the most lethal strikers in Europe and understandably so, since his current club Bayern Munchȇn had to fork out over £40 million for the striker. The former Borussia Dortmund all time highest goal scorer is worth £14.8 million.
Sergio Aguero
He is feared by every wise defender in England. The former Athletico Madrid man who currently wears the number 10 jersey for English side Manchester City is presently the team’s top scorer. His sporting endorsement employer is Puma and he is currently worth £15.6 million.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
The giant nomadic forward commands an annual take home of over £9 million at PSG. Although rumored to be set on leaving the club his endorsement deals with Nike and Pepsi which is worth around £10 million pounds would definitely not be affected. He is worth £16 million.
Wayne Rooney
Wayne Rooney is the highest paid British player and the fourth highest paid player when only the only judging factor is wages. He’s presently on a £300,000 per week salary at Manchester United, the club where he has spent the better part of his senior career. He is also a Nike ambassador. His net worth stands at an impressive £17 million.
Gareth Bale
If you would expect the world’s most expensive player to top the rich list, then sorry, football doesn’t always work like that. Bale saw Real Madrid part ways with over £85 million to move from Tottenham. He’s the most expensive British player and currently Madrid’s No.11. His worth stands at around £17.8 million.
Robin van Persie
The former Arsenal and Manchester United forward and father of two, is a prolific striker who pivoted the title in Manchester United’s favour in the 2011/12 season. He brings home over £2 million from endorsements alone. He is currently on a £112,000 weekly contract with Fernabache. He is worth £18.8 million.
Thiago Silva
If you think the money is all about strikers or goal scorers, then think again. The Brazilian defender cost PSG over £15 million and he is one of the highest paid in their squad. Along with endorsement deal from Nike, KCM, EA US and others, his worth stands at £20.2m
Neymar
The Brazilian’s hair style of was a little less distinct compared to his hair, which he just recently shaved. He is one of the deadly FC Barcelona’s forward trinity, alongside of Luis Suarez, and Lionel Messi. He is an ambassador for top brand Nike and would he is currently the most expensive Brazilian. His present net worth stands for an incredible £26.8 million.
Cristiano Ronaldo (4.3Million Euros Per Month)
Cristiano Ronaldo Cristiano Ronaldo is currently the highest paid footballer in the world. He is paid a whopping $417,600 (£288,000) per week by Real Madrid FC. The Portuguese winger who has currently tops the list for the highest goals scored in Europe this season bags an average of $10 million from each of his endorsements. His Nike deal alone is worth $41.1 million, and his net worth stands at a monstrous £51 million.
Lionel Messi (8.5Million Euros Per Month)
The Barcelona forward has the most valuable left leg in world football and he commands way more than many magazines and reports say he does. The Argentine is one of the players who came through from Barcelona’s academy and he’s a grand brand ambassador for Adidas. He is worth around £8.5 million.