Associated Press

Paris, May 3:

David Beckham is still the richest soccer player in the world, according to a study published on Tuesday by France Football magazine.

The Real Madrid midfielder does not make the highest yearly salary in world soccer but his commercial endorsements and image rights increase his takings to $37.4 million. Soccer’s richest coach, the study says, is Chelsea’s Jose Mourinho, who has already earned $9.7 million in salary and bonuses — which could rise further if the Blues win the Champions League.

Beckham takes home the same yearly wage as Real Madrid teammates Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane — $8.26 million.

Ronaldo’s total yearly income is estimated at $25.3 million placing him second on the list, while French midfielder Zidane pockets is third with a total of $16.8 million).

Of the 20 richest players in the world, Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has the highest wage of $9.8 million but limited commercial interests mean his overall income stops at $12.1 million — placing him sixth in the world.

Internazionale’s Christian Vieri, with $15.5m, and Alessandro Del Piero of Juventus, with $12. 3m, are fourth and fifth respectively.

Eight of the top 20 play in the English Premier League. The next wealthiest after Lampard is Thierry Henry (Arsenal), followed by John Terry (Chelsea), Ruud van Nistelrooy (Man United), Roy Keane (Man United), Patrick Vieira (Arsenal), Sol Campbell (Arsenal) and Rio Ferdinand (Man United).

Manchester United coach Sir Alex Ferguson is the second-wealthiest coach with $7.7m, followed by England coach Sven Goran Eriksson on $ 7.5m. Arsenal’s Arsene Wenger gets $5.7 million.