Footy Hall

Top 10 clubs in football's money league

2012-02-10T06:00:00.000-08:00

Deloitte’s annual report on European football revenues - known as the Football Money League - has been released, and Real Madrid and Barcelona have extended their advantage over the rest of Europe at the top of the 2010-11 list.

Without further ado, here is the list:

1st

REAL MADRID
Last year: 1st

€479.5m
(€438.6m)

2nd

BARCELONA
Last year: 2nd

€450.7m

(€398.1m)

3rd

MANCHESTER UTD
Last year: 3rd

€367m

(€349.8m)

4th

BAYERN MUNICH
Last year: 4th

€321.4m

(€323m)

5th

ARSENAL
Last year: 5th

€251.1m

(€274.1m)

6th

CHELSEA
Last year: 6th

€249.8m

(€255.9m)

7th

AC MILAN
Last year: 7th

€235.1m

(€244m)

8th

INTER
Last year: 9th

€211.4m

(€224.8m)

9th

LIVERPOOL
Last year: 8th

€203.3m

(€225.3m)

10th

SCHALKE 04
Last year: 16th

€202.4m

(€139.8m)

Ronaldo is deadlier than Messi from the spot.

2012-02-04T22:40:00.000-08:00

C. Ronaldo has fluffed just one spot-kick since joining Madrid, while Messi's failure to convert for Barca against Valencia on Wednesday was his seventh career miss

The comparisons are constant, the debate ceaseless. But there is now little left to support the theory that Lionel Messi isn't the finest footballer on the planet. The astonishing Argentine is the main man in the best Barcelona side of all time, has been mentioned in the same breath as the game's greatest players and has just claimed his third successive Ballon d'Or.

ON THE SPOT IN SPAIN | LEO VS. CRISTIANO

27	PENALTIES TAKEN	24
20	PENALTIES SCORED	23
7	PENALTIES MISSED	1

74%

CONVERSION RATE

96%

http://i1.goal.com/files/images/stats/goal/team-logos/1/451_48x48.jpg

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LIONEL MISSES | LEO'S SEVEN SPOT-KICK SINS

Date	Opposition	Result	Comp	Explanation
31/01/08	Villarreal	1-0	Copa	Saved (left)
12/11/08	Benidorm	1-0	Copa	Rebound(right)
11/04/09	Recreativo	2-0	Liga	Saved (left)
14/09/10	Panathinaikos	5-1	CL	Saved (right)
19/01/11	Betis	1-3	Copa	Over the bar
22/10/11	Sevilla	0-0	Liga	Saved (right)
01/02/12	Valencia	1-1	Copa	Saved (right)

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So Leo may be the finer footballer, but Cristiano is converting from the spot. And penalties bring points, while points mean prizes.

Top 10 'what if' Premier League transfers of this season

2012-01-26T21:29:00.000-08:00

The top six clubs could have had another look to them after the summer transfer window - today we look at the deals that almost happened and how different things could have been

Today I'll review the most high-profile of these and looks at just how different the 2011-12 season could have been for the players and clubs involved if only certain deals had just got over the finishing line.

Charlie Adam - Tottenham

Charlie Adam was minutes away from securing a switch to Tottenham but in the end had to stay at Blackpool

Gary Cahill - Tottenham

Gary Cahill looked like one of the dead certainties to be on the move to a top club last summer. moved to Chelsea recently instead of Tottenham.

Radamel Falcao - Chelsea

Radamel Falcao, the prolific striker who had helped fire Atletico to treble glory in a 38-goal season.

Phil Jones - Liverpool

Liverpool had a bid accepted by Blackburn for Phil Jones and seemed to be leading the chase for his signature for a brief spell before he was instead tempted to Old Trafford by champions Manchester United.

Romelu Lukaku - Arsenal

Romelu Lukaku was attracting admiring glances from a number of clubs in the summer but it was London rivals Arsenal and Chelsea who were leading the race to secure him having been long-term admirers.

Juan Mata - Liverpool

. Last summer, the Spaniard finally left Mestalla, joining Chelsea in a €28m deal

Samir Nasri - Manchester United

One of the biggest transfer sagas this summer saw Samir Nasri at the centre of a tug-of-war between Manchester City, Manchester United and his then current club Arsenal.

