An unquenchable fire: How the Manchester City club maintains its leading position year after year

The world of football is not just about powerful shots, precise passes, and incredible goals. It is also steeped in the huge amounts of money that revolve around each professional footballer. Footballers’ salaries are one of the most talked about topics, and it’s no wonder, as the figures often look fantastic. Today, let’s understand what exactly influences players’ earnings, why the amounts vary, and how they are made up.

Factors that affect footballers’ salaries

The figures are influenced by many factors, from the level of play to the marketing value of the athlete. Let’s understand in detail what determines income.

Skills and level of play

World-class footballers earn high salaries because they have unique skills. The technical skills of Lionel Messi, the speed and stamina of Kylian Mbappe, the strategic intelligence of Kevin De Bruyne, or the leadership qualities of Sergio Ramos make them irreplaceable in a team.

A footballer’s income depends not only on his physical abilities, but also on his decision-making skills on the pitch, his discipline, and his ability to interact with his teammates. The higher the level of ability and contribution to the team, the more the club is willing to pay. Details such as participation in international tournaments, experience in important matches, and personal achievements, including individual honours (Golden Ball), are also taken into account.

Popularity and marketing value

Many athletes are paid impressive sums not only for their performances on the pitch, but also because of their popularity. Cristiano Ronaldo is not only a football star, but also the face of many advertising campaigns. The footballer’s fees include not only his salary at the club, but also income from contracts with major brands such as Nike and Coca-Cola. In 2023, his advertising dividends amount to around R4.4 billion, which is more than his salary at Al Nasr. The marketing value can exceed the total revenue many times over.

Region and league

It is no secret that the salaries of footballers in Europe are significantly higher than in other parts of the world. Players in the English Premier League or La Liga earn significantly more than their counterparts in the Russian league. This is due to:

1. The clubs’ high revenues from the sale of TV rights, tickets and fan merchandise with symbols.
2. Extensive sponsorship agreements with global brands.
3. A large and active audience that ensures a constant demand for matches and advertising.
4. A further developed club infrastructure and support from investors.
5. The tax system, which also has an impact on footballers’ salaries, as it is more complex to calculate and requires special tax optimisation.

Salaries of footballers in Russia and Europe

The salaries of footballers in Russia vary greatly depending on the level of the team and the region. For example, players from top clubs such as Zenit or Spartak receive amounts comparable to those in Europe. Most Russian clubs have much lower incomes due to more modest sponsorship opportunities. Main influencing factors:

1. Team level. Players from top clubs earn significantly more than players from lesser-known teams. This is due to the larger budgets and support from sponsors. The salaries of Zenit’s top players can reach 350 to 400 million roubles per year. Serdar Azmoun received about 320 million per year in 2023, including bonuses.
2. Regional differences. The amounts also depend on the region. Clubs from Moscow and St. Petersburg can offer higher amounts than clubs from the regions due to more sponsors and a more developed infrastructure.
3. A player’s contribution to the team. Take Artyom Dzyuba, for example. The footballer’s salary was around 300 million roubles a year, making him one of the highest-paid players in Russia.
4. Popularity and demand. This is especially true for athletes who take part in international matches. Popular players can receive additional bonuses of up to 50 million roubles per year.
5. Sponsorship and advertising revenue. The more opportunities to attract sponsors and advertising contracts, the higher the salary.

Comparison with European salaries

Players in European leagues are not only paid better, but also have more opportunities to increase their income thanks to bonuses and advertising contracts. Gareth Bale’s annual salary at Real Madrid was over 3 billion roubles, while the average salary of a player in the Russian Premier League rarely exceeds 150-200 million. Kylian Mbappe’s contract at Paris Saint-Germain provides for a salary of 2 billion roubles per year until 2023 and performance bonuses of up to 500 million roubles.

How is a footballer’s salary calculated?

A footballer’s salary is made up of several components that make up the total income:

1. The salary is a basic amount that is paid monthly. This is a guaranteed income that the player receives regardless of results.
2. Performance bonuses – additional payments for goals scored, assists and successful matches.
3. Income from advertising – contracts with brand companies can bring in several billion roubles a year.

