"I think that because I am rich, handsome and a great player people are envious of me. I don't have any other explanation."
That's Cristiano Ronaldo talking about why people hate him.
While other soccer players date models and appear in underwear ads too, no one's lifestyle gets under the skin of soccer fans like Ronaldo's.
He's one of the biggest stars at the 2014 World Cup, and the biggest threat to the United States in Group G. He's also one of the most polarizing players in Brazil.
He earned $44 million last year, making him the ninth highest-paid athlete on earth.
Source: Forbes
He recently signed a contract that'll pay him $23 million per year until 2018 — making him the world's highest-paid active player.
Source: Marca
He makes almost that much ($21 million annually) in off-field endorsements.
Source: Forbes
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