'Ugly' Ronaldinho has last laugh

In 2003 Real Madrid, wanting to build their brand, ignored Ronaldinho for being "ugly" and went for the more eyecatching David Beckham.

In 2003 Real Madrid, wanting to build their brand, ignored Ronaldinho for being "ugly" and went for the more eyecatching David Beckham.

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Now Ronaldinho is having the last laugh.

The Brazilian has overtaken Beckham as the world's highest-paid player, according to 'France Football' magazine.

England and Real Madrid midfielder Beckham, who has topped the list for the last three years, is now second behind the Barcelona forward and FIFA World Player of the Year.

Ronaldinho enjoyed an annual revenue of 23 million euros ($28.47 million), said 'France Football', which added up the salaries, bonuses, sponsorship deals and other sources of income for each player.

Beckham follows with a total of 18 million, down from 25 million the previous year.

Money list Players Annual Revenue Ronaldinho 23 mn David Beckham 18 mn Ronaldo 17.4 mn Wayne Rooney 16.1 mn Managers Jose Mourinho 10.9 mn Sven-Goran Eriksson 6.9 mn.