I recently read an interesting article around earnings for some of the top players and clubs in the world. Salaries and how much pro athletes should earn has and always will continue to be a topic of discussion for all. Either way I don’t want to go into a meticulous discussion around football or salaries, I just want to present some numbers after a little research and see what your thoughts are.
Top Earning Players:
1. David Beckham – Recently ended his 20 year career at Paris Saint Germain
Earnings $50.6 Million (On Field – $6.5 Million, Off-Field $44.1 Million)
2. Cristiano Ronaldo – Real Madrid
Earnings $43.5 Million (On Field – $21.9 Million, Off-Field $21.6 Million)
3. Lionel Messi – Barcelona
Earnings $40.3 Million (On Field – $19.3 Million, Off-Field $21 Million)
4. Sergio Aguero – Manchester City
Earnings $20.8 Million (On Field – $17.3 Million, Off-Field $3.5 Million)
5. Wayne Rooney – Manchester United
Earnings $20.3 Million (On Field – $17.5 Million, Off-Field $2.8 Million)
6. Yaya Toure – Manchester City
Earnings $20.2 Million (On Field – $17.7 Million, Off-Field $2.5 Million)
7. Fernando Torres – Chelsea
Earnings $20.2 Million (On Field – $17.2 Million, Off-Field $3 Million)
8. Neymar – Santos
Earnings $19.5 Million (On Field – $10.4 Million, Off-Field $9.1 Million)
9. Kaka – Real Madrid
Earnings $19.3 Million (On Field – $13.8 Million, Off-Field $5.5 Million)
10. Didier Drogba – Galatasaray
Earnings $17.8 Million (On Field – $12.8 Million, Off-Field $5 Million)
Note: Beckham earns more off field from the likes of H&M then he has during his on field career (nearly 90% of his 2012 earnings) and Messi, four time world player of the year, recently signed the richest soccer contract. His salary and a huge endorsement from adidas could soon make him the top earner both on and off the field.
Top Club Properties:
I wont stop there. This is interesting as well, considering for example that a team like Barcelona has in its + 100 year history (113 to be exact) only now begun to take on sponsors for their real estate (per square inch, that is).