Scott Parker - Arsenal

Many Arsenal fans have believed Scott Parker is exactly what their side need for a number of years and this summer the Gunners were strongly linked with a move.

Javier Pastore - Chelsea

As well as chasing Luka Modric throughout the summer, Chelsea’s search for a creative midfield took them close to bringing in Argentine Javier Pastore from Palermo.

Ashley Young - Manchester City

After it became clear Ashley Young would not be extending his Aston Villa contract – which had one year left to run – in the summer, it was the two clubs from Manchester who led the chase to sign him.

Pele: When Barcelona's Messi has scored 1,283 goals and won 3 World Cups, then we will talk

2012-01-22T23:45:00.000-08:00

The 71-year-old is an admirer of the Argentine sensation but insisted that the Barca star and three-time Ballon d'Or winner is still far away from equaling his achievements.

Brazil legend Pele has praised Barcelona star Lionel Messi, but noted that the Argentine still has a long way to go to be as successful as he was.
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The Argentina international became the second player in the history of the Ballon d'Or to win the prestigious award three times in a row when he lifted the title earlier this month in Zurich.

Pele acknowledged that he is a fan of Messi, but stressed that the diminutive Argentine faces a hard task to equal him.

"Technically speaking, we are practically at the same level," Pele told Le Monde. "We have both received a gift from God.

"Records are made to be broken, but it will be hard to break mine. When Messi has scored 1,283 goals and won three World Cups, then we will talk.

"People ask me all the time when there will be a new Pele. I tell them: 'Never'. My parents shut down the factory."

Well, what you guys think of this?

AC Milan’s Kevin-Prince Boateng is always injured because we have sex 10 times a week, claims Melissa Satta

2012-01-21T11:12:00.000-08:00

The former girlfriend of Christian Vieri claims the reason why her latest squeeze keeps being ruled out of action is due to their regular steamy bedroom antics.

The girlfriend of AC Milan midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng has revealed that the player's injury woes of late could be down to the amount of sex the couple have.

The club confirmed recently that the player will be out of action for up to a month due to a muscular problem.

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However, Melissa Satta, a model, TV presenter and actress, has stated that Boateng's poor injury record is the result of their bedroom antics.

"The reason why he [Kevin-Prince Boateng] is always injured is because we have sex seven to 10 times a week," the 25-year-old told Vanity Fair.

"I hate foreplay, I want to get straight to the point," she added. "My favourite position is on top so I can take control."

Milan are yet to speak out in regards to Satta's comments although the Rossoneri did release an official statement on their website to validate the injury.

"Boateng has sustained a muscular lesion in his left thigh and the estimated time of recovery is around four weeks, unless there are complications," Milan stated.

Boateng looks set to miss up to eight games for the club, including the Champions League round of 16 first leg clash with Arsenal on February 15.

10 Stars Who Never Won the African Cup of Nations

2012-01-19T09:52:00.000-08:00

Africa has produced some exceptionally gifted players who have never tasted glory in the continent’s most prestigious competition, the Africa Cup of Nations. Some of these are men who have won the biggest individual awards in various leagues worldwide. And, football being a team sport, some have been cursed with underachieving national teams. This has ensured that they finished their careers without ever lifting the Afcon trophy.

Some, like George Weah, Kalusha Bwalya, Mustapha Hadji and Anthony Yeboah, have retired from the game. Others, like Nwankwo Kanu, Frederic Kanoute and El Hadji Diouf, have called time on their international careers, while Didier Drogba and Michael Essien are in the twilight of their journeys with their national sides.

KALUSHA BWALYA (ZAMBIA)

Zambian great Kalusha Bwalya was a nearly-man at the Afcon in 1994 when the Chipolopolo made a memorable push for the title a few months after losing most of their first team in a plane crash. Bwalya led the Zambians to the final of Tunisia 94, where they narrowly lost 2-1 to Nigeria.

Two years later, he led the Zambians to a third-place finish in South Africa, where he won the Golden Boot. The former winger, who was named African Player of the Year in 1988, played in five Afcon tournaments and was coach in 2006.

EL HADJI DIOUF (SENEGAL)

Two-time African Player of the Year El Hadji Diouf ended his career without an Afcon title. The 'Serial Killer' played at four tournaments and came closest in 2002, when the Teranga Lions finished second to Cameroon in a penalty shootout.

