As World Cup 2014 approaches in Brazil, the soccer world is talking about who will turn out as the best players of the tournament.
Many would expect those commanding the highest salaries to showcase their talents at the World Cup finals.
According to Singapore market researchers WealthX, the 10 players earning the most are:
· Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) €17 million
Portuguese international forward with blistering pace and an unerring eye for goal has recently signed a new contract as a Real Madrid Galactico that gives him a 17 million euro a year salary.
· Lionel Messi (Barcelona) €16 million
Argentinian Messi shows how some small players can have a big contribution during matches. Winner of the balloon d’or player of the year trophy for four years running, his salary is 16 million euros a year.
Messi and his father are currently before the courts in Spain for tax evasion
· Radamel Falcao (Monaco) €14 million
Colombian forward Radamel Falcao picks up 14 million euros a year and is a target for envious English Premier League teams Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea.
· Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Paris St Germain) €13.8 million
The giant Swede devastated England with a brilliant hat-trick in a recent friendly to show he can perform at the highest level and is worth every bit of his 13.8 euro a year pay packet.
· Wayne Rooney (Manchester United) €13.8 million
Rooney is the highest ranking British based player on the list, earning a reputed £250,000 a week before endorsements and other income. Rooney is also rumoured to be the highest paid player in the Premier League.
· Sergio Aguero (Manchester City) €13.5 million
Argentine goal scoring sensation Sergio Aguero is paid 13.5 million euros each season, partly in return for his goals that secured the Premier League title in 2012.
· Yaya Toure (Manchester City) €13 million
Ivory Coast international midfielder Toure is reckoned as Manchester City’s best player, giving them strength and menace in defence, midfield and attack. Hemakes 13 million euros a year.
· Thiago Silva (Paris St Germain) €12 million
Brazilian defender Thiago Silva earns 12 million euros a year from his cash-rich employer.
· David Silva (Manchester City) €12 million
Spanish international playmaker David Silva shows glimpses of his genius on the ball to command a 12 million euro a year pay check
· Fernando Torres (Chelsea) €10.8 million
Spanish striker Fernando Torres is considered past his best, but even in the twilight of his career, he has the passion and skill to regularly beat defenders to score goals in the Premier League.