Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have ruled the football world for the past ten years. There is no denying that these two are the best players in the recent history. And there is also no denying that the debate about who is better among the two will go on forever.
Another reductionist argument goes on as well that we should not compare the two and just enjoy their game. However, it is not possible as the two superstars are always head-to-head in every competition including the individual titles.
We will not talk about who is better at dribbling, taking the screamers from 40 yards out or scoring no-look backheels. Instead, we will take a look at who racks in more money from endorsements, salaries etc every year.
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There is very little to separate between the “aliens” of the game, however, when it comes to bringing in cash, Messi takes the lead by a good €32 million over Cristiano Ronaldo.
Last year, Ronaldo topped the list of the highest-earning footballers by pocketing €87.5 million against Messi’s earnings of €76.5 million.
Let’s see how they compare to each other this year:
Top 5 Earners
Here are the top 5 earning footballers racking in millions of euros every year.
1. Lionel Messi: €126 million (Argentina – FC Barcelona).
2. Cristiano Ronaldo €94 million (Portugal – Real Madrid).
3. Neymar Junior €81.5 million (Brazil – Paris Saint Germain).
4. Gareth Bale €44 million (Wales – Real Madrid).
5. Gerrard Pique €29 million (Spain – FC Barcelona).
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Splitting Messi’s earning over every minute that he has played so far reveals some staggering statistics.
Assuming that Messi will play remaining league games including the ones he has already played in all competitions for national and club side, Messi earns €25,000 per minute. Yeah, that’s right, the guy takes in over 35 lac rupees for every minute he spends on the football pitch.
Top 5 Coaches
Jose Mourinho, Manchester United manager, topped the list of highest-earning managers in the world. The Portuguese retained his claim to the title edging past the Italian Marcello Lippi who is currently coaching a Chinese side. Here is how much the coaches earn;
1. Jose Mourinho: €26 million (Portugal – Manchester United).
2. Marcello Lippi: €23 million (Italy – China).
3. Diego Simeone: €22 million (Argentina – Atletico Madrid).
4. Zinedine Zidane: €21 million (France – Real Madrid).
5. Pep Guardiola: €20 million (Spain – Manchester City).