Diouf’s career has been overshadowed by on- and off-field controversies as his best football years ebbed away, but an Afcon title would certainly have been the highlight of his international career.

DIDIER DROGBA (IVORY COAST)

Another twice named African Footballer of the Year, Drogba has not won the title in three appearances at the tournament. He came closest to winning in 2006 when his Ivory Coast side reached the finals but lost to hosts Egypt in a shootout, after regulation time ended goalless.

The Chelsea striker still has one more opportunity to win the competition, as he will lead his golden generation of Ivorian stars to the tournament in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea in January 2012.

MICHAEL ESSIEN (GHANA)

Chelsea midfield strongman Michael Essien has been out injured for the better part of two years and has seen his place in the Black Stars filled by much younger players. However, during the height of his prowess, the 'Bison' failed to win the Afcon title, coming closest in 2010 as the Ghanaians took silver, losing to Egypt.

If his injuries continue, Essien could end his international career without a continental title. He has played in three Afcon tournaments.

MUSTAPHA HADJI (MOROCCO)

Mustapha Hadji’s most memorable moment at the Afcon was his overhead kick to score against Egypt in their 1998 group-stage win. Hadji won that year’s African Player of the Year award on the back of his performance at the World Cup.

Two years later, Morocco crashed out of the tournament in the group stages and any dream Hadji had had of winning the coveted trophy went up in smoke, as the north African star could not cap his career off with an Afcon title.

FREDERIC KANOUTE (MALI)

The 2007 African Player of the Year came closest to winning the Afcon title in 2004 when Tunisia hosted the tournament. The Malians showed inspired form to reach the semi-finals, powered by four goals from Kanoute.

However, they were undone by Morocco in a 4-0 defeat, with Kanoute finishing as joint-top scorer. In 2008 and 2010, the Eagles failed to make it past the group phase, and so Kanoute retired from international football without an Afcon title.

NWANKWO KANU (NIGERIA)

The forward, twice African Player of the Year, participated in six tournaments and came closest to winning in 2000, when Nigeria finished second. He lost the final in a penalty shootout against Cameroon and soon after the Super Eagles became perennial bronze-medal winners.

His Afcon record is one silver and four bronze medals, but perhaps even more surprising is that lanky Kanu never scored a goal from open play in the competition.

PETER NDLOVU (ZIMBABWE)

Zimbabwean great Peter Ndlovu played at two Afcon tournaments but never went further than the group stages. He scored three goals for the Warriors at their maiden tournament in 2004.

He was also a part of the Zimbabwe side that stunned World Cup-bound Ghana 2-1 in their 2006 group. The former Coventry and Birmingham City striker is one of the biggest names from the southern part of Africa to have never won the competition.

GEORGE WEAH (LIBERIA)

The 1995 Fifa World Player of the Year, George Weah played at two Afcon tournaments with the Lone Stars in 1996 and 2002, but crashed out in the first round on both occasions. Weah scored a goal in the 2002 tournament during an opening 1-1 draw with hosts Mali.

Considering his individual brilliance and the awards he won during his career, Weah is one of the biggest African names to not have tasted victory in the competition.

ANTHONY YEBOAH (GHANA)

The Ghanaian great, Anthony Yeboah missed out on the Afcon title in 1992 when the Black Stars lost the final in a drawn-out penalty shootout against the Elephants of the Ivory Coast.

The Eintracht Frankfurt and Leeds United legend played two more tournaments in an effort to be crowned an African champion, but the Black Stars could not reach the heights that they achieved in 1992 with the team that included Abedi Pele, Nii Odartey Lamptey and Anthony Baffoe.

Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo & Xavi - presenting the three candidates for the 2011 Fifa Ballon d'Or

2012-01-09T07:37:00.000-08:00

They are the three best footballers of 2011, as determined by national team coaches and captains, and journalists around the world. But Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Xavi weren't just at the top of their game this past year; they have consistently been at the pinnacle for the last five years.

LIONEL MESSI

2011 STATISTICS

ARGENTINA
Games	13
Goals	4
Assists	10
Team Titles	0
BARCELONA	YEAR
Games	57
Goals	55
Assists	25
Team Titles	5

WHAT THE STARS SAY...