The highest paid footballers in the world

Let’s take a look at the top 3 highest paid footballers in the world and see what they get paid for:

1. Lionel Messi – his income is more than 12 billion roubles a year, including his salary at Inter Miami and advertising money.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo – about 11.5 billion roubles a year. Ronaldo is a brand that generates huge revenues not only on the pitch, but also off it.
3. Neymar – his salary at Paris Saint-Germain is over 9 billion roubles a year, including bonuses and advertising contracts.

Conclusion

Footballers’ salaries depend on many factors: from their ability and popularity to the country and league in which they play. Highly paid athletes are often not only football stars, but also important figures in advertising campaigns, which increases their income many times over. It might be worth thinking about how exactly these factors can be transferred to other professions to increase their income and success.

Football is a cultural phenomenon that unites millions of people around the world. But who is behind this emotion? Who are the wizards that make stadiums explode with applause? In this article we will tell you about the best footballers in history, who are distinguished by their ability to score goals, incredible technique, the urge to win and the ability to inspire fans. These are the players who have left an unforgettable mark on the world football field.

Pele: football legend and his mark on history

From an early age, Pele surprised with his performance, starting his career at Santos, where his skills helped the club win dozens of national and international titles. He won the World Cup three times with Brazil – in 1958, 1962 and 1970 – and became the only player with such an achievement. Pele scored over 1,000 goals during his career, including some unforgettable moments at the World Cup.

Diego Maradona: football icon and his great moments

In 1986, Maradona not only led Argentina to victory at the World Cup, but also created some of the most famous moments in football history – the “Goal of the Century” and the infamous “Hand of God”. He led Napoli to their only ever Serie A title, forever changing the perception of the club and becoming the idol of football fans.

Zinedine Zidane: maestro of the midfield

At the 1998 World Cup at home, Zidane scored two goals with a header in the final against Brazil, becoming a national hero. He also shone at Juventus and Real Madrid, where his technique and understanding of the game inspired his team-mates.

Lionel Messi: the greatest footballer of our time

Messi is the winner of seven Golden Balls, the record holder for the most goals for one club and the author of incredible achievements. He inspires millions with his dribbling, his ability to see the pitch and his precise passes that cut through defences like a knife.

Cristiano Ronaldo: a symbol of perseverance and success

Ronaldo’s journey began at Sporting, then he moved to Manchester United, where his talent was unleashed on the international stage. At Real Madrid, the player won the title of one of the greatest footballers in history, setting a record for the number of goals for the club. At Juventus, he went on to win trophies before returning to Manchester United to prove once again that age is just a number for him.

Johan Cruyff: architect of modern football

At Ajax, Cruyff won the Champions Cup three times before continuing his career at Barcelona, where he became a symbol of ‘total football’. He not only shone on the pitch, but as a coach he turned the understanding of football philosophy upside down.

Franz Beckenbauer: Kaiser of Defence

Beckenbauer won the World Cup twice: as a player in 1974 and as a coach in 1990. The best footballer changed the role of the defender, becoming one of the very first liberos in history to be actively involved in attack.

Ronaldo Nazario: football phenomenon

Ronaldo Nazario, known as the Phenomenon, was one of the most talented forwards of his time. He scored for Barcelona, Inter and Real Madrid, showing incredible speed, technique and the ability to beat defenders.

Michel Platini: one of the greatest footballers

Michel Platini was the leader of the French national team in the 1980s and a three-time consecutive Ballon d’Or winner. He led France to victory at the 1984 European Championships and shone with Juventus.

Paolo Maldini: the symbol of the Italian defence

Paolo Maldini is a symbol of loyalty to one club. The defender has dedicated his entire career to Milan. His discipline, incredible skills and leadership on the pitch have made him one of the best players in history. Maldini won five Champions Cups and seven Serie A titles.

Andres Iniesta: the master of final moments

Andres Iniesta is a man whose goals have decided the fate of major tournaments. In 2010, his goal in the World Cup final brought Spain their first ever victory. At Barcelona, he was a key player, a master of space and a man who saw the pitch like no other.

George Best: talented footballer and colourful personality

George Best is one of the most talented players the world has ever seen. He shone with Manchester United, won the European Cup and became a symbol of English football in the 1960s.

