Move over David Beckham. There's a new man who brings home more bacon.
Not surprisingly, it's Barcelona striker Lionel Messi, aka the best soccer player on this planet.
According to France Football magazine, Messi earns $44.6 million a year. That not only includes his salary with the Spanish and European club champions, but bonuses and endorsements as well.
The 22-year-old Argentine international certainly has earned his keep and then some in his last three games, connecting for eight goals -- many of them worthy of a highlight reel.
Actually, Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo earns more per week than Messi ($300,000 to $270,00), but after factoring in all the outside income the Argentine brings home $857,520 on a weekly basis. Ronaldo is No. 3 on the charts at $40.6 million.
Beckham, who performs for the L.A. Galaxy and A.C. Milan, was not too far behind at $41 million. That includes his $6.5 annual salary from his MLS club, a cut on Beckam jerseys sold worldwide and other endorsements. Becks, however, won't be able to cash in on the World Cup as he will miss this summer's tournament in South African with an Achilles tendon injury.
Barcelona placed three players in the top eight, including forward Thierry Henry, who made the list at No. 5 ($24.3 million) and the subject of many a rumor that he will join the Red Bulls after the World Cup. and Zlatan Ibrahimonivic in the eighth spot ($19.5 million).
Manchester United and England standout Wayne Rooney, whose star has risen this season, isn't even ranked in the top 10.
The top 10
1. Lionel Messi, Barcelona -- $44.6 million
2. David Beckham, L.A. Galaxy/A.C. Milan -- $41 million
3. Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid -- $40.6 million
4. Kaka, Real Madrid -- $25.4 million
5. Thierry Henry, Barcelona -- $24.3 million
6. Ronaldinho, A.C. Milan -- $23.3 million
7. Carlos Tevez, Manchester City -- $20.7 million
8. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Barcelona -- $19.5 million
9. Frank Lampard, Chelsea -- $19.2 million
10. Samuel Eto'o, Inter Milan -$18.6 million
Note: This includes all sources of income, including salary, bonuses and endorsements
Not surprisingly, it's Barcelona striker Lionel Messi, aka the best soccer player on this planet.
According to France Football magazine, Messi earns $44.6 million a year. That not only includes his salary with the Spanish and European club champions, but bonuses and endorsements as well.
The 22-year-old Argentine international certainly has earned his keep and then some in his last three games, connecting for eight goals -- many of them worthy of a highlight reel.
Actually, Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo earns more per week than Messi ($300,000 to $270,00), but after factoring in all the outside income the Argentine brings home $857,520 on a weekly basis. Ronaldo is No. 3 on the charts at $40.6 million.
Beckham, who performs for the L.A. Galaxy and A.C. Milan, was not too far behind at $41 million. That includes his $6.5 annual salary from his MLS club, a cut on Beckam jerseys sold worldwide and other endorsements. Becks, however, won't be able to cash in on the World Cup as he will miss this summer's tournament in South African with an Achilles tendon injury.
Barcelona placed three players in the top eight, including forward Thierry Henry, who made the list at No. 5 ($24.3 million) and the subject of many a rumor that he will join the Red Bulls after the World Cup. and Zlatan Ibrahimonivic in the eighth spot ($19.5 million).
Manchester United and England standout Wayne Rooney, whose star has risen this season, isn't even ranked in the top 10.
The top 10
1. Lionel Messi, Barcelona -- $44.6 million
2. David Beckham, L.A. Galaxy/A.C. Milan -- $41 million
3. Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid -- $40.6 million
4. Kaka, Real Madrid -- $25.4 million
5. Thierry Henry, Barcelona -- $24.3 million
6. Ronaldinho, A.C. Milan -- $23.3 million
7. Carlos Tevez, Manchester City -- $20.7 million
8. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Barcelona -- $19.5 million
9. Frank Lampard, Chelsea -- $19.2 million
10. Samuel Eto'o, Inter Milan -$18.6 million
Note: This includes all sources of income, including salary, bonuses and endorsements