Tevez takes over as top earner

With his transfer to Shanghai Shenhua, Argentina’s Carlos Tevez has become the highest-paid soccer player on the planet, earning even more than compatriot Lionel Messi and Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.

A source close to the player said on Thursday the 32-year-old former Manchester United and Manchester City striker will make around $42 million a season in China.

At the moment, Tevez banks a relatively modest $2.2 million a season with Boca Juniors.

According to Portuguese media, Real Madrid’s Ronaldo earns $27 million a season while Barcelona ace Messi boasts a salary of around $23 million.

Ronaldo and Messi are also lagging behind Brazil’s Oscar, whose switch from Chelsea to Shanghai SIPG last week guarantees him $28 million per season.