Balkish Rosly
As fans feverishly count the days, hours (and minutes if you’re that hardcore!) to the FIFA World Cup 2014; behind the scenes, players and teams train for the one of the most prestigious football titles in the World. Winning is no small feat as the world’s best go head-to-head in a match up that takes place only as frequently as the American Presidential elections – 4 years!
Being a renowned footballer is hard work – all the grueling training, high expectations and constant spotlight is enough to make the bravest of us a little queasy. But then they payouts are equally great: superstar status packaged with living the high life, courting fast women and of course – raking in major amounts of cash. As we get into the fever that is the World Cup 2014 – check out what some of your footie greats are raking in for the awesome footwork!
1. Cristiano Ronaldo
Current Teams: Real Madrid C.F. / Portugal
Estimated Wealth Level: €148 Million (RM651 Million)
Age: 29
At the tender age of 29, Christiano Ronaldo’s wealth is estimated to be about €148 Million. This talented footballer is so well known in and outside of the football field that even a random makcik on the streets would probably recognise him. What’s more, the lucrative new five-year contract deal he signed with Real Madrid – worth millions, of course – means that he is now sitting comfortably at the top of this list, ahead of his so-called rival Lionel Messi.
2. Lionel Messi
Current Teams: FC Barcelona / Argentina
Estimated Salary in 2013: €16 Million (RM70 Million)
Estimated Wealth Level: €146 Million (RM642 Million)
Age: 26
Breaking news! Lionel Messi is set to become the highest paid player in the football world after he agreed to sign a new contract with FC Barcelona sometime in May 2014. This new deal will undoubtedly raise his already incredible wealth into a whole new level, but we daresay that this footballer is worth every penny. At the young age of 21, Messi received the Ballon d’Or and FIFA World Player of The Year nominations. Although he didn’t bring home the award, Messi won both of these titles in the following year. He then continued to sweep the Ballon d’Or honour in 2011 and 2012. Not forgetting, he also holds the record for the most hat-tricks scored in the history of the UEFA Champions League.
3. Samuel Eto’o
Current Teams: Chelsea / Cameroon
Estimated Salary in 2013: €8 Million (RM35 Million)
Estimated Wealth Level: €85 Million (RM374 Million)
Age: 33
At an estimated wealth of €85 Million, this Chelsea striker is the third wealthiest footballers in town. Hailing from Cameroon, Eto’o scored over 100 goals in five seasons with Barcelona and he is also Cameroon’s all-time leading scorer and third most capped player, with 55 goals from 112 caps. However, life is not all peachy for this famous football star. Samuel Eto’o has encountered racial abuse, to the point of leaving the football field mid-game as a sign of protest.
4. Wayne Rooney
Current Teams: Manchester United / England
Estimated Salary in 2013: €13 Million (RM57 Million)
Estimated Wealth Level: €84 Million (RM370 Million)
Age: 28
Wayne Rooney is one of those footballers who just can’t escape the paparazzi. This English footballer has been in the news for both of his professional career as well as personal woes. From infidelity to the David Moyes drama, it seems like he just can’t quite catch a break. But no matter, his wealth could definitely cheer him up! At an estimated fortune of €84 million, Rooney has come a long way since his Everton days. In 2004, Rooney signed on to Manchester United after a £25.6 million deal was reached, making that the highest fee ever paid for a player under 20 years old as he was still only 18 when he left Everton. As of now, he will continue scoring goals for the Red Devils.
5. Kaká
Current Teams: A.C. Milan / Brazil
Estimated Salary in 2013: €10 Million (RM44 Million)
Estimated Wealth Level: €82 Million (RM361 Million)
Age: 32
Who knew that this cutie is already 32 years old? Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite or more commonly known as Kaka is the well-known Brazilian footballer who is currently attached to A.C. Milan. In 2003 he joined Milan for a fee of €8.5 million. While at Milan, Kaká won the Ballon d’Or and FIFA World Player of the Year awards in 2007. After his success with Milan, Kaká joined Real Madrid for a transfer fee of a whopping €65 million.At the time, this was the second highest transfer fee ever, behind only the €75 million fee for Zinedine Zidane. After four seasons in Spain, he returned to Milan in 2013. Unfortunately, folks may not see him in action in the upcoming World Cup as Brazil Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari announced his 23-man squad will not include Kaka!
Balkish Rosly is an Investigative Journalist of SaveMoney.my, an online consumer advice portal which aims to help Malaysians save money through smart (and most of the time painless) savings in their daily banking, technology, and lifestyle spending habits.
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