Soccer has emerged as one of the highest-paying sports in recent years. Big names such as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Neymar Jr. have all signed big-money deals in the lateral stages of their career to move away from the center stage. However, European soccer is still considered the best place for talents around the globe to make a name for themselves. Following the departures of some of the biggest names in soccer history, who have emerged as the richest soccer stars in Europe.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi walk away from European soccer

Two of the greatest soccer stars of their generation, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, stunned their fans when they decided to leave European football. The Portuguese superstar surprised everyone when he penned a massive $500 million+ deal with Al Nassr. Similarly, while fans expected La Pulga to make a return to Barcelona, the Argentine ditched his former club to travel all the way to the US to join Inter Miami.

Both of them are the richest soccer stars in the world. The Argentine boasts a massive net worth of $600 million with Cristiano Ronaldo just a hundred million behind as he stands tall at $500 million. However, following their departure from Europe, it seems like a new wave of stars has taken their place at the top.

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1. Kylian Mbappe $180 million

The Paris Saint Germain superstar has emerged as one of the biggest names in soccer in recent years and is currently worth $180 million. The French World Cup winner has made a name for himself with his sensational performances. Kylian Mbappe was the talk of the town after he was offered over $700 million to play for a single season in the Saudi Pro League.

The French forward has already established himself as one of the biggest stars in the sport. The player is currently making $100 million+ just as his base wage and about $20 million in bonuses off the field. The French star also owns his image rights and has multiple brand endorsements, making him the richest soccer player in Europe.

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2. Paul Pogba- $125 million

Following his French compatriot, Juventus’ Paul Pogba takes the second place on the list with a net worth of $125 million. Pogba has made a living over the years following his spell at Manchester United and Juventus. The player was once regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world. However, a spell of injuries backtracked his career. Currently at Juventus, Pogba is making $28 million per year plus bonuses. It is also expected that the Frenchman makes $6-10 million from endorsements each year.

3. Antoine Griezmann- $90 million

Following Kylian Mbappe and Paul Pogba, another Frenchman makes his entry into the list with Atletico Madrid star Antoine Griezmann coming in third with a net worth of $90 million. The Rojiblancos star made a massive paycheck in 2019 when Barcelona dished out about $120 million to secure his signatures.

However, the player didn’t quite live up to the billing and moved back to the Spanish capital to join his former side. The French World Cup winner, however, has started to get back into his old form with the player currently earning about $26 million for his services for Atletico Madrid.

4. Mohamed Salah- $90 million

The ‘Egyptian King’ Mohamed Salah is the fourth player to join the French trio. The Liverpool ace has been an essential player for the Premier League side. Salah has established himself as one of the best players in the game, helping Liverpool lift the UCL title in 2019. The Egyptian alongside Kylian Mbappe was also on the radar of Saudi Arabian outfits this summer. Saudi side Al Ittihad was interested in the players’ signatures, with the side willing to spend over $200 million on the player.

Similar to Griezmann, Salah also boasts a net worth of $90 million. The Liverpool star signed a $15 million per year contract with Liverpool in 2018. However, despite the initial deal, Salah’s performances and the added bonuses have helped the player bump his salary to $24 million.

5. Robert Lewandowski- $85 million

Last but not least, the fifth man on the list is Polish striker Robert Lewandowski. The current Barcelona star has a whooping net worth of $85 million. Lewandowski made a name for himself following his outstanding career at Bayern Munich, emerging as a goal-scoring machine. The Polish striker, despite being the oldest name on this list at the age of thirty-five, still nets $24 million from FC Barcelona. The Polish star following his move to Barcelona emerged as a key player for the team last season, helping them clinch the La Liga title.

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