Barcelona player named 'Highest Earning Footballer' of 2014

Lionel Messi has been named the highest-paid footballer on the planet according to a new research.

A report by French Football Rich List reveals that the Barcelona player was on a weekly pay of about  $1.5million in wages and sponsorship deals in 2014.

With his club salary at $39m  and earnings from lucrative endorsements with the likes of Adidas, FIFA 15 and Turkish Airlines, Lionel Messi reportedly made $71m in 2014.

In second place is Cristiano Ronaldo who undefinedon earth by

According to French Football Rich List, the current Ballon d'Or holder made $59m in 2014.

Another Barcelona player on the list is Neymar, who comes a distant third with an earning of $40m.

Manchester United striker Robin van Persie is the highest-ranked Premier League player with a basic salary of $17.5m, $7m in bonus and $3m from various sponsorship deals.

He earned a total of $28m in 2014.

On sixth is another Real Madrid player, with an annual income of $26m , followed by United and England captain Wayne Rooney on $24.6m.

The top 10 is rounded out by Zlatan Ibrahimovic with $23.5m, Sergio Aguero with $23.2m and Robert Lewandowski with $22.1.