Share
1 of 6
David Beckham has topped the list of the world's highest-paid footballers compiled by prestigious France Football magazine. The veteran midfielder, who signed a five-month contract with French club Paris Saint-Germain in January, is set to earn $46.5 million during the 2012-13 season. Beckham is donating his salary, which is said to account for 5% of his earnings, to a children's charity. THOMAS COEX/AFP/Getty Images
Lionel Messi has left every footballer on the planet trailing in his wake in recent years, but the Argentine is only second on this list with $45.2 million. The Barcelona star is reportedly set to earn $17 million from his salary and bonuses alone. Jasper Juinen/Getty Images/file
Just behind Messi is Cristiano Ronaldo on $39 million. The Real Madrid forward's salary and bonuses amount to slightly more than Messi at $17.5 million. David Ramos/Getty Images
Ronaldo's compatriot Jose Mourinho, his coach at Real Madrid, tops the list as the sport's highest-earning team boss with $18 million. Denis Doyle/Getty Images/file
Carlo Ancelotti has benefited from the Qatari takeover of Paris Saint-Germain. The Italian, who has guided PSG into the quarterfinals of the European Champions League, is the second highest-earning coach behind Mourinho on $15.5 million. Harold Cunningham/Getty Images
Ancelotti's compatriot Marcello Lippi has been richly rewarded for delivering the Chinese Super League title to Guangzhou Evergrande. The 2006 World Cup-winning coach has reportedly made $14 million from his first season. STR/AFP/Getty Images/file
