![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/i-was-worlds-third-best-paid-player-behind-ronaldo-and-messi/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/HB-OFF-PLATFORM-CONCA.jpg&description=DAR TO DO Published : 8:55, 16 Jul 2023 Updated : 8:55, 16 Jul 2023 MANY footballers dream of earning the same amount as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, but Dario Conca managed it. The little-known Argentine was at one point the third highest-paid footballer in the world. 5 Dario Conca was at one point the third highest paid player in the world Credit: Getty 5 He was being paid £170,000 per week in China Credit: AFP 5 Only Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi were earning more Credit: AP:Associated Press Conca, 40, was a star in South America for over ten years of his career as he played for the likes of River Plate , Vasco da Gama, and Fluminense. However in 2011, he made the move to China before the peak of the Chinese Super League 's financial muscle. He was bought by Guangzhou Evergrande for £7.6million who handed a two-and-a-half-year contract worth an incredible £170,000 per week. Only Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi were earning more than him at the time while starring for Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively. Conca may not have challenged the duo for Ballon d'Or awards or Champions Leagues, but he did excel in China. He netted 54 goals in 99 appearances across three seasons, although he did become a controversial figure. The Argentine was handed a nine-game ban after questioning manager Lee Jang-soo's decision to sub him off. He said at the time: "I don't understand why they always sideline me with the excuse that I'm exhausted and need rest. "How could I have scored a crucial penalty if I'm not in condition? "And why does the coach always have Conca take a rest?" During Conca's suspension, the club changed manager to Italian legend Marcello Lippi who brought him back into the team. Overall he was a success in China as he won three CSL titles and an AFC Champions League. He then left China in 2014 as he returned to the Brazilian outfit Fluminense, which saw his salary drop by £162,000 per week to just £8,000. But after just one year he was on his way){kind=link}
MANY footballers dream of earning the same amount as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, but Dario Conca managed it.
The little-known Argentine was at one point the third highest-paid footballer in the world.
Conca, 40, was a star in South America for over ten years of his career as he played for the likes of River Plate, Vasco da Gama, and Fluminense.
However in 2011, he made the move to China before the peak of the Chinese Super League’s financial muscle.
He was bought by Guangzhou Evergrande for £7.6million who handed a two-and-a-half-year contract worth an incredible £170,000 per week.