Football, if not already, has become all about sponsorships and the good life. And why not, because the life of a footballer is filled with all the best in life:
- Playing Football
- Exotic Cars
- Big Houses
- Women
Well it might not be exactly like that, I just wish it were like that. David Beckham has already shown the way in the case of endorsements and lucrative contracts with big names such as Adidas, Pepsi and even has his own fragrance. Anyway, Forbes has come out with the Top 10 most valuable football players in the world and none other but our man Ronaldinho tops the list, so lets start with him:
1 - Ronaldinho
Currently Earning: $29.5 Million USD
Reasons For Wealth: In addition to his $11 million salary with Barca, Ronaldinho’s endorsement deals with Nike, EA Sports, Cadbury and Pepsi keep his head way above water, catapulting him to 1st spot. Although he’s having a sub-par season, the club and sponsors obviously think he is worth the money, I and many others think he is too.
2 - David Beckham
Currently Earning: $29.1 Million USD
Everyones favourite marketing tool and he plays the role all so well. During his time at Manchester United and Real Madrid, Beckham was able to solidfy his position as a absolute marksmen with the free kick opportunities. But these we all know him for the lucrative $250 million deal he has striked up with the Los Angeles Galaxy, so Ronaldinho, cherish your #1 spot while you can.
3 - Ronaldo
Currently Earning: $23.4 Million USD
We hardly see this man around these days because he is always injured and on the bench for AC Milan. If you recall, he is one of only two people to receive the FIFA Footballer of the Year award three years in a row. Back in the day, Ronaldo was one of the very best, but these days, it looks as though he will follow in Beckham’s footsteps and result to the United States. Good Luck to him.
4 - Wayne Rooney
Currently Earning: $17.2 Million USD
The wonder boy of Manchester United and with the combination of Cristiano Ronaldo, who is surprisingly vacant from this list, have created a plethora of goals for the club. In his early 20’s, Rooney is soon to become a timeless footballer who is known for his reliability and deadly finishing. Recently picked up by Nike, there will be many more endorsements to come.
5 - Michael Ballack
Currently Earning: $16.8 Million USD
Arriving from the German League, Bayern Munich, Ballack is slowly making a name for himself for Chelsea. He is reportedly being paid $240,000 USD a week, which should keep him far from bored, as he finds his feet amongst the other star midfielders in his team.
6 - Thierry Henry
Currently Earning: $15.8 Million USD
The French superstar who has stayed faithful and loyal to Arsenal all these years has a nice contract of $220,000 USD a week. This should be enough to keep him there, but the loss of the World Cup final would be a permanent memory to him and for that reason, he will keep going until he gets his hands on it.
7 - Zinedine Zidane
Currently Earning: $15.6 Million USD
The French magician has wowed us over the years with his finesse and ouside the box skill and thinking. Unfortunately, he will always be remembered for that headbutt in the World Cup Final, a shame that he ended on that note. Nevertheless, it still hasn’t changed the thoughts on him to his many fans.
8 - Fabio Cannavaro
Currently Earning: $14.6 Million USD
Leading his side to World Cup glory in 2006, the responsibility and honour of being captain have shot Cannavaro into the spotlight as one of the best defenders in the world today. Earlier he received the FIFA World Player of the Year for 2006, edging out Ronaldinho for the top spot.
9 - John Terry
Currently Earning: $14.3 Million USD
With his contract at Chelsea ending this year, Terry will be looking to get more out of his contract than what he currently is. Currently captain for both club and country, the Englishman is the face for Umbro, the football manufacturing company and you will see him sponsored by the football game Pro Evolution Soccer.
10 - Steven Gerrard
Currently Earning: $14.2 Million USD
Currently in the English squad and featured in the world cup, local Liverpool boy Gerrard always has a knack of getting his side out of hairy situations. His on field perona is one of high quality and the club realises this. As a result he gets paid handsomely, pretty good considering he has no sponsorship deals as of yet.
