Cristiano Ronaldo is the world's highest-paid football player...

Cristiano Ronaldo is the highest-paid footballer with earning of around €64 million over the past year, but he is not the highest-paid sportsman.

The Portuguese ranks second behind Floyd Mayweather, according to Forbes magazine. Ronaldo earned €64 million over the past year, while Mayweather earned an impressive €84 million. LeBron James sits in third spot with €58 million and Messi follows in fourth place with €52m.

Ronaldo earnings are divided in €41.6 million salary at Real Madrid plus €22,4 million in endorsements through sponsorship deals.

Messi, who signed his seventh contract in 11 with Barcelona in May, had a basic salary of €33,6 million (before his extension) and received another €18,4 million in endorsements.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is the next footballer to make the Forbes list and he sits in 12th spot with €32,32 million. Gareth Bale follows in 14th spot with €29,12 million, just ahead of Radamel Falcao with €28,32 million.

Brazil's poster boy, Neymar, sits in 16th spot with earnings of €26,88 million since moving to FC Barcelona. All the figures are based on income over the past 12 months.

Do you think Cristiano Ronaldo's performances rectify that is the best paid football? Have your say in the comment section below.

CREDIT: SLinternational