According to the latest Forbes rankings, Manchester United’s returnee, Cristiano Ronaldo, has replaced six-time Ballon d’Or winner, Lionel Messi, as the world’s highest-paid footballer.

Ronaldo – also known as CR7 – is estimated to earn a total of $125 million before tax during the 2021-22 season: $70 million from salary and bonuses at Old Trafford, with an additional $55 million from commercial deals.

His arch-rival from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Messi, will earn a total of $110 million this season : $75 million from his salary and bonuses at the Parc des Princes, and $35 million from endorsements.

The Argentine footballer lost his financial dominance after agreeing to a pay cut when joining PSG.

??Third and fourth place are occupied by two of PSG’s forwards: Brazilian striker, Neymar takes third with $95 million and French striker, Kylian Mbappe, earns $95 million, respectively.

Liverpool’s forward, Mohamed Salah, also made it to the top five and he is expected to earn $41 million this season.

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