World at their feet: The 10 richest footballers at this year's World Cup

[caption id=“attachment_87515” align=“alignleft” width=“860”]  The biggest party in the world begins today in Brazil, with some of the most talented footballers taking to the field to stamp their name in the game’s history. And while we’re all impressed with their mind-numbing skills and lightning speeds, lets not forget that these are also some of the richest athletes around. Here are the 10 richest footballers playing in this World Cup. Cristiano Ronaldo, expectedly, tops this list. The Portuguese and Real Madrid superstar raked in $73 million last year in salaries and endorsements. (Note: All figures taken from Forbes’ list of wealthiest footballers in 2013, including salaries and endorsements)[/caption]

[caption id=“attachment_87519” align=“alignleft” width=“860”]  #2: Lionel Messi: The Argentine is only 26 and is already counted among the greatest footballers ever. He’s won the Ballon d’Or multiple times and almost every other major club title with FC Barcelona. He also earned a whopping $65 million last year from salaries and endorsements.[/caption]

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[caption id=“attachment_87520” align=“alignleft” width=“860”]  #3 Neymar da Silva Santos Jnior: At 22, Brazilian Neymar is one of the younger superstars in this list but he more than makes up for it with his prodigious skills. His varying hairstyles also help set him apart. In 2013, he earned a cool $28 million.[/caption]

[caption id=“attachment_87522” align=“alignleft” width=“860”]  #4 Wayne Rooney: England and Manchester United’s star strike Wayne Rooney is a millionaire several times over. His 2013 earnings hovered around $22 million.[/caption]

[caption id=“attachment_87523” align=“alignleft” width=“860”]  #5: Sergio Aguero: The Manchester City and Argentine striker Aguero earned $21 million in 2013 and will be key to his country’s success in the World Cup[/caption]

[caption id=“attachment_87525” align=“alignleft” width=“860”]  #6 Yaya Toure: Manchester City and the Ivory Coast player Yaya Toure also earned $21 million last year and had a great season at his home club. Fun fact: Toure’s elder brother Kolo Toure plays for Liverpool presently though at one point they were both in the same team.[/caption]

[caption id=“attachment_87527” align=“alignleft” width=“860”]  #7: Fernando Torres: Torres, formerly with Liverpool and currently with Chelsea, despite his torrid form earned $20 million in salaries and endorsements in 2013. Can he revive his fortunes in this world cup?[/caption]

[caption id=“attachment_87528” align=“alignleft” width=“860”]  #8 Robin Van Persie: Netherlands captain and Manchester United striker Robin Van Persie netted $19 million last year, making him the 8th wealthiest player in this World Cup. Persie’s struggled with injury this year but will be hoping that won’t affect his world cup campaign.[/caption]

[caption id=“attachment_87536” align=“alignleft” width=“860”]  #9 Steven Gerrard: England and Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard raked in $17 million in 2013 and after a brilliant season for his club will be key to England’s success.[/caption]

[caption id=“attachment_87530” align=“alignleft” width=“860”]  #10 David Silva: Representing Manchester City and Spain, footballer Silva earned $16 million last year. Silva had a stellar season for Manchester City that saw the club win the English Premier League. Spain will hope he puts up a similar show in Brazil.[/caption]