Franck Ribéry, Bayern Munich

   2011 earnings: €11.9 million

Franck Ribéry, born in 1983, is a French footballer who currently plays for German club Bayern Munich. He primarily plays as a winger, preferably on the left side, and is well known for his "pace, energy, skill and precise passing." Ribéry's career began in 1989 as a youth player for local hometown club Conti Boulogne, and he joined Bayern Munich in 2007. Since joining Bayern, Ribéry has been recognized on the world stage as one of the best French football players of his generation.