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#7 Wayne Rooney - $170 million
Football superstar Wayne Rooney is a cult hero at Manchester United. After making the switch to Old Trafford from boyhood club Everton in 2004, Rooney achieved unparalleled heights with the Red Devils.
In addition to winning 16 trophies, including five Premier League titles and the Champions League with Manchester United, Rooney is also the club's leading goal-scorer of all time.
After leaving Manchester United, Rooney decided to ply his trade in the MLS and reportedly received $30m in salary and endorsements there. Over the years, the striker has represented several brands like Nike, Nokia, Coca-Cola and Ford.
Additionally, Rooney has also made sound investments in real estate, owning properties in the US and in Barbados. Since calling time on his playing career, Rooney has moved into full-time management and is currently in charge of Championship club Derby County.
#6 Zlatan Ibrahimovic - $190 million
There is no denying the fact that Zlatan Ibrahimovic is a global footballing superstar. The Swede has enjoyed a decorated career, representing some of the biggest clubs in Europe over the years.
Although he is often outspoken and stubborn, Ibrahimovic has accumulated plenty of assets with his talent on the pitch. Between 2004 and 2014, the striker was an official Nike Mercurial Athlete. As such, Ibrahimovic promoted the brand extensively and received hefty sums as part of the endorsement deal.
However, since launching his official sportswear brand named A-Z in 2016, Ibrahimovic has not signed deals to become an ambassador for other such brands.
But Sweden's all-time record goal-scorer has continued to appear in commercials for Nivea, Xbox and Vitamin Well sports drinks. More recently, Ibrahimovic has also promoted Volvo cars, appearing in a few television adverts for the Sweden-based car manufacturer.
At 39-years-old, Ibrahimovic is currently the highest-earner at AC Milan and has another year left on his contract with the club.
#5 Neymar - $200 million
Neymar is easily one of the most marketable footballers in the world right now. The Brazilian has been the poster boy of endorsements ever since his meteoric rise at Santos.
In addition to pocketing a hefty salary at Paris Saint-Germain, Neymar recently signed up with German sportswear giant Puma as their global ambassador. Further, the forward has also promoted brands like Panasonic, Volkswagen, Claro, Unilever and Santander.
Neymar has reportedly earned $40m purely from endorsements over the last four years. Having agreed to extend his contract with PSG until 2025, he is entitled to gain more value in the future.
Considering the reunion with Lionel Messi this summer, Neymar could also be in for a memorable campaign on the pitch.
#4 David Beckham - $450 million
Not many footballers have managed to build an aura and brand like David Beckham. The Manchester United legend remains one of the biggest global icons of the game even after his retirement.
While his achievements on the pitch speak for his ability with the ball at his feet, Beckham's life outside of football is an ideal example for anyone in asset management.
The Englishman, along with his wife Victoria, have built a massive global appeal and brand value. At his peak, Beckham was easily the most sought-after footballer in the world of endorsements with clients like Pepsi, Calvin Klein, Adidas and Gillette.
It is estimated that he also earned $255m as part of salary, endorsements and licensing during his six seasons with LA Galaxy in the MLS. Beckham has also been actively involved in real estate and bagged almost $15m in profit when he sold his Beverly Hills mansion in 2018. He recently acquired properties believed to be worth close to $60m in England and abroad (facts via celebritynetworth.com).
Beckham also owns an MLS team called Inter Miami, while also being a part-owner of Salford City with his 'Class of 92' teammates at Manchester United.
