Beckham is Soccer's Highest-Paid Player
Daily Telegraph
Lionel Messi may be the world’s best player, but David Beckham is the richest, according to France Football magazine’s annual tally of the sport’s wealthiest players. Beckham, 37, will earn $46.6 million in 2012-2013, of which just 5 percent comes from his Paris-Saint Germain salary (which he is donating to charity, anyways). The majority of the former LA Galaxy player’s income comes from other sources, including endorsements.
Messi, 25, will earn $45.3 million this season, of which $16.8 million comes from his Barcelona salary and bonuses, the magazine said. He is followed by Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo, who will earn close to $39 million, with $17.5 million coming from salary and endorsements.
Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho is soccer’s best-paid coach, earning $18.1 million per year. Paris Saint-Germain coach Carlo Ancelotti, who earns $15.5 million per season, and Guangzhou Evergrande’s Marcello Lippi, who earns $14.2 million, follow Mourinho.