Who are the highest paid footballers in the world?

Raheem SterlingImage source, Getty Images
Image caption,

With the news that Raheem Sterling will be paid up to a mammoth £300,000 a week after extending his contract with Manchester City, we wanted to know who are the world's highest paid footballers.

Raheem Sterling will be celebrating this week after signing a contract that will see him being paid up to £300,000 a week.

The 23-year old forward has agreed to another three years with Manchester City, securing his spot there until 2023.

His pay increase has now boosted him even further up the ranks of the best paid footballers in the world!

Sterling appeared delighted with the signing, commenting "I felt from the minute I got here it was the right choice for me. It's paid off and I'm really grateful."

This news got the Newsround team wondering about which players are paid the most by their clubs?

Check out the list below!

Fair pay or no way?

Do you think these players are paid fairly?

Perhaps you think they're paid too much or too little?

Who do you think deserves to be the highest paid player in the world?

Let us know in the comments

5. Paul Pogba

Image source, Getty Images
Paul Pogba
  • Pay: £23 million a year

  • Club: Manchester United

  • Position: Midfield

  • Fun fact: His nickname in Italy is 'The Octopus' because of his long, strong legs

4. Gareth Bale

Image source, Getty Images
Gareth Bale
  • Pay: £26 million a year

  • Club: Real Madrid

  • Position: Forward

  • Fun fact: Gareth Bale's grandma is English so he could play for England if he wanted, but he said the only national team he'd play for is Wales. Aww!

3. Neymar

Image source, Getty Images
Neymar
  • Pay: £69 million a year

  • Club: Paris Saint-Germain

  • Position: Forward

  • Fun fact: Neymar shares his name with his father, who is also a footballer! This is why he is called Neymar Júnior.

2. Cristiano Ronaldo

Image source, Getty Images
Cristiano Ronaldo
  • Pay: £83 million a year

  • Club: Real Madrid

  • Position: Forward

  • Fun fact: Cristiano Ronaldo is named after former US President Ronald Reagan.

1. Lionel Messi

Image source, Getty Images
Lionel Messi
  • Pay: £85 million a year

  • Club: FC Barcelona

  • Position: Forward

  • Fun fact: His first football contract with Barcelona was signed on a paper napkin!