Top 10 Richest Footballers 2014

The reigning World Player Of The Year Cristiano Ronaldo has been named the world’s richest footballer after topping the annual list of soccer stars’ net worth. The Portuguese winger beat rival Lionel Messi with an estimated wealth of €148 million. Ronaldo succeeds David Beckham, who led the way on the 2013 list but retired in May of the same year.

Only current professionals are eligible with the earnings of more than 200 contenders assessed before a Top 10 list was finalized.

Ronaldo had a completely successful year in 2013 during which his value to club and country was never put into question. He ensured Portugal’s qualification for the World Cup as he scored all four goals in the World Cup play-offs match against Sweden. He also landed the 2013 Ballon d’Or and signed a record-breaking new five-year deal with Madrid that saw him become the best paid player in the world.

Lionel Messi came in second after inspiring Barcelona to the Spanish title and signing up for a range of lucrative endorsements. However, it was a mixed year for the Argentinian who appeared in a Spanish court in September to testify over alleged tax fraud relating to commercial contracts and lost his grip on the Ballon d’Or after a year blighted by injuries and setbacks.

The surprise came in third with Samuel Etoo makeng it to the top three richest footballers beating Wayne Rooney and an amazing £70 m.

Wayne Rooney made the top four on the list following Manchester United’s decision to offer him the biggest contract in British football history, worth €365,000 a week.

Brazilian wonder kid Neymar is up to sixth after his transfer to Barcelona. The rest of the list is made up of footballers, who have accrued huge wealth over significant spells at the top of the professional game.
Here are the ten richest footballers in the world.