David Beckham

David Beckham overtook Ronaldinho to regain the title of soccer’s highest-paid player, according to France Football magazine.

Beckham’s earnings from salary and endorsements soared 82 per cent to 31 million euros ($48.9 million) following his switch to the Los Angeles Galaxy from Real Madrid, lifting him above Barcelona’s Ronaldinho, whose income was unchanged at 24.1 million Euros, the magazine’s annual survey said.

The 32-year-old Beckham reclaimed the position he held for 3 years through 2005. He has a $5.5 million base salary that could boom to as much as $250 million over 5 years with endorsements and profit sharing, according to the Galaxy.Barcelona’s Lionel Messi and Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo rose to third and fourth, with income of 23 million euros and 19.5 million Euros, respectively. It’s the first time they have been in the top 10.

Jose Mourinho, who left Chelsea in September, remains the top-paid coach — even though he isn’t currently in charge of a team — with earnings of 29 million Euros, France Football said. England coach Fabio Capello is the next, with pay of 14.2 million Euros, followed by Alex Ferguson.