Lionel Messi, BarcelonaLionel Messi Getty ImagesTotal Earnings: $126 millionSalary: $92 million | Endorsements: $34 millionIt took FC Barcelona 105 years to win 64 trophies before Messi joined in 2005. Cristiano Ronaldo, JuventusCristiano Ronaldo Getty ImagesTotal Earnings: $117 millionSalary: $70 million | Endorsements: $47 millionRonaldo is the most popular athlete on the planet with 457 million social media followers. David De Gea, Manchester UnitedDavid De Gea APTotal Earnings: $27 millionSalary: $24 million | Endorsements: $3 millionDe Gea’s $24 million salary makes him the highest-paid goalkeeper in the world. MethodologyTo compile our list, we spoke with clubs, players’ agents, commercial sponsors and soccer experts in the U.S. and Europe. All figures are converted to U.S. dollars and include soccer salaries for the 2020-21 season, bonuses and endorsements.

Source: Forbes September 14, 2020 10:00 UTC