Last Updated on April 1, 2016

Undoubtedly football is one of the most followed sports in this world. So, it is no surprise, highest level of financing and commercialization should enter this very sporting arena. Though, there is always mixed reactions about this commercialization from spectators around the globe. People now can enjoy a variety of international talent at various domestic leagues. While, they often criticize the highest paid soccer players for being overly paid. Sometimes the reaction is, they don’t worth that much money.

Here we are trying to make a list of 10 highest paid soccer players especially for the year 2016. And we don’t believe to hide the secret that this list is made mostly based on the latest list by Forbes.

According to the magazine, the 29- year old Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo is the leader of this short list. The second ranked is now at no#1 in the list of highest paid soccer players in the world 2016 with an estimated earnings of 80 million USD.

Top 10 Highest Paid Soccer Players 2015:

From last year, the boost is around $30 million for Cristiano Ronaldo. And now on, the Spanish Primera owns the top two spots as Lionel Messi from Barcelona is next with $65 million. Though he is expected to receive a raise of $13 million after the next deal is signed.

Also read: Top 10 Most Popular Sports in the World

Top 10 best soccer players in the world 2015

This list of highest paid soccer players is presented here with stars strictly from the Spanish Primera, English Premier League and France’s Ligue 1.

10. Fernando Torres – Atletico Madrid

Fernando José Torres Sanz is a Spanish professional footballer. He played as a striker for both the Spain National Team and English Club Chelsea. He started his career with Atletico Madrid in 2001.

Torres is now at number 10 in the list of top 10 highest paid soccer players 2015-16. He has an annual earnings of 20 million USD. And he is continuing his sponsor deals with Adidas and Pepsi.

Very recently Torres refused to move for Italy as the Chelsea Boss Jose Mourinho is very keen to keep the 50 million striker for the English Club. He might have planned to play his last match at Stamford Bridge. He came back to join Atletico Madrid last season. His performance is increasing with time.

Also Read: Top 10 highest paid footballers in the English Premier League

Total earnings in 2015-16:

Total Earning Earning Via Salary/Winnings Earning Via Endorsements 21.3 Million USD 17.8 Million USD 3.5 Million USD

Now at this moment he is no longer considered one of the top strikers in the world football. But probably his sponsorship deals still rank him among the highest paid soccer players 2015-16.

9. Yaya Toure – Man City

Gnégnéri Yaya Touré, known as Yaya Touré, from the Ivory Coast National Team, now plays as a midfielder in Premier League club Manchester City. Formerly this versatile player played as a center back for FC Barcelona. He is renowned for combining passing ability and physical power with technique.

For the list of top 10 highest paid soccer players 2015-16, he is at number 9. His annual earning is around 21 million USD, of which he receives almost 19.2 million USD from salary and the other 3 million from endorsements.

Toure signed a new 4-year contract to stay at the Etihad Stadium until 2017, last April. He is the captain of Ivory Coast National team. Toure was selected for the African Player of the Year for 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014. So far, he has scored 53 goals for Manchester City.

Also Read: Top 10 English Premier League transfers in 2016

Total earnings in 2015-16:

Total Earning Earning Via Salary/Winnings Earning Via Endorsements 21.7 Million USD 19.2 Million USD 2.5 Million USD

Yaya Toure was third (just below his teammate) in the last BPL with 20 goals. And naturally his contract is loaded with much more incentives. Definitely his wages can reach sky high next year, especially if Manchester City performs well again.

8. Sergio Aguero – Man City

Sergio Leonel “Kun” Agüero Del Castillo known professionally as Sergio Agüero is an Argentine professional footballer. He also plays as a striker for Premier League club Manchester City and the Argentina national team. One of the forever legends, Diego Maradona’s Son in law, Aguero started with the European side Atletico Madrid in 2006.

Sergio Aguero is presently representing the 8th position of top 10 highest paid soccer players 2015-16. Recently (on 14th August 2014) he has signed a five year deal with the city for about 42.35 million Euros. And also the Sponsorship deals with companies like Puma, Pepsi and Gillette are facts about being 8th richest soccer player of 2015-16.

His new contract with the English giants will keep him at Manchester City until 2019. Hopefully he will continue his form as one of the key players for the team in English Premier League.

Also Read: Top 10 English Premier League rivalries

Total earnings in 2015-16:

Total Earning Earning Via Salary/Winnings Earning Via Endorsements 23.3 Million USD 18.3 Million USD 5 Million USD

Definitely Sergio Aguero is one of them who helped City capture a second EPL title in the last three years. He scored 17 total goals this season, which is fourth most in league for the term.

7. Wayne Rooney – Manchester United

Wayne Mark Rooney is an English footballer who plays for both Manchester United and the England national team. Recently he was seen as captain for both the teams. Probably he is one of Most Gifted Footballers, England Ever Produced. Undoubtedly he can find his place in the all-time best striker list for England. At the age of only nine, he joined the Everton youth club and finally moved for the United in 2004 summer transfer window. So far, he has scored 192 goals in the English Premier League, which makes him the second most top scorer in EPL. He is currently the most decorated Barclays Premier League player.