Johan Cruyff: "Being the player that Messi is, he can still win many more. He will win five, six or seven and he will be the player with the most Ballon d'Ors in history.”

Diego Maradona: “The day that Messi finished second behind Ronaldo, I called him and said: ‘Listen to me, I’m going to tell you something, Lio, that’s the last time I’m going to let you come second to anyone. Is that clear?’ Since that day, he’s won everything!”

2011 HIGHLIGHTS

- Scored in the 3-1 win over Man Utd in the Champions League final

- Scored six goals in seven Clasico matches against Real Madrid in 2011, including a memorable solo effort in the Champions League semi-final at the Bernabeu

- Scored two goals in Club World Cup final against Santos and won the tournament's Golden Ball

- Surpassed Laszlo Kubala to become Barcelona's second all-time highest scorer in competitive matches

CRISTIANO RONALDO

2011 STATISTICS

PORTUGAL
Games	9
Goals	7
Assists	1
Team Titles	0
REAL MADRID	YEAR
Games	51
Goals	53
Assists	16
Team Titles	1

WHAT THE STARS SAY...

Kaka: “In the modern game, Cristiano is the world’s most complete player. He’s capable of scoring goals with his left foot, his right, his head and from free-kicks. Messi is excellent and has numerous qualities, but overall Cristiano has more to offer."

Emmanuel Petit: "I’m leaning towards Cristiano Ronaldo. He’s performed very well wherever he’s been. Even when his team were struggling, he always stood up to be counted – you just have to look at his exceptional statistics to see that. Ronaldo’s consistency is just really impressive."

2011 HIGHLIGHTS

- Scored the only goal in the 1-0 Copa del Rey final win over Barca en route to lifting his first trophy with Madrid

- Won the 2010-11 Pichichi trophy by becoming the first player to score 40* goals in a single La Liga season, beating previous record of 38 held by Hugo Sanchez and Telmo Zarra

- Awarded the European Golden Shoe for the second time in his career

- Guided Portugal to Euro 2012 finals by scoring two goals in second leg play-off win over BiH

.* Marca credited Ronaldo with 41 goals

XAVI

2011 STATISTICS

SPAIN
Games	9
Goals	2
Assists	2
Team Titles	0
BARCELONA	YEAR
Games	53
Goals	8
Assists	12
Team Titles	5

WHAT THE STARS SAY...

Rafael Nadal: “I hope Xavi wins the Ballon d’Or. As a Spaniard, I have to support Xavi! He’s had an incredible career and completely deserves it, even if the other two are also extraordinary players.”

Emmanuel Petit: "Xavi has redefined the position of midfield organiser. Barca's game channels through him, and he is an immense talent.

2011 HIGHLIGHTS

- Provided the assist for Pedro to score Barca's first goal against Man Utd in 3-1 Champions League final win

- Provided an assist and scored in 4-0 Club World Cup final against Santos and was awarded competition's Silver Ball

- Surpassed Migueli to become the player with the most official appearances for Barca and also became the club's most decorated footballer with 19 titles

- Broke the 100-cap mark for Spain and surpassed Raul to become the third most-capped player for the national team

10 of the best goals netted by shot-stoppers

2012-01-05T16:49:00.000-08:00

Goalkeeper Tim Howard's second-half goal provided one of the most bizarre moments of the Premier League season so far as his upfield punt deceived Trotters shot-stopper Adam Bogdan and nestled safely in the goal. Though the wind can claim an assist, given the terrible conditions in Merseyside on Wednesday, the strike was a remarkable feat.

That said, it is far from a unique one. Here is a look at 10 of the most impressive and most important strikes from men whose job is actually supposed to be the prevention of goals.

Sinan Bolat seals Europa League place for Liege

With Standard Liege trailing AZ Alkmaar 1-0 in the 95th minute of their final Champions League group game in 2010, the Belgians were facing not only an exit from Europe's premier competition but European football altogether for that season. The Jupiler league side needed a hero to step up, and most likely didn't expect it to come in the shape of goalkeeper Sinan Bolat. The Turkish shot-stopper leapt highest to meet a Liege free kick with a header most centre forwards would be proud of, ensuring his side finished third in their group and entered the Europa League at the expense of their Dutch opponents.

