A study by France Football has revealed that Serie A’s stars are not amongst the top earners in the world.
For the first time in the history of the survey, which also takes into account money earned through sponsorship, there wasn’t an Italian-based player in the top seven.
David Beckham of Los Angeles Galaxy leads the way, followed by Milan target Ronaldinho, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Thierry Henry.
The top earner from Serie A, ironically, is Ronaldo of Milan, who is pocketing £10.7m annually, despite his career-threatening injury.
FIFA World Player of the Year Kaka is just ninth with £10.3m with Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero the highest earning Italian at £8.8m.
Azzurri skipper Fabio Cannavaro is 11th with £8.6m and Francesco Totti – £7.8m – and Luca Toni – £6.7m – are 18th and 20th respectively in the hierarchy.
Fabio Capello is the second wealthiest Coach behind former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, with Roberto Mancini’s £4m per year at Inter putting him ninth.
