Manchester United FC forward Cristiano Ronaldo has reclaimed the top spot from Lionel Messi as the world’s highest-paid footballer.

Ronaldo, 36, rejoined United from Juventus in August after 12 years away, while Messi has swapped boyhood club FC Barcelona to join Paris Saint Germain.

According to Forbes, Ronaldo, among the world’s most famous athletes with over 500 million followers across social media, is set to make $125 million before taxes in the 2021-22 season. He will also earn $70 million from salary and bonuses at United.

The rest will come from endorsements and partnerships with brands such as Nike, Herbalife, Clear and his CR7 brand.

Messi, who topped the 2020 list, will be paid a salary of $75 million with an additional $35 million from endorsements for total expected earnings of $110 million.

The Argentine’s strike partner at PSG, Neymar, who signed a new contract until 2025 in May, is third on the list with total earnings of $95 million.

Another PSG player, Kylian Mbappe, $43 million, is fourth on the Forbes list while Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah, $41 million, is fifth.

The rest of the ten highest-paid earners in soccer are Robert Lewandowski, $35 million, Andres Iniesta, $35 million, Paul Pogba, $34 million, Gareth Bale, $32 million, and Eden Hazard, $29 million.

(NAN)