Brazilian ace Neymar was one of the most discussed players at this year’s World Cup in Russia – for his theatrical dives and rolling around rather than for his skills and goals. He spent an estimated 14 minutes rolling around during the tournament. It takes the world’s best-paid soccer player 11.3 days to buy an “average” flat in Hong Kong.

Reported pay: £600,000 (HK$6.19 million per week) / HK$884,285 per day

Time: 11.3 days

2. Cristiano Ronaldo (Juventus) and Lionel Messi (Barcelona)

The Messi-Ronaldo rivalry has been the focus of the soccer world for the past decade. At this year’s World Cup, Ronaldo performed better than the Argentinian, outscoring him 4:1 in tournament goals. However, they reportedly earn the same salary.

Reported pay: £500,000 (HK$5.15 million) per week / HK$735,714 per day

Time: 13.5 days

4. Oscar dos Santos Emboaba Júnior, better known as ‘Oscar’ (Shanghai SIPG)

Oscar dos Santos Emboaba Júnior, the former Sao Paulo, Internacional and Chelsea midfielder, did not play at the World Cup for Brazil, preferring to play in the Chinese league. Who cares though, when he can reportedly earn more than HK$4 million a week in one of the most exciting cities in the East?

Reported pay: £400,000 (HK$4.12 million) per week / HK$588,571 per day

Time: 16.9 days

5. Gareth Bale (Real Madrid) and Alexis Sánchez (Manchester United)

Welshman Gareth Bale atoned for an injury-plagued season at Real Madrid by scoring two excellent goals in the club’s Champions League final triumph over Liverpool. Chilean star Alexis Sanchez’s mid-season transfer from Arsenal to Manchester United backfired, and he finished the season with only two goals. Both players missed the World Cup as Wales and Chile failed to qualify. However, they are reported to earn £350,000 per week for their clubs.

Reported pay: £350,000 (HK$3.61 million) per week / HK$515,714 per day

Time: 19.4 days

7. Givanildo Vieira de Sousa, alias ‘Hulk’ (Shanghai SIPG)

Nicknamed “Hulk” for his resemblance to Marvel’s character, Givanildo Vieira de Sousa left Zenit Saint Petersburg in Russia for a career in China in 2016. He reportedly makes HK$3.3 million a week. Is he really worth it? Tell us.

Reported pay: £320,000 (HK$3.3 million) per week / HK$471,428 per day

Time: 21.2 days

8. Mesut Özil (Arsenal)

Mesut Özil has not only signed for Arsenal, but captained the Gunners in a preseason International Champions Cup clash with Paris Saint-Germain. However, the German soccer player of Turkish descent cited racism for his decision to quit the German national team after the World Cup. He criticised Germany’s soccer federation, its president, fans and the media for racism, and complained that people with Turkish roots were treated unfairly in Germany.

Reported pay: £300,000 (HK$3.09 million) per week / HK$441,428 per day

Time: 22.6 days

9. Paul Pogba (Manchester United) and Luis Suarez (Barcelona)

Finally, someone from the World Champions, France. Paul Pogba showed great maturity in his performances in Russia after a disappointing season for Manchester United. The midfielder inspired France in their 2-0 quarter-final defeat of Uruguay, led by the “Vampire” Luis Suarez.

Reported pay: £290,000 (HK$2.99 million) per week / HK$427,142 per day

Time: 23.4 days

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