The debate as to who the greatest footballer of all time will never end, but who is the richest football superstar on the planet from past and present players? Unsurprisingly, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are in the top five!
Click through the gallery above to see who the 9 wealthiest footballers in the world are, according to Money.com.
A publication from United States of America, Money.com, claims to know the net worth of many of the biggest names in the beautiful sport, with Juventus forward Ronaldo at the top of the list.
It is believed that Ronaldo is worth $450 Million (R6.1 billion), with the Portuguese said to earn around $60 million per season in salary and winnings, and more in endorsements and sponsors and other personal ventures.
Former professional David Beckham is believed to have the same exact net worth as Ronaldo, despite retiring from the game in 2013. The Englishman is seen as one of football's first genuine celebrities and played for many of the biggest clubs in the world.
FC Barcelona's Messi comes in at third on the list with his reported net worth of $400 Million (R5.4 billion). Like Ronaldo, the Argentine earns most of his money in salary and bonuses, while the rest of his earnings come from various sponsors.
Next on the list is Dave Whelan, who was a professional footballer from 1956 to 1966. Whelan became a successful business man after hanging up his boots all of those years ago and is the former owner of Wigan Athletic.
Fifth in the gallery is Sweden legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who is believed be worth $190 Million (R2.5 billion). The marketable and sometimes controversial striker has a enjoyed a wonderfully long career at the vert top, and will go down as one of those memorable stars to ever play the game.
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To see who makes up the rest of the list, click through the gallery above!
Are you surprised by any of the names or amounts in this gallery? Let us know in the comments section below.