Rogerio Ceni nets 100th career goal

When goalscoring goalkeepers are discussed, the name of Sao Paulo's Rogerio Ceni inevitably pops up. It is difficult to single out one of the numerous goals the Brazilian keeper has scored but one of his most recent in March last year not only marked his 100th career strike but also had further significance. It came as the winner in a 2-1 victory over Brazilian giants Corinthians and, of course, was scored from a free kick 20 yards out. The ball hit the top corner with trademark venom and, rather unfairly considering the 38-year-old is part of the goalkeeper's union himself, gave Corinthians' shot-stopper absolutely no chance.

Jose Luis Chilavert grabs a hat-trick for Velez

Another South American goalkeeper with a penchant for goalscoring was Jose Luis Chilavert. Whilst there was seemingly little out of the ordinary about his penalty during Velez Sarsfield's 6-1 victory over Ferro Carril Oeste in 1999, it capped off a trio of goals in the game. All three of Chilavert's strikes that day came from the spot as he became the first ever keeper to achieve the feat of notching three times in one match. The Paraguayan netted 44 career goals.

Jimmy Glass saves Carlisle from relegation

The story of Jimmy Glass and Carlisle is so unlikely that it would perhaps be laughed off as an unrealistic film premise. The Cumbrian outfit stood on the brink of relegation to the Football Conference on the final day of the 1998/1999 Division Three season, being held by Plymouth Argyle when only a win would ensure survival. With 90 minutes on the clock, on-loan goalkeeper Glass, playing for only the third time for Carlisle, entered the box for a corner kick in a desperate attempt to salvage his side's league status. Famously, the ball did in fact fall to Glass, who volleyed home with aplomb to spark a pitch invasion and condemn Scarborough to relegation instead. Bizarrely, Glass' move was never made permanent and he never played for Carlisle again.

Columbus' Will Hesmer halts Toronto in derby

America's MLS is also not immune to its goalkeepers getting involved in the action either it seems. In 2010, Columbus Crew trailed their biggest rivals, Toronto FC, 2-1 away from home in a hard-fought league clash. As is the trend with last-minute set pieces in these tales, their keeper Will Hesmer made the long walk into the opposition area. The ball was nodded neatly into Hesmer's path before he coolly took a touch and, with the precision of an outfield player, slotted the ball home to send his team-mates and the travelling fans wild.

Pat Jennings shocks Old Trafford

An oldie but a goody, this. You'll have to look back to rather grainy black and white footage to see this goal, scored in a 1967 Charity Shield clash between Tottenham and Manchester United at Old Trafford. Legendary keeper Pat Jennings, who made 472 appearances for the north London outfit, kicked the ball to see it bounce just once at the edge of the United box and loop over opposition keeper Alex Stepney. Jennings' goal proved crucial as his side went on to draw the match 3-3, meaning they shared the trophy as was the custom then.

Hans-Jorg Butt scores and then...

The most amusing entry on the list, Hans-Jorg Butt's goal is perhaps more famous for the events which followed it than the goal itself. The German keeper successfully netted a penalty for Bayer Leverkusen in a 2004 league clash against Schalke and was understandably enthusiastic in his celebrations. However, as he signalled to the referee to indicate his readiness for the game to restart after celebrating, he turned in horror to see the ball flying over his head and into his own net. Schalke's quick-thinking forward Mike Hanke had seen Butt with his back turned and shot at goal straight from the kick off. Fortunately, the mistake mattered little in the end as Butt's side went on to win 3-2.

Jens Lehmann nets in fierce Ruhr derby

Jens Lehmann was more famed for his sharp temper than goalscoring exploits during a spell in England with Arsenal. Yet in Germany, and particularly with former club Schalke, the keeper has something of a reputation for finding the net. Having already netted a penalty years before for the German side, Lehmann added another strike to his record in the biggest game of all. With his side trailing in the final minutes of a typically intense Ruhr derby against Bayer Leverkusen, Lehmann was the furthest man forward for Schalke and nodded home brilliantly after the ball was lofted back in from an initially repelled corner. However, that strike in December 1997 proved to be the last of his career and the German made more of a reputation for his work in front of his own goal from that point on.

