Cristiano Ronaldo: Real Madrid star has earned every penny
So many say it's an outrage that elite footballers earn what they do. But, given the multi-billion-euro business they're key to generating, I think it's only fair.
TV broadcasters pay huge sums to clubs (particularly Real Madrid and Barcelona) and it's logical that the planet's two best players should see the rewards from that.
Can you imagine LaLiga without Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi? Its value would surely take a massive hit, causing a downturn from top to bottom.
Ronaldo is worth every last cent...
Cristiano has earned every penny. Since arriving at Real in 2009, he's been a central figure in 10 trophy successes: two Champions Leagues, one league title, two Copas del Rey, two UEFA Super Cups, two Club World Cups and one Spanish Super Cup.
He's weighed in with a historic haul of goals (390) that have put him ahead of five club greats in Raúl, Alfredo Di Stéfano, Santillana, Ferenc Puskas and Hugo Sánchez.
Ronaldo has also added to Los Blancos' prestige with his European Championship triumph with Portugal, not to mention his trio of Ballon d'Or wins as a Real player.
With all that on his CV, it's little wonder he's the world's best-paid footballer.