And for the updated list of highest paid soccer players 2015-16, Wayne Rooney is the 7th highest paid soccer player in the world. He has a grand total of 23.4 Million USD annual earning. This also includes the 5 Million sponsorship deals.

The famous club rewarded 10-year veteran Rooney with a record 4-year contract extension, which worth up to $104 million.

Also Read: Top 10 young footballers in EPL

Total earnings in 2015-16:

Total Earning Earning Via Salary/Winnings Earning Via Endorsements 23.4 Million USD 18.4 Million USD 5 Million USD

The Red Devils along with Rooney have trudged through a downtrodden English Premier League season. But now with the new manager they are willing for a better prospect. And endorsements from Nike, Samsung and Harper Collins, still keeping the 28-year-old MANU forward in the list of top 10 highest paid soccer players 2015-16.

6. Neymar – Barcelona

Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior, commonly known as Neymar or Neymar Jr., is a Brazilian professional footballer. He plays for Spanish club FC Barcelona and the Brazilian national team as a forward or winger. For the time being he is considered as one of the Most Rising Star in Football Arena.

Neymar started his career with the Brazilian club Santos in 2003. And after rising through ranks, now he is transferred to the Spanish club FC Barcelona last year.

Neymar was transferred with a record €57, which was 10th most expensive transfers in football history. Currently he is at number 6 in the list of top 10 highest paid soccer players 2015-16. Annually he earns almost 34 Million USD. Of which, 16 Million, he receives via sponsorship deals form Nike, Panasonic and Volkswagen.

Neymar announced on 27 May 2013 that he would sign with the FC Barcelona. On June 3rd, Neymar was unveiled by Barcelona and presented at the Nou Camp in front of 56,500 fans, which was a record turnout for a Brazilian player.

also read: Top 10 Brazilian footballers of all time

Total earnings in 2015-16:

Total Earning Earning Via Salary/Winnings Earning Via Endorsements 33.6 Million USD 17.6 Million USD 16 Million USD

Probably Neymar is the only player on the list of highest paid soccer players 2015-16, whose endorsements outweighed the salary. The Brazilian superstar has already become a sensation for the Barcelona side. And above all, he is expected to represent Brazil for their sixth World Cup title.

5. Radamel Falcao – Chelsea

Radamel Falcao García Zárate, commonly known as Radamel Falcao, Falcao García or Falcao in South America, is a Colombian professional footballer. Only a few days ago he was transferred to Manchester United on loan from AS Monaco. He plays as a striker for both the club and the Colombian national team.

He had already travelled so many famous clubs like Lanceros, River Plate, Porto, Atletico Madrid, Monaco and now the big one Manchester United.

The 28 year old Star struck a 5 year deal that doubled his salary with AS Monaco, bankrolled by Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev.

He also spent a very successful year with Atletico Madrid, where he scored 34 goals in one season. But Falcao justified the move to the club saying his heart had been with it since his idol Henry had played there. And magically, before that he was not even in the list of top 10 highest paid soccer players. Now he is enjoying the 5th position of highest paid soccer players 20115-16.

It is heard that Manchester United is very keen to keep the Colombian star with them, which means they are processing the deal for him. Let’s see what happens, Falcao of Monaco or Falcao of MANU??

Falcao is now playing for Chelsea on loan. He is not having a good form there as he scored only once in his nine games.

also read: Top 10 football managers in the world 2015

Total earnings in 2015-16:

Total Earning Earning Via Salary/Winnings Earning Via Endorsements 35.4 Million USD 32.4 Million USD 3 Million USD

A serious knee injury derailed him from the season as well as the World Cup 2014, Brazil. But hopefully he will score again for the Red Devils this season.

4. Gareth Bale – Real Madrid

Gareth Frank Bale is a Welsh footballer who plays for Spanish club Real Madrid. He also plays for the Wales national team as a winger. Gareth Bale began his professional career at Southampton as a left back. Very quickly he acclaimed his name as a free kick specialist.

The Spanish giant Real Madrid spent $118 million last September to sign the 24-year old Welshman from Tottenham Hotspur in the year 2013 after Neymar’s move to Barcelona.

Now Bale is at number 4 in the list of top 10 highest paid soccer players 2015-16. He earns around 36.4 Million USD per year, including 11 million via his deals with Adidas, EA Sports, Lucozade.

Bale began his professional career at Southampton. On 25 May 2007, Bale signed a four-year deal with Tottenham. And finally On 1 September 2013, Real Madrid announced that they had reached an agreement for the transfer of Gareth Bale. A six-year deal was signed with an undisclosed fee for the superstar.

Also read: Top 10 best looking football players in the world 2015

Total earnings in 2015-16:

Total Earning Earning Via Salary/Winnings Earning Via Endorsements 36.4 Million USD 25.4 Million USD 11 Million USD

Definitely the record breaking transfer to Real Madrid puts a lot of pressure on Bale. But we can say he had already proven himself worthy. His winning-wonder goal in the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona solidified his place in Europe’s toughest and famous most league.

