Athletes are paid some of the highest salaries in the world, surely a lot more money than the average person will see in their own lifetime. Paid athletes routinely get a share of the revenues of the team that they play for through a salary and then many companies want them to use their products (endorsements) in return for a payment. Endorsed soccer players may wear a certain brand of cleats or other socks that is seen on national television and is worth money to the product maker because the athlete is basically a walking billboard.
Soccer players, or as it is referred to in some parts of the world, footballers make an extraordinary sum of money. In 2014, although the season is early, we have rounded up the 10 richest soccer players in 2014 and have listed them below. Who made our list? Who is number one? Many expect to see David Beckham on our list, but he retired in May of 2013, so he is no longer a contender. The players listed in our top 10 richest soccer players in 2014 may surprise you. We have compiled our list based on the salaries and endorsements that they will earn in 2014.
10. Sergio Aguero
This Argentine soccer player is a striker for Manchester City as well as for the Argentina National Team. He was the youngest player to debut in the Argentine Primera Division in July, 2003 at age 15. Kun as he is called, will earn more than 10 million pounds this year even though he will be unable to play for several months because of a hamstring injury.
9. Samuel Eto’o
This Cameroonian soccer star currently plays for Chealsea and is one of the highest paid soccer players in the world. He has sponsorships from Ford and Puma and will take home around 15 million this year. His contract is $28.8 per season which will keep him in a comfortable lifestyle for the next few years.
8. Frank Lampard
This English footballer is currently playing for Chelsea as central midfielder as well as for England’s National team. Lampard earns 11 million per season in salary and another 6 million in endorsements. He is vice-captain for Chelsea and the leading all time goal scorer for the club.
7. Zlatan Ibrahimovic
This Swedish born footballer is currently playing in a three year contract as a striker for Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain as well as the Swedish National team. He signed with Milan in 2006 and was named in the UEFA team of the Year. He transferred to Barcelona in 2009 and then moved back to A.C. Milan the next season. Ibrahimvoc earns 17 million per year.
6. Wayne Rooney
Rooney is playing for England this year with a lucrative contract and sponsorship through Nike and Electronic Arts and is currently earning more than 26 million dollars per year. Rooney is currently lined up to sign a new four and a half year contract which would bring him over $600,000.00 USD per week. At that point, Rooney will be the highest paid player in the Premier League.
5. Thierry Henry
Henry is a French born footballer star who currently plays as a striker for the Major League Soccer team New York Red Bulls. He made his professional debut in 1994 and as an all-star has a Gillette sponsorship which earns him $21 million annually.
4. Ronaldo de Assis Moreira (Ronaldinho)
Currently playing for Flamengo (Brazil) he won FIFA World Player of the year twice (2004 and 2005) and will earn 24 million from salary and endorsements this year. He plays forward and as an attacking midfielder and is known for his skill, dribbling, tricks, blind passes, overhead kicks and free kicks.
3. Ricardo Izecson Dos Santos Leite (Kaka)
Brazilian born Kaka will earn 25 million this year through his salary playing for Spain and his endorsement deal with Electronic Arts. Unfortunately, Kaka has been plagued with injuries and has become one of the worst acquisitions for Perez. Kaka may well be one of the most overpaid players in the world at this point. Kaka was one of the first sportspeople to gather more than 10 million followers on Twitter.
2. Lionel Messi
Currently playing for Spain, Messi will earn a cool 32 million this year. His skills are beyond comparison and his partners seem to agree. With endorsements from Konami, AirEuropa and Lay’s, Messi is earning a good income. This Argentine footballer plays forward for FC Barcelona as well as the Argentina National Team. He is widely regarded as one of the best players in the world.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo
Portugese born Ronaldo is currently playing as a forward for Spain and will earn $38 million this year between his wages and endorsements from Coca-Cola, Nike, Castrol and Armani. Under the terms of his contract his buyout clause is valued at one billion. Ronaldo is the highest paid footballer in the world and will earn the most money in 2014 of all soccer players worldwide.