Aged just 25, Lionel Messi was this year’s biggest earning football in the world. In 2000, he made his debut for Barcelona’s junior Infantil B and Cadete A teams. He joined the first team in 2005, signing a deal with the club until 2014. He inherited the number 10 jersey in 2008 after Ronaldinho left the club. In his 214 appearances, he has scored a magnificent 169 goals for the side.
He also has major sponsorship deals with EA Sports, Adidas and is the face of Pepsi alongside Fernando Torres.







