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Since its inception, the game of football has undergone numerous changes. Today, hefty sums of cash are splashed by top clubs to land quality players from around the world. These players are naturally paid enormous wages per week just so they remain content at the club. Apart from that, their services off the pitch are also prized, with top-grade brands looking to clinch a deal with footballers who have a vast fan following.
This list is based on Forbes' The World's Highest-Paid Athletes. It combines prize money, salaries, and endorsements between June 2018 and June 2019 to rank the highest-earning athletes in the world.
On that note, let's dive straight in to take a look at the top 10 highest-paid footballers in the world.
Also read: Real Madrid's top 5 transfer targets this summer
#10 Antoine Griezmann
Antoine Griezmann has been heavily linked with Barcelona for quite some time. Last summer, Barcelona sent a concrete offer for him which was rebuffed by the 28-year-old. However, things have turned around remarkably for La Blaugrana of late. The France international confirmed his intention to leave Atletico Madrid this summer and Atleti's CEO Angel Gil Marin recently stated that Griezmann would be playing for Barcelona next season.
To his credit, the Frenchman is one of the most versatile and technically adept players, more than capable of playing as a false-9, a centre-forward and on the flanks as and when the circumstances require. Such flexibility makes him a tough nut to crack as it is arduous for the opposition to track him.
As per Forbes, he earns a total of $27.7 million as a result of $23.2 million from salary and other winnings in addition to $4.5 million from endorsements. Infamously known for his Fortnite dance celebration, Griezmann is sponsored by footwear maker Puma and Chinese tech giant Huawei.
#9 Oscar
For many, it's still bewildering how a player as talented as Oscar could bid adieu to European football and international limelight for a move to China when he was at the peak of his powers. Nevertheless, that will remain an enigmatic story, just like the player itself.
So far, the Brazil international seems to be happy plying his trade for Shanghai SIPG. He has continued his rich vein of form in China too, inspiring his side to a runners-up position in the Super League in his debut season and then taking it up a notch last year to win the title, the first in the club's history.
However, his move to China appears to have taken its toll on his international career. Previously a regular in the Brazil team, Oscar's most recent of 47 Brazil caps came in November 2015.
The former Chelsea ace has an annual earning of $29 million courtesy of a whopping $27 million from salary and other winnings plus $2 million from endorsements.
#8 Mesut Özil
Mesut Ozil, the 2014 World Cup winner, is regarded as one of the most imaginative midfielders in modern football. He shot to fame in the 2010 World Cup where his exploits earned him a Golden Ball Award nomination along with a proposal from Real Madrid.
The 30-year-old quit Germany's national team in 2018 following a disastrous campaign in the World Cup at Russia, citing racism as the primary cause of the shocker. Of late, he also came under fire for his sub-standard showings for Arsenal under Unai Emery this season.
The German playmaker agreed to a contract extension with the Gunners that doubled his annual pay to about $24 million. Ozil also founded a professional esports team M10 eSports in 2018 to compete in EA Sports FIFA competitions, later adding a Fortnite team as well.
One of the highest-paid players in the Premier League, Ozil has an annual pay of $30.2 million. The three brands he endorses include Mercedes Benz, Beats by Dre and Adidas.
#7 Kylian Mbappe
The youngest player on this list, Kylian Mbappe's rise to fame in the footballing world beggars all description. His breakout 2016/17 season at AS Monaco saw the teenage sensation being courted by several European top dogs, with Paris Saint-Germain winning the race eventually.
However, it was the World Cup 2018 at Russia that truly put Mbappe through his paces and quite astoundingly, the Frenchman came through extremely well, winning the Best Young Player and French Player of the Year awards for his performances. His feats at the mega tournament also caused a spectacular rise in his market value.
Before World Cup 2018, the 20-year-old only had one sponsor Nike. In October 2018, he inked a major endorsement deal with luxury watch brand Hublot, therefore replacing Usain Bolt to acquire the title of Hublot's brand ambassador. With $26.6 million from salary and other winnings together with $4 million from endorsements, Mbappe grosses $30.6 million annually.
#6 Alexis Sanchez
After joining Arsenal from Barcelona in 2014, Alexis Sanchez quickly hit the ground running and was a fan favorite in no time. During his time at Arsenal, the Chile international was often regarded as a lone wolf in a rudderless attacking unit. As such, despite his exceptional contributions, the Gunners could not clinch a Premier League trophy over the course of Sanchez's Arsenal career.
Thus, his stomach for silverware compelled Sanchez to force a move away from Arsenal, and in the winter transfer window last year, he joined Manchester United in a swap deal that saw Henrikh Mkhitaryan move the opposite way. Much to everyone's surprise, the Chilean failed to live up to his billing at Old Trafford. He has only been a shadow of his former self and is now deemed a liability on the club, particularly because of his mammoth weekly wage.
