Forbes magazine says David Beckham still reigns supreme in the world of football as the highest earning player in the world. The 35-year-old Beckham earns $40 million annually, with much of that coming from sponsors such as Adidas, Giorgio Armani and Motorola. But Beckham is expected to lose major sponsorship money this year because he will miss the World Cup in South Africa after tearing his Achilles' tendon in March playing for AC Milan. Portugal midfielder Cristiano Ronaldo is second, earning $30 million a year. Ronaldo's major sponsors include Nike, Coca-Cola and, like Beckham, Giorgio Armani. Brazil playmaker Kaka, Ronaldo's teammate at Madrid, is third on the list, earning $25 million annually. Ronaldinho is fourth on Forbes' list, also earning $25 million a year. Rounding out the top five is France striker Thierry Henry, who makes $24 million a year. Lionel Messi, the reigning FIFA World Player of the Year, is sixth on the list with earnings of $20m annually.