Paul Robinson improves England chances against Ben Foster

Paul Robinson enjoyed a prolonged spell as England's No.1 keeper and was in the midst of a successful period with Spurs in March 2007. His side faced a Watford containing a then pretender to the England goalkeeping throne in the shape of a young Ben Foster. Whilst he will have entered that game hoping to get one over on his direct competition, he did not perhaps believe that he would be the man to make Foster concede. Robinson's free kick from within his own half took that familiar solitary bounce in front of the Watford keeper before looping out of reach and into the net. Robinson promised soon after that he would not remind his compatriot of the matter when they met up for England duty, though whether he kept his promise or not we may never know.

Peter Schmeichel gives United hope against Rotor

If one person is most famed in English football for making the last-minute dash to the opposition penalty box, it is former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel. The Dane's propensity for getting forward best summed up the never-say-die attitude of some of United's most successful sides and this is perhaps the reason they are so widely known, rather than for any particular success in netting. Schmeichel in fact scored just once for Sir Alex Ferguson's side, the equaliser in a 2-2 draw against Russia's Rotor Volgograd in a 1995 Uefa Cup tie. The goal itself was a brilliantly taken header but could not prevent the Red Devils from exiting on the away goals rule.

Own Goal of the YEAR!

2012-01-04T05:21:00.000-08:00

Highest Paid Footballers of the World

2011-07-11T04:53:00.000-07:00

10) Samuel Eto’o

Samuel Eto’o 10th Highest Paid Footballer Salary 7.4 Million Pound 300x200 10 Highest Paid Footballers of the World [SALARIES]

The 10th highest paid footballer of the world is Samuel Eto’o with estimated basic pay (before tax has been deducted) of $12.09 (₤7.4) million a year. Samuel Eto’o was born in Cameroon on March 10, 1981 who currently leads his national team and also plays as a striker for a Serie A Italian Club Internationalize. Samuel has also played for big names like Real Madrid and Barcelona in the past.

9) Carlos Tevez

Carlos Tevez 9th Highest Paid Footballer Salary 7.4 Million Pound 300x225 10 Highest Paid Footballers of the World [SALARIES]

In this list of highest paid footballers of the world, on ninth spot we have Carlos Alberto Tevez who has estimated basic pay of $12.09 (₤7.4) million a year. Carlos Tevez was born in Argentina on February 5, 1984 who currently plays for English club Manchester City as a forward and also leads the team. It is worth mentioning that Carlos Tevez has also played for Manchester United from 2007 to 2009.

8) Emmanuel Adebayor

Emmanuel Adebayor 8th Highest Paid Footballer Salary 7.4 Million Pound 2011 300x203 10 Highest Paid Footballers of the World [SALARIES]

The 8th highest paid footballer of the world also plays for Manchester City. Emmanuel Adebayor was born in Togo on February 26, 1984 who played for his national team from 2000 to 2010 as a striker. He plays the same position for English club Manchester City. Adebayor’s estimated basic pay is $12.09 (₤7.4) million a year making him one of the highest paid footballers of the world.

7) Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Zlatan Ibrahimovic 7th Highest Paid Footballer Salary 7.9 Million Pound 300x225 10 Highest Paid Footballers of the World [SALARIES]

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is the seventh highest paid footballer of the world with estimated pay of $12.91 (₤7.9) million a year. Zlatan was born in Sweden on October 3, 1981. He currently leads the Swedish national team and plays as a striker for a Serie A club Milan. Zaltan Ibrahimovic has also played for Barcelona in the past.

6) Kaká

Kaká 6th Highest Paid Footballer Salary 7.9 Million Pound 300x200 10 Highest Paid Footballers of the World [SALARIES]

The Brazilian player Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite who is commonly known as Kaká is the sixth highest paid footballer of the world with estimated pay of $12.91 (₤7.9) million a year. Kaká was born in Brazil on April 22, 1982 and currently plays for Real Madrid and national team of Brazil. Kaká was also the winner of FIFA World Player of the Year award in 2007.

5) Wayne Rooney

Wayne Rooney 5th Highest Paid Footballer Salary 8.3 Million Pound 300x200 10 Highest Paid Footballers of the World [SALARIES]

Wayne Rooney, the English footballer who currently plays as a Striker for Manchester United and English national team is the fifth highest paid footballer of the world with estimated pay of $13.56 (₤8.3) million a year. Wayne Mark Rooney was born in England on October 24, 1985 and has played for England in more than 70 international matches including the 2006 and 2010 World Cups. Rooney has also won the England Player of the Year award in 2008 and 2009.