Garrincha: the pride of Brazilian football

Garrincha could delight fans like no other. His amazing dribbling and ability to beat opponents made him a favourite of millions. Garrincha played a key role in Brazil’s World Cup victories in 1958 and 1962.

Eusebio: The Black Panther

Eusebio is Benfica’s best player and one of the most prolific strikers. In 1966, he led the Portuguese national team to third place at the World Cup, scoring nine goals. His speed, accurate strikes and skill made him the best footballer of his time, leaving a bright mark in the history of world football.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic: the king of charisma and goals

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is a true artist on the football pitch. He has won championships in the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, France and England and has left his mark on every club he has played for.

Romário: Torjäger und Führungsspieler

Romário verhalf der brasilianischen Nationalmannschaft 1994 zum Gewinn der Weltmeisterschaft, indem er in wichtigen Spielen wichtige Tore erzielte. His career at Barcelona and other clubs was also characterised by triumphs and brilliant performances.

Bobby Charlton: England’s hero

Bobby Charlton played over 700 games for Manchester United and was the epitome of tenacity and honour on the pitch. His contribution to the history of English football cannot be overstated, and a list of the greatest footballers of all time is sure to include his name.

Ronaldinho: Star of world football

Ronaldinho’s dribbling, feints and incredible passes had fans on the edge of their seats. He won the Champions League and the Ballon d’Or with Barcelona.

Carles Puyol: The indomitable captain

Carles Puyol is a symbol of resilience and loyalty. He has remained loyal to FC Barcelona throughout his career and has won numerous trophies there, including the Champions League and the Spanish championship.

Cafu: the symbol of Brazilian football

Cafu is the only player to have played in three consecutive World Cup finals, winning two of them – in 1994 and 2002. He has become a role model for many young athletes who want to combine their skills in defence and attack.

Ruud Gullit: the leader of the Dutch Golden Generation

Ruud Gullit was captain of the Dutch national team that won the European Championship in 1988. His physical strength, technique and versatility made him one of the greatest footballers in history. Gullit also shone at AC Milan, where he was the strength of the team alongside Van Basten and Rijkard.

Gabriel Batistuta: Goalscorer and Argentinian inspiration

Gabriel Batistuta had an outstanding career at Fiorentina and Roma, where he scored incredible goals and set performance records. He was also a leader in the Argentinian national team and helped the team to outstanding performances on the international stage.

Steven Gerrard: The Liverpool legend

Steven Gerrard is the heart and soul of Liverpool FC. He has spent his entire career at the club and has led the club to victories, including the famous Champions League final in 2005, when the team pulled off an incredible comeback against AC Milan.

Roberto Baggio: a legend of Italian football

Roberto Baggio is one of the most talented Italian footballers, whose career is remembered not only for brilliant goals but also for dramatic moments. At the 1994 World Cup, his missed penalty symbolised a missed victory.

Luis Suarez: Tenacious and unstoppable

Suarez scored decisive goals, won trophies and proved his worth in the most difficult situations to become one of the best footballers in history.

Robert Lewandowski: The Polish marksman

Robert Lewandowski is one of the most successful strikers of our time. He won the German championship with Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich, set goal records and led Bayern to victory in the Champions League.

Gianluigi Buffon: Goalkeeper

Gianluigi Buffon is one of the best goalkeepers of all time. In 2006, he helped Italy win the World Cup with an incredible reaction time.

Neymar: The Brazilian star of the moment

Neymar began his career at Santos and then moved to Barcelona, where he became part of the legendary trio along with Messi and Suarez. His move to PSG was the most expensive transfer in football history.

Alessandro Del Piero: Juventus’ symbol

Alessandro Del Piero is a symbol of loyalty and excellence. He spent almost his entire career at Juventus and helped the club to win national and international trophies. His technique, outstanding free-kick goals and leadership qualities made him one of the most popular players in Italian history.

Marco van Basten: Career ended by injury

Marco van Basten was one of the most talented strikers of his time, whose career was unfortunately ended by injury. He shone at Ajax and AC Milan, scoring incredible goals and winning numerous titles, including the 1988 European Championship.

Conclusion

Each of these great athletes is unique in their own way, but what they all have in common is an incredible love of the game, a passion for excellence and the ability to inspire millions. The greatest footballers in history are those who not only won trophies, but also created moments that will be remembered forever.