10 highest-paid football players in the world (2020-21)

#3 Neymar - Paris Saint-Germain | $96 million

Neymar celebrates a goal for Brazil

Kylian Mbappe's teammate at Paris Saint-Germain, Neymar is one of the most recognizable sportspeople in the world right now.

His performances on the field for club and country have been complemented by successful marketing and commercialisation strategies which have propelled Neymar to the very top. His £200 million move to Paris Saint-Germain from Barcelona, which made him the most expensive footballer in the world, has further increased his profile.

The 28-year old remains Brazil's national team most important player, while for Paris Saint-Germain he has established a deadly partnership with Mbappe.

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#2 Cristiano Ronaldo - Juventus | $117 million

Cristiano Ronaldo has played for some of the best clubs in the world

Cristiano Ronaldo continues to go strong at the age of 35, playing key roles for both Juventus and Portugal national team.

Like Neymar, Ronaldo enjoys a strong social media presence, and is one of the most marketable faces in the world. Having played for some of the biggest clubs in the world in Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus, the forward has been successful for both club and country.

Fun Fact:For the majority of the 2006/07 season in which we won the first of three consecutive titles, Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney were just 22 and 21-years old respectively. pic.twitter.com/jtMSRrQsRq

— UtdArena (@utdarena) November 19, 2020

Recently he has been linked with a move back to Manchester United, but it remains to be seen whether the move materialises.

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#1 Lionel Messi - Barcelona | $126 million

Lionel Messi is one of the best players in the world

Lionel Messi has made the news in recent months for various reasons, as his relationship with Barcelona continues to be fractured.

Arguably the greatest player to have played the game, Messi is seen as Barcelona's best player, having made 741 appearances in all competitions and scoring 640 goals since his debut in 2004. In the summer, the 33-year old admitted that he would like to leave the club, but it failed to materialise.

Lionel Messi scored 91 goals in 69 matches for club and country in 2012.Ninety one. pic.twitter.com/Qo441pM3UE

— Goal (@goal) November 18, 2020

The Argentine superstar has not been at his very best this season for the club, and with only one year left in his contract, could leave the club on a free transfer next summer.

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