Annual earnings in millions of US dollars

1. Ronaldo 73
2. Messi 65 (set to rise)
3. Ibra 34
4. Neymar 28
5. Falcao 26
6. Bale 24
7. Rooney 22
8. Aguero 21
9. Y. Toure 21
10. Torres 20

Source: Forbes

Predictably there's a gap between the two big guns and the rest.
After that it's not the best indicator of ability, and you can see why Serie A is no longer a top destination for elite footballers.

It be really interesting to somehow, have another table to compare success rate of this World Cup footballers, say earning to goal's etc. Bet the footballers that are paid a pittance, are the ones that doing the business, not the over paid so called, World Class stars.

Its amazing how Suarez isn't on that list, as best player in the world by far imo, hes done phenomenal for us, and doing well for his country.

How the hell Torres made it on, god only knows

Suarez was on £170k a week in the 2nd half of the season, increasing to £200k next season.

Sponsorships probably, can't imagine that's Suarez' strong point.

Spain shouldn't be able to spend so much on wages, considering their struggling economy. But I do recognise the listed players are from Barcelona & Real Madrid, who negotiate their own tv deals. But I predict Serie A could remerge when/if Spain have to cut back on spending.

As for the list, I think the only players earning more than their talent merits are : Aguero, Rooney and Neymar (at this stage of his career). Otherwise, if I was to be asked, 'Who are the best players of the modern game?' I would suggest most of these names.

Aguero? I would have suggested Torres.