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Football, the beautiful game, is one of the world's most popular sports right now. Many players have provided us with so many joyful moments, amazing skills and nail-biting performances alike, for decades. The audience have adored goalscorers as well as skillful dribblers when compared with other players. However, one such under-appreciated position is that of the goalkeeper.
Every winning team like Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Juventus is built around a world-class goalkeeper. Although often not given as much plaudits nor recognition as they should, it's starting to reflect in their weekly wage packet. On that note, let's take a look at the five highest paid goalkeepers across the world at present.
#5: Petr Cech (Arsenal)
Weekly wage: £100,000
Petr Cech is a 35-year-old Czech professional footballer, who currently plays his trade with Premier League side Arsenal. He made 124 international appearances before announcing his retirement from Czech Republic in 2016, following their group stage exit from the European Championships in France.
He managed to reach 100 Premier League clean sheets in the fewest appearances, whilst currently holds a number of records across England's top-flight too.
Having previously played for Chmel Blšany, Sparta Prague, Rennes and fellow Premier League side Chelsea, he's one of the world's most decorated and successful goalkeepers too.
#4: Iker Casillas (FC Porto)
Weekly wages: £118,000
Íker Casillas is a Spanish footballer who plays for FC Porto in Portugal. Iker began his career at Real Madrid in 1990 - making his international debut for Spain at just 19-years-old. He has been in UEFA's team of the year for six consecutive years and is one of very few who has won all possible major trophies with both club and country.
Famous for his consistency and longevity at the top, many predicted Real's decision to let him leave in search of younger, more reliable alternatives would see him begin a gradual downfall. However, he continues to impress while proving critics wrong with his goalkeeping displays for Porto both domestically as well as in Champions League action too.
#3: Hugo Lloris (Tottenham)
Weekly wages: £120,000
Lloris is a French footballer, who began his career with hometown club Nice. For both club and country, the 31-year-old has been performing at an exceptional level over the past few years. Known for his excellent reflexes and decision-making, he's good at anticipating danger and thwarting opponents in their tracks.
As a result of his impressive displays, Spurs have been performing progressively better across all competitions - especially in the Premier League and amongst Europe's elite in Champions League fixtures too.
#2: Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich)
Weekly wages: £135,000
Manuel Neuer is Bayern Munich and Germany's first-choice goalkeeper, one who has asserted himself as one of the world's best in recent seasons. Having started his career at fellow Bundesliga side Schalke 04 in 2003/04, his consistent displays have earned plaudits from many and earned him a place in the world's team of the year for consecutive years.
Described as the sweeper keeper due to his speed and unique playing style, he's a complete goalkeeper and one who is known for accurate ball distribution - while continually launching counter attacks from the back.
Also read: 5 reasons why Germany will lift the World Cup in Russia this summer
#1: David de Gea (Manchester United)
David de Gea is Manchester United and Spain's first-choice goalkeeper. Born in Madrid during 1990, he began his career with Atletíco at the age of 13.
He agreed a £200,000-a-week contract extension with United despite interest from Real in recent seasons, partly due to his amazing performances in-between the posts for the Red Devils.
Since joining in 2011, David has made over 200 club appearances and won silverware too. He has one Premier League medal, one from their successful UEFA Europa League campaign last term, as well as an FA Cup, League Cup and three Community Shield accolades too.
He's managed to win United's player of the year award on three consecutive occasions, which is testament to just how good he is.
