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3/30/06 Source: Forbes.com Read more: Major League Soccer – Player & Team Salaries Would you like to get an idea of what some of the greatest soccer players in the world earn for their skills? Scan some of the stars below for their paychecks, with a thanks to Forbes for the numbers. David Beckham The midfielder was rumored to have been approached for a Calvin Klein deal after he revealed he buys 60 pairs of C.K. underwear each month. Ronaldo Though the striker’s on-pitch performance has been lackluster of late, he’s still considered a key to the success of the Brazilian national team at this summer’s World Cup. Zinedine Zidane "Zizou" came out of retirement from international competition to bolster the French national team for the upcoming World Cup. Ronaldinho The Brazilian superstar recently had his contract extended until 2010 and was named FIFA’s World Player of the Year for a second-consecutive year. Francesco Totti The flashy forward was promised a spot on Italy’s World Cup team despite breaking his leg earlier this year. Michael Owen The striker left Real Madrid for Newcastle United before this season to gain more playing time and to have a better shot at being selected to England’s World Cup side. Frank Lampard The Blues’ midfielder has played in a record 164 consecutive games in the England’s Premiership. Oliver Kahn Since being named Best Player of the 2002 World Cup, the German goalkeeper has struggled between the uprights. Raul Los Galatico’s captain recently played his 400th game after 12 years with the team. Alessandro Del Piero The prolific forward became the club’s all-time leading scorer this year with 183 goals. Michael Ballack Germany’s captain could become the world’s highest-paid player when his contract with Bayern Munich expires this summer. Thierry Henry The Gunners’ captain broke Arsenal’s all-time scoring record earlier this season when he netted his 186th goal in a 2-0 win at Sparta Prague. John Terry The dominating defender signed a new contract through 2009 and has a lucrative endorsement deal with Umbro. Wayne Rooney The 20-year-old phenom recently added Harper Collins to his growing list of sponsors by signing a 12-year, $9-million book deal. Ruud van Nistelrooy The Dutch striker is a FIFA ambassador for SOS Children’s Villages–a charity for orphaned children. Christian Vieri Still one of Europe’s best strikers, "Bobo" switched teams twice in the last 12 months and took a pay cut in hopes of securing a place on the Italy’s World Cup team. Patrick Vieira His current team paid $24 million to snag the French midfielder from Arsenal, where he had played for nine seasons. Luis Figo A member of Portugal’s "golden generation," the midfielder had one year left on his contract with Real Madrid but was allowed to leave after a falling out with the coach over playing time. Rio Ferdinand The defender continues to criticize the Union of European Football Association for not enough action in combating racism in soccer. Sol Campbell Injuries and personal problems have diminished the 31-year-old defender’s on-field performance this season. Source: Forbes.com |