Varun Pai
Forbes reveals that Manchester United ace Cristiano Ronaldo has overtaken Lionel Messi as best-paid player
As per a Forbes report (h/t Daily Star), Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo is the highest-paid player in the 2021/22 season, overtaking Lionel Messi in the process.
The Portuguese superstar, who completed a move to Old Trafford on deadline day, is on yet another list as he has become the best-paid player in the sport. The former Juventus forward was previously earning £87.91m, including his salary at the Turin club and sponsorship deals & endorsements.
This meant that he was earning lesser than Lionel Messi at Barcelona last season, who was pocketing £95.24m, including his income and brand endorsements. However, since the Argentinian also made the move to Paris Saint Germain this season, the figures have changed a bit.
Ronaldo is earning a ridiculous salary of £51.25m in wages at United, with the 36-year-old potentially earning another £40m in endorsements, taking his total income to a monstrous £91.5m – an incredible number considering he took a pay-cut to join the club.
In contrast, the Argentinian maestro saw his salary halved at PSG but has still managed to earn higher wages than his Portuguese counterpart at £54.95m.
However, the difference-maker is Messi’s returns from sponsorship deals as he will only be making £25.6m from that avenue, taking his total income to £80.5m, thereby earning £11m lesser than Ronaldo.
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While these are massive figures, it is an intriguing statistic that the two greats of the game still enjoy the wealthiest wage packages despite being in their mid-thirties.
However, they there is no denying that they are worth that money. Ronaldo is already providing rich dividends on the pitch for the Manchester-based club as he has knocked in 4 goals in 3 games. Thus, it would not be a surprise if he manages to drive the Red Devils to their first Premier League title since 2013 this season.
