For the top five soccer players in the world , they earn $ 14.67 million . Real Madrid 's star forward , Ronaldo earns $ 17.06 million a year . Brazil Club Team : Lionel Messi , 22 , is the youngest among the highest - paid soccer players with $ 13.74 million . Olympic medal winner Samuel Eto ' o has a contract worth $ 15 million .
For the top five soccer players in the world , they earn $ 14.67 million . Real Madrid 's star forward , Ronaldo earns $ 17.06 million a year . Lionel Messi , 22 , is the youngest among the highest - paid soccer players with $ 13.74 million . Olympic medal winner Samuel Eto ' o has a contract worth $ 15 million .