David Beckham was ranked as the highest earning player in the soccer world, according to Forbes magazine.

The 35-year-old Beckham earns 40 million dollars 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 on the Forbes list, earning 30 million dollars a year. Ronaldo's major sponsors include Nike, Coca-Cola and, like Beckham, Giorgio Armani.

Los Angeles Galaxy soccer player David Beckham attends a press conference in Hoboken, New Jersey, July 15, 2009.

Ronaldo, the 2008 FIFA World Player of the Year, became the highest paid soccer player in the world in June when Real Madrid bought the 25-year-old winger from Manchester United for 130 million dollars. He then signed a six-year contract that pays an estimated 15.5 million dollars in the first year, then increases 25 percent each season.

Brazil playmaker Kaka, Ronaldo's teammate at Madrid, is third on the list, earning 25 million dollars annually.

The 28-year-old forward, who won the 2007 FIFA World Player of the Year Award, was bought from AC Milan for 91 million dollars, the second highest recorded transfer fee. Kaka's sponsors include Adidas and Giorgio Armani.

Ronaldinho is fourth on Forbes' list, also earning 25 million dollars a year. The 30-year-old Brazil forward, who plays for AC Milan, won the FIFA World Player of the Year Award in 2004 and 2005.

【体坛英语资讯：Beckham ranked best soccer money maker in Forbes】相关文章：

★ 体坛英语资讯：Chinas Li Na makes strong start to season

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Lindsay Lohan mug shot launches drunk driving ad

★ 体坛英语资讯：China, Indonesia share light at badminton worlds

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Cindy Crawford will never pose nude again

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Lindsay Lohan checks back in rehab, report

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Goodrem turns down McFaddens marriage proposal

★ 体坛英语资讯：Xinjiang stripped of CBA playoff spot

★ 体坛英语资讯：Italy join Netherlands in last eight after beating France 2-0

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Eva Mendes checks into rehab: report

★ 体坛英语资讯：Sampras upstages Federer in exhibition