The well-known publication Forbes has updated the hierarchy of the highest paid football players in the world. Surprisingly, the players who rule this ranking are currently playing outside of Europe.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano RonaldoPhoto: Power Sport Images / Shutterstock Editorial / Profimedia

Not a single player from Europe is among the top three highest-paid footballers in the world, according to Forbes

On Friday, Forbes published an updated ranking of the world’s highest-paid soccer players, and Cristiano Ronaldo single-handedly leads the ranking by a significant margin over rival Lionel Messi.

Even if they no longer play in the same championship or even on the same continent, they continue to fight from a distance.

Cristiano Ronaldo, the player of Al-Nasr, takes the first place in this Forbes ranking, he earns more than 260 million dollars, according to MARCA.

In second place is Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), who earns a little more than half of what his rival Ronaldo earns, 135 million dollars, and the podium of honor is completed by the Brazilian Neymar, who was recently transferred to Saudi Arabia by the Al teams. Hilal.

Neymar earns at least 112 million dollars, so the top three are players who develop outside of Europe.

Last season’s UEFA Champions League winners Manchester City have two players in the top 10: Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne.

Top 10 highest paid footballers in the world

1. Cristiano Ronaldo (“Al-Nassr”) – 260 million dollars

2. Lionel Messi (“Inter Miami”) – 135 million dollars

3. Neymar (“Al-Hilal”) – 112 million dollars

4. Kylian Mbappe (PSG) – $110 million

5. Karim Benzema (AL Ittihad) – $106 million

6. Erling Haaland (“Manchester City”) – $58 million

7. Mohamed Salah (“Liverpool”) – $53 million

8. Sadio Mane (“Al-Nassr”) – 52 million dollars

9. Kevin de Bruyne (“Manchester City”) – $39 million

10. Harry Kane (“Bayern”) – $36 million