With salary and other winnings of $28.3 million coupled with the procurement of $2.5 million from endorsements, Sanchez enjoys an annual pay worth $30.8 million. He has a number of personal sponsor deals with major brands, including Pepsi, and was named brand ambassador for Huawei in 2015. He is also paid a multi-million-pound fee by Nike in exchange for wearing their footwear.
#5 Andres Iniesta
Understandably, Andres Iniesta is the oldest player on this list. The Spain international can easily be counted among the greatest midfielders the sport has ever witnessed. The fleet-footed superstar is celebrated for his creativity, composure, ball control, and the ability to settle into a variety of positions as needed. The well-known triumvirate of Iniesta, Xavi and Lionel Messi could wreak havoc on any side in the world.
Having entered the twilight of his career, the La Masia graduate decided to end his 22-year association with Barcelona and join the Japanese club Vissel Kobe in 2018. This also called a halt to his alliance with Nike that lasted for almost two decades. The Spaniard has now concluded a multi-year deal with Japanese footwear company Asics.
From salary and other winnings, Iniesta obtains $30 million and $2.5 million from endorsements, mounting up to $32.5 million of annual pay.
#4 Paul Pogba
After leaving Manchester United for pennies, Paul Pogba enjoyed some stellar seasons at Juventus. His triumphs for the Old Lady spurred the Red Devils into fighting a battle with other high-profile clubs to bring him back after four years for a then world-record fee.
The France international has had a fluctuating career at the Old Trafford. It is hardly news anymore that Pogba did not get along with the legendary coach Jose Mourinho and that fractured relationship blighted his performances for United. Reportedly, the ill feeling between them played a part in Mourinho's sacking by Manchester United in December 2018.
Speaking of Pogba's transfer news, a number of clubs are contending - not least Juventus and Real Madrid. If the deal is materialized, he could very well reclaim his title of the most expensive player of all-time.
Annually, the Frenchman earns $4 million from endorsements along with $29 million from salary and other winnings, meaning an annual pay of $33 million. Pogba has a 10-year deal with Adidas. The German sportswear maker has launched a high-end street culture clothing line with his name.
Also read: Top 5 free transfers of this decade
#3 Neymar
A few years back, Neymar was seen as a precocious youngster, who was to assume the mantle from greats like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in the near future. Unfortunately (both for Neymar and the football world), it did not pan out too well for the Brazilian who got himself entangled in a number of controversies.
Presently the most expensive player of all-time, the ex-Santos wonderkid left Barcelona in the summer of 2017 to join PSG for an eye-watering €222 million. Since then, he has struggled with injuries and a desire to exert his dominance at the club.
Neymar has also been ruled out of the imminent Copa America tournament because of an ankle injury he suffered in Brazil's friendly meeting with Qatar. A rape claim made against him by model Najila Trindade has also exacerbated Neymar's predicament.
The 27-year-old works off the pitch with global sponsors Nike, Red Bull, Gillette, McDonalds and Beats by Dre. He earns $105 million yearly.
#2 Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo has once again failed to top the list, missing out on the No 1 position by a whisker last year. The Portuguese megastar joined Juventus after spending nine notable years with Real Madrid.
In his debut season at the Allianz stadium, Ronaldo oiled the wheels of Juventus' campaign to Serie A glory, managing 21 goals and 11 assists in the competition. Recently, he further cemented his reputable status in the football folklore by inspiring his nation to another international trophy in the UEFA Nations League 2019.
Lately, Ronaldo was mired in a tax evasion case that led him to cut a deal with a court in Madrid over the charges, accepting a $21 million fine. At present, the 34-year-old is the most popular athlete on social media with nearly 400 million total followers.
A huge portion of his earnings comes from endorsements that amount to $44 million. His major endorsement deals come from companies like Tag Heuer, Herbalife, and Nike. The one-time Real Madrid ace has an annual pay of $109 million.
#1 Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi is now the highest-paid athlete in the world having dethroned Floyd Mayweather, who was the proud holder of the title last year. The Argentine is doubtless one of the most hero-worshipped stars in the world. Mesmerizing audiences week in, week out by virtue of his preternatural skills is a mere norm for him.
Currently, Messi is in contention for Ballon d'Or 2019, closely vying with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Virgil van Dijk. In all likelihood, a phenomenal performance in the upcoming Copa America will seal a victory for the 31-year-old.
Messi's current Barcelona contract ties him with the club until 2021, paying him over $80 million annually. He also acquires $35 million from endorsements, thanks to a lifelong deal with Adidas and other deals with companies including Gatorade, Pepsi, Huawei, Ooredoo, etc. He boasts an annual pay of $127 million!
