It isn't surprising that Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo and FC Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi are the frontrunners in the list of highest earning football players in the world, but the inclusion of a Premier League flop, a struggling leader, and an underappreciated workhorse somehow makes it a curious case.

Without further ado, here are the top 10 names that have made significant profits in 2013, according to Forbes.com.

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Barcelonas Lionel Messi celebrates a goal against Eibar during their Spanish first division soccer match at Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona October 18, 2014.
Playing in one of the biggest clubs in the world will certainly boost your popularity, but the little magician has also been the best player living for four consecutive years, winning the Ballon d’Or from 2009 to 2012.Earnings: $65 million Salary: $42 million Endorsements: $23 million Major Sponsors: Adidas, Samsung, Pepsi, Turkish Airlines, Herbalife REUTERS/Albert Gea
Real Madrids Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring with a penalty kick against Barcelona during their Spanish first division quotClasicoquot soccer match at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid October 25, 2014.
It has been a rollercoaster journey for the Portuguese at Real Madrid, from being trophyless during the 2012/13 campaign to winning La Decima last season, while recapturing the Ballon d’Or in the process.While he may have a lot of haters due to his glorious sense of self-belief, to say the least, his huge following across the globe outweighs the said negative fact.Earnings: $73 million Salary: $49 million Endorsements: $24 million Major Sponsors: Nike, Samsung, Tag Heuer, Fly Emirates, Herbalife REUTERS/Sergio Perez
Barcelonas Neymar gestures during a news conference at Joan Gamper training camp, near Barcelona October 20, 2014. FC Barcelona and Ajax will play their Champions league soccer match on Tuesday.
Amid reports that the hierarchy at the Santiago Bernabeu was willing to give him more, the Brazilian followed his heart by moving to FC Barcelona…and so did several giant sponsors.Earnings: $28 million Salary: $12 million Endorsements: $16 million Major Sponsors: Nike, Castrol, Panasonic, L'Oreal, Volkswagen Reuters/Albert Gea
Manchester Citys Yaya Toure C is challenged by Manchester Uniteds Marcos Rojo during their English Premier League soccer match at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, northern England November 2, 2014.
Despite feeling underappreciated at the Etihad, the imposing Manchester City midfielder vowed to extend his tenure, at least on paper, penning a deal that would tie him with the club until 2017.With a reported weekly wage of $334,000, who woudn’t?Earnings: $21 million Salary: $18 million Endorsements: $3 million Major Sponsor: Puma REUTERS/Andrew Yates
Manchester Uniteds Wayne Rooney reacts during their English Premier League soccer match against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, northern England November 2, 2014.
Manchester United’s new captain is still adapting to his new role of being THE leader of the squad.The 29-year-old is fresh off a three-game suspension after incurring a red card against West Ham. He has, nevertheless, bounced back in a losing effort against City, being influential on the attacking end as a facilitator.Earnings: $22 million Salary: $18 million Endorsements: $4 million Major Sponsors: Nike, Samsung, Harper Collins REUTERS/Andrew Yates
AC Milans Fernando Torres heads the ball during their Serie A soccer match against Palermo at San Siro stadium in Milan, November 2, 2014.
The Chelsea player, who never lived up to his billing after a blockbuster move from Liverpool in January 2011 for £52million, will see out his contract, which expires in 2016, at AC Milan, following a two-season loan move last August.Nevertheless, he is still a happy camper as far as paychecks are concerned.Earnings: $20 million Salary: $17 million Endorsements: $3 million Major Sponsors: Adidas, Pepsi REUTERS/Stefano Rellandini
Paris St Germains Zlatan Ibrahimovic R gestures at St Etiennes Bayal Sall as he celebrates scoring a goal during their French Ligue 1 soccer match at the Parc des Princes Stadium in Paris, August 31, 2014.
His name is “Zlatan!” Enough said.Earnings: $34 million Salary: $30 million Endorsements: $4 million Major Sponsors: Nike, Volvo REUTERS/Benoit Tessier
6. Gareth Bale
Real Madrid star Gareth Bale is set to miss at least four months of action with an ankle injury. Reuters/Sergio Perez
Manchester Uniteds Radamel Falcao celebrates after scoring a goal against Everton during their English Premier League soccer match at Old Trafford in Manchester, northern England October 5, 2014.
Currently spending his time temporarily at Manchester United, the Colombian predator intriguingly chose to sign with AS Monaco, who was the highest bidder when he was about to leave Atletico Madrid in 2013, despite being linked with Spanish giants Real Madrid.And he insists that it wasn’t about the money.Earnings: $26 million Salary: $23 million Endorsements: $3 million Major Sponsors: Puma, Samsung, Gillette REUTERS/Phil Noble
Manchester Citys Sergio Aguero celebrates scoring his third goal during their English Premier League soccer match against Tottenham Hotspur at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, northern England October 18, 2014.
This Argentinean hotshot has been quite consistent in providing Manchester City with goals since arriving in 2011.However, injuries in the past two seasons have hindered him from coming out with an ultra-stellar performance.With 10 goals in 10 of the Sky Blues’ domestic league outings in the ongoing campaign, a luxurious payout seems to be justified.Earnings: $21 million Salary: $17 million Endorsements: $4 million Major Sponsors: Puma, Pepsi, Gillette REUTERS/Darren Staples
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