3. Zlatan Ibrahimovic – PSG

Zlatan Ibrahimović is a Swedish professional footballer. He plays as a striker for French club Paris Saint-Germain and the Swedish national team. Ibrahimovic is the present captain for Swedish national team. Most definitely he is one of the strongest footballer around the world.

He was the player of the year for PSG last year, in which he scored 30 goals one season. Ibra started his career with the Malmo FF in the late 90’s. Then he moved to Ajax and serially there after he played for Juventus, Internazionale, Bercelona, Milan and finally PSG.

Currently Imbrahimovic is the 3rd highest paid soccer player of the top 10 list of highest paid soccer players 2015-16. Annually he earns around 40.4 Million USD. Ibrahimovic is gaining 36.4 Million USD via salary and other 4 Million via commercial deals from sponsors.

Recently he is rewarded one year Extension in his two year contract with PSG.

Also read: Top 10 Premier League goalkeepers in 2015

Total earnings in 2015-16:

Total Earning Earning Via Salary/Winnings Earning Via Endorsements 40.4 Million USD 36.4 Million USD 4 Million USD

Ibrahimovic is well known for his incredible goals and cockiness on the pitch. Undoubtedly he is responsible to bring back PSG amongst the top clubs in Europe with two consecutive French Ligue 1 titles.

2. Lionel Messi – Barcelona

Lionel Andrés “Leo” Messi Cuccittini, commonly known as Lionel Messi is an Argentine professional footballer who plays as a forward for Spanish club FC Barcelona and the Argentina national team.

The Barcelona sensation had received Ballon d’Or and FIFA World Player of the Year nominations at the age of 21 only. He is definitely one of the greatest soccer players ever in this world. And still if we don’t accept him as the greatest, at least we can consider that he has certain possibilities with so many unbreakable records in his pocket.

Messi started his career with the Spanish giant club FC Barcelona and may be, he is all the through going to end up with them.

After remaining as runner up in 2013 Ballon d’Or award Messi is at number two in the list of top 10 highest paid soccer players 2015-16. He has a grand total earning of 64.1 Million USD per year. He receives 41.7 Million from salary. He also has some real big deals with sponsors like Adidas and Turkish Airline.

Recently Messi helped his team Argentina being runner up at the World Cup 2014, Brazil. He was also awarded with the player of the tournament which is commonly known as the golden ball. As always, he has never stopped surprising and undoubtedly he is ever sensational. Lionel Messi has achieved the FIFA Ballon d’Or for the 5th time in 2016.

Read Also: 10 unknown facts about Lionel Messi

Total earnings in 2015-16:

Total Earning Earning Via Salary/Winnings Earning Via Endorsements 64.7 Million USD 41.7 Million USD 23 Million USD

The Argentine superstar has agreed to a new contract with the club. But he hasn’t signed yet. Most probably his wage is set to rise. Easily he can become no. 1 of highest paid soccer players next year.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo – Real Madrid

Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro, OIH, commonly known as Cristiano Ronaldo, is a Portuguese professional footballer who plays as a forward for Spanish club Real Madrid and captains the Portugal national team. He is considered one of the most popular Athlete in the world.

Ronaldo became the most expensive player in the world when he moved from Manchester United to Real Madrid in 2009. He won the 2013 Ballon d’Or. And scored amazing 69 goals in only 59 matches for Real Madrid and Portugal.

Now a time, undoubtedly and most definitely Cristiano Ronaldo is at number one in the list of top 10 highest paid soccer players 2015-16.

He has a grand total earning of 80 Milliion per year. Of which, 52 Million he earns from salary and the other 28 Million from endorsements. Very recently Real Madrid has awarded Cristiano a 5-year contract worth $206 Million USD. Alongside he has some huge sponsorship contracts with Tag Heuer and underwear labeled CR7. He is at the same time most paid and most popular athlete in the world.

Cristiano Ronaldo started his career as a young player for Andorinha. He played there for two years. And moved to C.D. Nacional. In 1997 he moved to Portuguese giants Sporting CP. Finally in 2003, Ronaldo caught the attention of Manchester United manager sir Alex Ferguson. MANU signed him for 12.2 Million in 2004.

Ronaldo was the first player in England to win all four main PFA and FWA awards in 2007. In 2008 and 2013, he won the FIFA Ballon d’Or award as the best player in the world, the first Portuguese player to win the title twice. On 26th June 2009, Real Madrid confirmed his transfer from Manchester United for 80 Million, which made him the most expensive footballer in history.

Also Read: 7 amazing facts about Cristiano Ronaldo

Total earnings in 2015-16:

Total Earning Earning Via Salary/Winnings Earning Via Endorsements 80 Million USD 52 Million USD 28 Million USD

This year the Madrid sensation racked up 31 goals and helped Real Madrid reach the Champions League final with his leadership and otherworldly scoring abilities. Ranking top in salary and endorsements, Ronaldo is by far the highest paid soccer player in the world.

Also Read: World’s best selling club football shirts

Other players, who are in the top 100 highest paid soccer players 2014 list, compiled by Forbes.com..