David Beckham has been confirmed as the highest-paid footballer in the world, despite giving his wages at current club Paris Saint-Germain to charity.
Beckham leads the charts when it comes to the most affluent footballers in the game, making annual earnings of £30.8m.
The 37-year-old eclipses youngster stars like Barcelona’s Lionel Messi (£30m) and Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid (£25.7m), despite having handed over his salary at PSG to local charities in Paris.
The recent survey in France Football magazine revealed that Beckham’s wages from PSG and former club LA Galaxy make up just five per cent of his total earnings.
Other sources of income such as endorsements, image rights and ambassadorial exploits – such as his current visit to China to promote football in the country – are estimated to add up to £28.3m.
The former Manchester United star is expected to contribute around £4m to charity from his five-month contract with PSG, in his sixth year of topping the rich-list having made the top ten every time since 1999.
Ex-Barcelona hitman Samuel Eto’o lies in fourth with £20.5m, and coveted Brazilian star Neymar makes up the top five on £17.1m.
Premier League players Sergio Aguero (£16.3m) and Wayne Rooney (£15.4m) are also in the running, along with Yaya Toure (£14.2m) and Fernando Torres (£14m).
1) David Beckham (PSG – £30.8m)
2) Lionel Messi (Barcelona – £30m)
3) Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid – £25.7m)
4) Samuel Eto’o (Anzhi Makhachkala – £20.5m)
5) Neymar (Santos – £17.1m)
6) Sergio Aguero (Manchester City – 16.3m)
7) Wayne Rooney (Manchester United – £15.4m)
8) Zlatan Ibrahimovic (PSG – £15m)
9) Yaya Toure (Manchester City – £14.2m)
10) Fernando Torres (Chelsea – £14m)