Earlier this week, Sports Illustrated released its 2008 International 20 list, which ranks non-American athletes according to total earnings. Both on- and off-the-field income are taken into account during the ranking process. Not surprisingly, footballers were well represented in the rankings.
Topping this year's list is David Beckham, who earned a whopping $48.2 million during last year's MLS season. Ronaldinho and Messi were the next two highest-earning footballers, raking in $37.5 million and $35.8 million, respectively. The Barcelona stars placed 3rd and 4th overall on the list, having been out-earned handily by Finnish auto-racer Kimi Raikkonen ($46.0 million). Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo, a newcomer to this list, also managed crack the top 10 by placing 9th with $30.3 million.
Other footballers on the list include Thierry Henry (12th), John Terry (14th), Michael Ballack (15th), Ronaldo (16th), and reigning FIFA World Player of the Year and Balon d'Or winner Kaka (19th).
Some interesting observations:
1. Despite Real Madrid's undisputable financial firepower, no Madrid players are on the list. Bernd Schuster's ability to lead team to the league title this past year is all the more impressive for this fact.
2. Although there are 9 footballers on the list, only four clubs are represented, which highlights the wealth disparity that exists between the biggest clubs and "all the rest." The gap between earnings of players in the U.K. or Spain and players in Italy is also notable.
3. Earnings have generally increased over the past few years. Part of this is explained by the fact that earnings are calculated in dollars, which has depreciated sharply against the euro and pound sterling over the past few years. I'm not sure what currency Beckham is paid in, but I'm confident the other footballers are all paid in euros or pounds.
4. While none of the footballers is at risk of going hungry on their salaries, their paydays pale in comparison with the top earning American athletes. In typical fashion, Tiger Woods ran away with the top U.S. spot by taking in nearly $128 million in salary, winnings, and endorsements.
For complete international and U.S. rankings, see the following web pages:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/more/specials/fortunate50/2008/index.20.html
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/more/specials/fortunate50/2008/index.html
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