The richest of the richest football players in the world is still David Beckham, who is receiving the largest annual income. The marketing “golden goose” earns 32.4 million euros a year. Of course, this money is primarily the product of what Beckham represents outside the football field, France Football reports.

Surprisingly, Barcelona’s Lionel Messi follows Beckham closely. The Argentinean earns 28.6 million euros, although he is not even close to being as attractive as the English star. But on the field, Messi is a miracle worker.

It is a bit strange that Cristiano Ronaldo came only fourth with annual earnings of 18.3 million euros, and is preceded by Ronaldinho with 19.6 million euros. Other players on the list are Kaka, Henry, Ibrahimovic, Terry, Rooney and Lampard.

It can therefore easily be concluded that only Beckham can continue earning money although he has not been playing serious football for a long time. But by transferring to Milan he has additionally intrigued sponsors and it will be difficult for Ronaldo, who people think of Beckham’s heir when marketing is concerned, to achieve everything the Englishman has.

Top 10:

1. David Beckham (Milan) 32.4 million euros
2. Lionel Messi (Barcellona) 28.6 million euros
3. Ronaldinho (Milan) 19.6 million euros
4. Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United) 18.3 million euros
5. Thierry Henry (Barcelona) 17 million euros
6. Kaka (Milan) 15.1 million euros
7. Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Inter) 14 million euros
8. Wayne Rooney (Manchester United) 13.5 million euros
9. Frank Lampard (Chelsea) 13 million euros
10. John Terry (Chelsea) 11.7 million euros