Meet the Richest Footballers in Europe

With the European Champions League underway and the football clubs of the continent fighting it out for top honours, here is a look at the richest players in the competition.

Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo is the wealthiest footballer in Europe and the world, according to a list of the wealthiest players in the European football leagues, compiled by Wealth-X.

With an estimated net worth of $230 million, the 29-year-old Portuguese forward is the world's most expensive footballer, according to Wealth-X. Ronaldo's transfer to Real Madrid from Manchester United in 2009 cost $132 million.

Argentine forward Lionel Messi who plays for FC Barcelona takes second spot in the list and is the richest non-European footballer playing in the continent. Messi's net worth is estimated to be at $180 million.

Swedish player Zlatan Ibrahimovic who plays for Paris St-Germain is at third position on the list with a net worth of $100 million.

Three British footballers playing for clubs in the English Premier League also appear on rich list. The richest British player is Manchester United forward and captain Wayne Rooney, who ranks fourth on the list with a personal fortune of $95 million. Rooney is also the caption of the English national team.

Frank Lampard, who plays for Manchester City and Liverpool's Steven Gerrard also made the list. Lampard's fortune is worth $60 million, while Gerard's net worth stands at $55. Lampard and Gerard are ranked at eighth and ninth position, respectively.

Other than Messi, the other non-Europeans on the rich list are Didier Drogba (ranked fifth) and Yaya Toure (seventh) from Ivory Coast, and Cameroon's Samuel Eto'o (sixth). Drogba who plays for Chelsea is valued at $90 million, while Toure from Manchester City is valued at $70 million. Samuel Eto'o who plays for Everton is valued at $75 million.

Fernando Torres of Spain, who plays for Chelsea completes the list at number 10, with an estimated net worth of $50 million.