Messi overtakes Ronaldo as World highest paid footballer

Lionel Messi is the best-paid player on the planet as he rakes in an astonishing £7.3million a month before tax – nearly twice the amount that Cristiano Ronaldo does at Juventus.

In L’Equipe’s annual salary report, the French news outlet revealed who the 10 best-paid footballers in Europe are going by monthly wage before tax.

Of these 10, five play in Spain, a pair play in France and England respectively while just the one player features in Italy.

It’s no secret that modern-day players are paid huge sums of money but the amount Messi receives on a monthly basis is extraordinary – even by footballers standards.

The Barcelona talisman signed a new contract in November 2017 which propelled him to the top of the list, beating long-term rival Ronaldo in second who earns a staggering £4.1m (€4.7m) a month before tax.

Surprisingly, coming in third is Antoine Griezmann of Atletico Madrid who earns £2.9m (€3.3m) a month following his well-publicised contract renewal before the World Cup this summer.

Paris Saint-Germain’s Neymar follows Griezmann with a reported monthly earnings of £2.7m (€3.06m) while Luis Suarez completes the top five with a monthly wage of £2.5m (€2.9m). 

Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale (£2.2m), Philippe Coutinho (£2m), Alexis Sanchez (£2m), Kylian Mbappe (£1.5m) and Mesut Ozil (£1.4m) complete the list.

Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski failed to break into the top 10 list with a reported monthly earning of £1.2m (€1.33m) in the Bundesliga. 

L’Equipe also released the top earners in Ligue 1, and unsurprisingly, the top five was dominated by PSG players.

With Neymar and Mbappe leading the way, Edinson Cavani (£1.3m), Thiago Silva (£1m) and Angel Di Maria (£1m) complete the list.

The French newspaper also reportedthat Mbappe’s monthly wage increase by £160,000 (€180,000) between his first and second season at the Parisan club following his big-money switch from Monaco.

Top 10 best-paid footballers – What they get every month

1. Lionel Messi – £7.3million

2. Cristiano Ronaldo – £4.1million

3. Antoine Griezmann – £2.9million

4. Neymar – £2.7million

5. Luis Suarez – £2.5million

6. Gareth Bale – £2.2million

7. Philippe Coutinho – £2million

8. Alexis Sanchez – £2million

9. Kylian Mbappe – £1.5million

10. Mesut Ozil – £1.4million 

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