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THE 2018 World Cup is currently underway in Russia, with players from 32 nations battling it out to win the trophy.
Nothing is predictable in the event. Managers keep strategies close to their chests and even the most cool-headed players can become irate warranting yellow cards and send-offs.
However, the one thing that is predictable when it comes to professional football is the amount players are paid.
While players aren’t paid for their participation in the World Cup, they earn astonishing amounts of money at their clubs.
For example, Lionel Messi earns nearly US$464,000 a week – that’s over US$22 million a year playing for Barcelona F.C.
But the world’s highest paid footballers is Brazil’s Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior, raking in nearly US$37 million a year.
And what’s one to do with all this money? Buy a luxury private jet, of course.
Let’s take a look at the luxury transport these first-class players use when they’re not dribbling balls and scoring goals.
Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior
Source: Shutterstock
- Plays: Forward for Paris Saint-Germain F.C
- Salary: US$37 million per year
- Owns: Cessna Citation Sovereign+ – US$10.8 million
Source: Shutterstock
After a little head-to-head with the tax authorities in Brazil, Neymar’s yacht and previous private jet were seized.
But he didn’t remain wingless for long. Being the highest played footballer in the world, Neymar acquired the Cessna Citation Sovereign+.
Source: Weibo
The aircraft can fly 12 passengers and two pilots around 3,200 miles at one time.
The cabin is fitted with plush leather seats, extendable tables, and entertainment screens.
Paul Pogba
Source: Shutterstock
- Plays: Midfielder for Manchester United F.C
- Salary: US$20 million per year
- Owns: Gulfstream G280 – US$18 million
Source: Shutterstock
Known for his wacky hairstyles, head-to-toe bling, and impressive football skills, this football star’s private jet matches his glitzy appearance.
His Gulfstream G280 embodies classic chic style and modern elegance with soft leather chairs, a sofa, and a convertible bed to catch a few winks before his next appearance on the pitch.
Source: Paul Pogba / Instagram
With enough space for 10 passengers, Pogba can fly the majority of his team back to his hometown of Lagny-Sur-Marne, France in less than an hour.
The jet can fly 3,500 miles with a top speed of 559 miles per hour.
Lionel Messi
Source: Shutterstock
- Plays: Forward for Barcelona F.C
- Salary: US$21 million per year
- Owns: Embraer Legacy 650 – US$25.9 million
Source: Shutterstock
The Argentinian footballer has a very comfortable 14-passenger private jet that he shares with his wife and two children.
While it’s not the most expensive on the list, it still emulates luxury and can take him from Barcelona to Argentina with just one stopover, with a single range of 3,000 miles.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Source: Shutterstock
- Plays: Forward for Real Madrid
- Salary: US$22 million per year
- Owns: Gulfstream G650 – US$28 million
Source: Shutterstock
Cristiano Ronaldo’s private jet is the most expensive on this list, but why does money matter when you can fly 7,000 miles in under 11 hours with 18 of your nearest and dearest?
That’s what Ronaldo’s plane offers with its twin engines and a top speed of 610 miles per hour.
Source: Cristiano Ronaldo / Instagram
The Gulfstream G650 is the creme de la creme of private jets and to make sure nobody mistakes who it belongs to, Ronaldo printed his initials and squad number on the side.
David Beckham (retired)
Source: Shutterstock
- Played: Manchester United F.C
- Net Worth: US$450 million
- Owns: Bombardier Challenger 350 – US$19 million
Source: Shutterstock
He might not be in this World Cup, but he’s still legendary.
David and his wife Victoria have created the Beckham brand along with their four children.
With their eldest son Brooklyn studying in New York, numerous charity events and fashion shows to attend, and luxury holidays to go on, the Beckhams can’t rely on public transport.
Hence their luxury Bombardier Challenger 350.
Wider seats, larger windows, and all the latest in-flight technology have earned this private plane the title as the best-selling business jet in the last decade.
The plane can comfortably fit the six-piece Beckham family with room for two extras and cover around 580 miles per hour.
Let’s wait and see who will be bringing the World Cup trophy home on their private jet.
We know it won’t be Becks.
The post These FIFA World Cup stars are defining luxury with their private jets appeared first on Travel Wire Asia.
Source: travelwireasia.com