19 Mar 2013

Beckham remains highest paid player

1:37 pm on 19 March 2013

David Beckham is out in front as the highest-paid player in world football, according to a report in France Football magazine.

The veteran Englishman, who joined Paris Saint-Germain in January on a short-term deal until the end of the season, is nearing the end of his playing career but still comes in ahead of world player of the year Lionel Messi and Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo.

France Football reports Beckham will earn 57 million dollars this season, leaving him just ahead of four-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi.

Beckham, who left the Los Angeles Galaxy in December, is reported to have earned an annual salary of 2.6 million dollars with his income supplemented by 2 million in bonuses and some 52 million from other sources, including advertising deals.

In contrast, Messi's income is 55 million dollars and Ronaldo 47 million.

The magazine also reports that Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho is the best-paid coach in the world game, earning 22 million dollars.