Brazil’s Ronaldinho Soccer’s Richest Player

Brazilian soccer ace Ronaldinho has knocked British striker David Beckham from the top spot of the world’s highest-earning soccer players.

The Brazilian player's earnings more than tripled in the last year to 23 million euros ($28.5 million), 5 million euros more than Beckham's, reports France Football magazine.

Ronaldinho, who calls himself ‘ugly by nice’, has a growing endorsement portfolio that includes PepsiCo Inc., Nike Inc., Cadbury Schweppes Plc and Groupe Danone.

The soccer player of the year received 14 million euros from 15 advertising contracts, 8.5 million euros in salary from Barcelona and a 500,000-euro bonus the last year, according to France Football.

According to Reuters UK, Beckham follows with a total of 18 million ($22 million), down from 25 million the previous year. Brazil and Real Madrid forward Ronaldo is in third place, having pocketed 17.4 million euros ($21.6 million) while England and Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney is fourth in the list with an income of 16.1 million euros ($20 million).

France Football also published a top-10 list for managers and coaches, headed by Chelsea's Jose Mourinho on 10.9 million euros ($13.5 million). England's Sven-Goran Eriksson follows with 6.9 million ($8.5 million).

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posted by nscafuro @ 9:16 PM