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#7: Wayne Rooney - $160 million
One of England's finest footballers, Wayne Rooney enjoyed a fine stint at the top of the game during his prime.
Rooney being a prodigious talent since his Everton days, Manchester United decided to splurge £25.6 million in 2004 on the 18-year-old, which raised many eyebrows. The England international would, however, go on to become the top goalscorer for the Red Devils, scoring 253 goals across all competitions in 559 appearances.
The 34-year-old operated as a forward but slowly became a midfielder as the years passed, with his passing and creativity appreciated. After leaving Manchester United in 2017, he made appearances for Everton and DC United. Rooney currently plays for Derby County in the Championship.
#6: Neymar - $185 million
Another prodigious talent who was destined for the top since his early days in Brazil, Neymar is a well-known face across the world.
He began his European adventure by joining Barcelona from Santos in 2013, forming a fearsome attacking trident with Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi. After four incredible years at the club, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) activated the forward's release clause of €222 million, making him the most expensive transfer ever.
Currently plying his trade in France, the Brazil international has had some injury issues. However, the 28-year-old has played a key role in PSG reaching the Champions League final this season.
#5: Zlatan Ibrahimovich - $190 million
A journeyman striker who has represented some of the biggest clubs in the world, Zlatan Ibrahimovic is one of the more vibrant characters in football.
The Sweden international has played for the likes of Juventus, Inter Milan, AC Milan, Barcelona, Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain, scoring at an incredibly consistent rate for each club.
Zlatan Ibrahimovich has a tall, looming presence and has impressive aerial ability, to go with his technical skills which are well-renowned.
The 38-year-old currently plays for AC Milan after a stint in the MLS with LA Galaxy. Ibrahimovic has made 808 career appearances so far, scoring an astounding 485 goals.
#4: Lionel Messi - $400 million
Arguably the greatest player to have played the game of football, Lionel Messi is one of the most valuable athletes in the world right now.
A Barcelona academy graduate, the Argentina international has been the club's talisman for some time now. Messi is Barcelona's best passer, creator and goal-scorer. Despite the 2019-20 season being a shambolic one for Barcelona, the diminutive forward was one of their rare positives.
The 33-year-old, who has just one year left in his contract, is said to be frustrated with how the club is being run. As such, he has been linked with a move away, and some of the biggest clubs in world football are keeping an eye on his situation.
Also Read: 10 greatest number 10s of all time.
