The world’s highest-paid football players in 2021-22

The 2021-22 football season is nearly over for the major leagues in Europe. The ensuing offseason is likely to see large amounts of money handed out to star players for their services. Kylian Mbappe is the biggest star that could cash-in in the 2022 offseason, but he may not be the only big-name player to move clubs. Marcus Rashford, Neymar, and even Mohamed Salah could be on the move.

Yet, none of those names are among the world’s highest-paid football players in 2021-22. They could move into the top two as clubs around the globe seek new signings. The Champions League trophy is one of the reasons so many teams are ready to shell out big money on players. The 2021-22 Champions League tournament is heading into the quarter-final stage and sports bettors can get the latest bonus codes for trusted Michigan online casinos before wagering on the teams they believe will progress in the elite eight.

So, which players are the world’s highest-paid football players in 2021-22?

5. Mohamed Salah, Liverpool

Salary: $25 million

Mohamed Salah has less than 18 months left on his current Liverpool contract. Despite such a short time remaining, the club does not seem worried about a deal getting done. Salah wants to be the club’s all-time highest-paid player. Liverpool are okay with paying Salah as such, but they are unwilling to break the wage structure to do so. As it stands, Salah is paid $25m a season with a further $16m coming in endorsements.

4. Kylian Mbappe, Paris Saint-Germain

Salary: $28 million

By the time the 2022-23 season kicks off, Kylian Mbappe could be the world’s highest paid player in terms of salary. It was long believed that Mbappe would leave PSG on a free transfer and join Real Madrid in July 2022. Yet, Barcelona are now in the hunt for the Frenchman’s signature. The World Cup winner could start a chain reaction of moves in the offseason with one of the biggest contracts in world football being signed.

3. Neymar, Paris Saint-Germain

Salary: $75 million

Neymar was supposed to bring the Champions League trophy to Paris. Yet, since arriving for $263m, Neymar has failed to bring any European silverware to Paris. In fact, the only thing Neymar has given to Paris is drama. It is claimed Neymar has cost Paris a total of $537m since joining the club. Now 30-years old, Neymar was supposed to be on the same level as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, yet has fallen incredibly short of those two stars.

2. Lionel Messi, Paris Saint-Germain

Salary: $75 million

Speaking of Messi, the Argentine is the second-highest paid footballer of 2021-22. Messi joined Paris from Barcelona in the 2021 offseason on a free transfer. Few other clubs were interested in signing Messi and his production for Paris has shown just why. Messi could stop Paris from being eliminated from either the Coupe de France or Champions League. He has just seven goals in 26 appearances in all competitions for Paris.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United

Salary: $70 million

Ronaldo’s yearly salary from Manchester United is less than Neymar and Messi’s wages in Paris. However, Ronaldo makes more overall when his income from sponsors is taken into account. Ronaldo makes a grand total of $125m from salary and endorsements. Messi’s combined earnings are $110m and Neymar’s are $95m for this year. Like Messi, Ronaldo has had a rough season. At least, the rivals have a large income to fall back on.

The world’s highest-paid football players in 2021-22