Lionel Messi, Barcelona

   2011 earning: €31 million

Lionel Messi, born in 1987, is an Argentine footballer who currently plays for FC Barcelona and the Argentina national team as a forward or winger. Messi began playing football at a young age and his potential was quickly identified by Barcelona. From 2004 to 2010, Barcelona won La Liga four times (2005, 2006, 2009 and 2010), the UEFA Champions League twice (2006 and 2009), UEFA Super Cup in 2009, and the FIFA Club World Cup in 2009 with Messi on board.

One of the best football players of his generation, Messi has won FIFA World Player of the Year in 2009, UEFA Champions League Player of the Year in 2009, FIFA Club World Cup Golden Ball in 2009, World Soccer Player of the Year in 2009, European Golden Shoe in 2010, and FIFPro World Player of the Year in 2009 and 2010.