Messi still world’s highest-paid footballer

Lionel Messi remains the world’s highest paid footballer, with an annual income of 74 million euros ($84.3 million, £59.3 million), according to a report in France Football magazine.

The Argentina and Barcelona star’s income in 2015 rose by nine million euros. It keeps him ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo (67.4m euros) and Neymar (43.5m euros) as the top three stayed unchanged for the third year running.

France Football’s estimates were based on players’ pre-tax salaries, sponsorship revenues and various bonuses.

Angel Di Maria, who moved to Paris Saint-Germain from Manchester United last year, was adjudged the best paid player in France with 24 million euros.

The winger narrowly edges his PSG team-mates, Thiago Silva and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Jose Mourinho is named the highest earning coach, despite being sacked from Chelsea in December.

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