4) Yaya Touré

Yaya Touré 4th Highest Paid Footballer Salary 8.7 Million Pound 300x222 10 Highest Paid Footballers of the World [SALARIES]

Yaya Touré is the world’s fourth highest paid footballer of the world with estimated pay of $14.24 (₤8.7) million a year. Touré currently plays for national team of Côte d’Ivoire and Manchester City as a striker. Gnégnéri Yaya Touré was born in Côte d’Ivoire on May 13, 1983.

3) Fernando Torres

Fernando Torres 3rd Highest Paid Footballer Salary 8.7 Million Pound 300x225 10 Highest Paid Footballers of the World [SALARIES]

The third highest paid footballer of the world is from Spain with estimated pay of $14.24 (₤8.7) million a year. Fernando Torres currently plays as a Striker for Chelsea and national team of Spain. He was born on March 20, 1984 in Fuenlabrada, Spain and has also played for Liverpool. It is worth mentioning that Torres has also played for U15, U16, U17, U18, U19 and U21 teams of Spain.

2) Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi 2nd Highest Paid Footballer Salary 8.7 Million Pounds 300x200 10 Highest Paid Footballers of the World [SALARIES]

Lionel Andrés Messi is the second highest paid footballer of the world with estimated pay of $14.24 (₤8.7) million a year. Messi was born in Rosario, Argentina on June 24, 1987 and currently plays for the national team of Argentina and Football Club Barcelona as a forward or winger. The first international honor he won was an Olympic Gold Medal with the Argentina Olympic football team in Beijing Olympics.

1) Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo Highest Paid Footballer 10.5 Million Pounds 300x200 10 Highest Paid Footballers of the World [SALARIES]

Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro who is commonly known as Cristiano Ronaldo is the highest paid footballer of the world with estimated pay of $17.19 (₤10.5) million a year. Ronaldo was born in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal on February 5, 1985 and currently leads the national team of Portugal and plays as a right winger or striker for Real Madrid. He has also played for Manchester United in the past.

Barcelona 1 – 1 Real Madrid (UEFA CL) All Goals& Highlights HQ

2011-05-03T22:44:00.000-07:00

Arsenal 1 – 0 Manchester United (EPL) All Goals& Highlights HQ

2011-05-02T15:45:00.000-07:00

Barcelona 2-0 Real Madrid (UEFA CL) All Goals& Highlights HQ

2011-04-27T13:51:00.000-07:00

Valencia 3 - 6 Real Madrid (la Liga) All Goals and Highlights HQ

2011-04-24T02:44:00.000-07:00

Chelsea 3 - 0 West Ham United (EPL) All Goals and Highlights HQ

2011-04-24T01:38:00.000-07:00

Arsenal 3 - 3 Tottenham (EPL) All Goals and Highlights HQ

2011-04-21T10:46:00.000-07:00

Barcelona 0 - 1 Real Madrid (Copa Del Rey) All Goals and Highlights HQ

2011-04-21T10:42:00.000-07:00

Barcelona 1 - 1 Real Madrid (La Liga) All Goals Highlights HQ

2011-04-16T15:04:00.000-07:00

Liverpool 3 - 0 Manchester City (EPL) All Goals & Highlights HQ

2011-04-13T04:00:00.000-07:00

Manchester United 2 - 1 Chelsea (UEFA CL) All Goals & Highlights HQ

2011-04-13T03:48:00.000-07:00

Barcelona 5 - 1 Shakhtar Donetsk (UEFA CL) All Goals & Highlights HQ

2011-04-06T14:48:00.001-07:00

Chelsea 0 - 1 Manchester United (UEFA CL) All Goals & Highlights HQ

2011-04-06T14:48:00.000-07:00

Inter Milan 2 - 5 Schalke 04 (UEFA CL) All Goals & Highlights HQ

2011-04-05T15:03:00.000-07:00

Real Madrid 4 - 0 Tottenham Hotspur (UEFA CL) All Goals & Highlights HQ

2011-04-05T15:01:00.000-07:00

AS Roma 0 - 2 Juventus (Serie A) All Goals & Highlights HQ

2011-04-04T03:37:00.000-07:00