Filthy rich! Three Premier League stars make Forbes' highest earners list

Seb Sternik
26 September 2021

Despite stiff competition from PSG's Lionel Messi, Neymar Jr and Kylian Mbappe, it is a Premier League star who tops the latest Forbes list of the top ten highest-paid soccer players.

Lionel Messi, who topped Forbes' rich list last year, looked certain to retain his crown following his dramatic transfer from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain.

The 34-year-old is set to earn around £55million in wages playing for the Parisians. If that wasn't enough, the Argentine will also pick up around £25million in endorsements - taking his tally to around £80million.

Lionel Messi, Neymar, Paris Saint-Germain, Club Brugge, Champions League

Team-mates Neymar Jr and Mbappe are close behind in third and fourth place. The pair will earn £69million and £31million, respectively.

Question is, who are the three Premier League stars on the list and where do they rank. Planet Sport is here to answer both questions.

Paul Pogba - Manchester United

Let's work our way up the top ten list.

The first Premier League name that comes up is Paul Pogba who takes spot number eight - ahead of Gareth Bale (£23million) and Eden Hazard (£21million).

The Manchester United midfielder is in his sixth season at Old Trafford since returning to the club in 2016 from Juventus.

Rumours about a potential transfer away from Manchester intensify every summer yet the Frenchman is still a Red Devil, and remains an integral part of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's plans.

As things stand, PSG are favourites to land Pogba's signature at around 9/4 while Real Madrid are close behind on 4/1. It's fair to say that either one of those moves would certainly help the 28-year-old advance up the Forbes list.

Nevertheless, Pogba's isn't doing too bad financially at United. His current salary of £19million and endorsement deals worth up to £5million make him the eighth highest earning soccer player in the world.

Mohamed Salah - Liverpool

Up in fifth position is Liverpool's Egyptian King, Mohamed Salah.

The 29-year-old is ahead of Andres Iniesta (£25million) - yes, he's still playing - and Robert Lewandowski (£25million).

The Reds might not be keen on splashing their cash in the transfer market but it's fair to say that they don't cut corners in the wage department.

Salah currently earns £18million in salary alone. Add to that the £11million from endorsements and the Egyptian is already raking in around £30million.

The striker is currently in negotiations with the club regarding a new deal. If recent reports are accurate, Salah's wage could increase from £200,000 a week to around £500,000. Should that come to fruition, we can expect to see the 29-year-old higher on this list next season.

Cristiano Ronaldo - Manchester United

Bet you didn't see this one coming.

Yes, it's Cristiano Ronaldo who tops the Forbes highest paid players list, taking the crown away from rival Lionel Messi.

The 36-year-old made a sensational return to Manchester United over the summer, moving away from Juventus after a three-year spell with the Italian outfit.

Despite his age, the Portugal international is still hot property - something that is reflected by his financial intake.

Ronaldo's total £91million earnings are made up of his £51million salary and endorsement deals worth around £40million.

Some would say soccer players shouldn't earn that kind of money but when you consider the impact Ronaldo has on merchandise, stock shares and social media numbers, you begin to understand that a lot of his value is concentrated in areas away from the soccer pitch.

That, however, shouldn't detract from his abilities on the pitch as well. Despite being just four years away from his 40th birthday, the Portuguese forward has had a tremendous impact on United in recent weeks.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has scored four goals in three games for the Red Devils as he looks to bring the club out of their trophyless rut.