FIFA World Player of the Year Kaka makes more money per year playing soccer than any other player on the planet, according to a list of the game’s top 50 earners that’s been circulating the Internet. The list, which has no source, represents players’ annual wages from playing soccer only and does not include endorsements.
AC Milan playmaker Kaka heads the list, earning $286,876 per week, or just under $15 million per year. Barcelona misfit Ronaldinho is second, making $14.1 million per year. Chelsea’s Frank Lampard and John Terry are tied for third, earning $13.5 million per year, while Liverpool striker Fernando Torres is fifth, with $13.1 million. Rounding out the top ten are Chelsea’s Andriy Shevchenko and Michael Ballack ($12.9 million each), and Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo, Barca’s Thierry Henry and Liverpool’s Steven Gerrard, who each make $12.7 million per year.
Among the surprises — aside from Cristiano Ronaldo’s relatively low standing given that he’s the best player on the planet right now — are Portsmouth defender Sol Campbell in 15th place, earning $210,000 per weak, Tottenham substitute Darren Bent earning $189,338 per week and Liverpool’s injury plagued winger Harry Kewell in 39th place. The L.A. Galaxy’s David Beckham is 44th, earning $142,000 per week, although this doesn’t include the guaranteed percentage of ticket and merchandise sales he receives. Interestingly enough, no Arsenal players make the list.