Messi overtakes Ronaldo as highest earner in world football

Barcelona superstar, Lionel Messi, has overtaken Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldoas the highest earner in world football, according to France Football magazine.

Messi has raked in €126million euros ($154mn) in salary, bonuses and commercial revenue, while his rival is making €94m.

Last season, Ronaldo led with €87.5m euros with Messi on €76.5m euros.

The two players who have split the last 10 Ballons d’Or are followed by Paris Saint-Germain’s Brazilian star Neymar on €81.5m euros.

There is a big gap to Ronaldo’s Real team-mate Gareth Bale on €44m euros and Barca defender Gerard Pique on €29m euros.

Top 5 player earners (gross wages, bonuses and commercial revenue in the 2017-2018 season):

1. Lionel Messi (ARG/Barcelona): €126m

2. Cristiano Ronaldo (POR/Real Madrid: €94m

3. Neymar (BRA/Paris Saint-Germain): €81.5m

4. Gareth Bale (WAL/Real Madrid): €44m
5. Gerard Pique (ESP/Barcelona): €29m