NEW JERSEY: According to Forbes, Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo has reclaimed the top spot on the list of the world's highest-paid soccer players from Lionel Messi.

Ronaldo, 36, returned to United from Juventus in August after a 12-year absence, while Messi left his boyhood club Barcelona to join Paris Saint-Germain.

According to Forbes, Ronaldo, who has over 500 million followers on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, is set to earn $125 million before taxes in the 2021-22 season, with $70 million coming from salary and bonuses at United.

The remaining funds will come from endorsements and partnerships with companies such as Nike, Herbalife, Clear, and his CR7 brand.

Messi, who topped the list last year, will be paid $75 million in salary, with an additional $35 million in endorsement earnings, for total expected earnings of $110 million.

The Argentine's strike partner at PSG, Neymar, who signed a new contract extension until 2025 in May, is third on the list with $95 million in total earnings.

Another PSG player, Kylian Mbappe ($43 million), is fourth on the Forbes list, followed by Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah ($41 million).

TOP 10 HIGHEST EARNERS IN SOCCER:

1. Cristiano Ronaldo - $125 million
2. Lionel Messi - $110 million
3. Neymar - $95 million
4. Kylian Mbappe - $43 million
5. Mohamed Salah - $41 million
6. Robert Lewandowski - $35 million
7. Andres Iniesta - $35 million
8. Paul Pogba - $34 million
9. Gareth Bale - $32 million
10. Eden Hazard - $29 million

Edited - SportsAction / Inputs - Agency