Ronaldo, Messi and Rooney earn lavish salaries beyond the wildest dreams of most players and fans – Goal debates the vast financial gulf between the elite and the rest

Cristiano Ronaldo topped the Goal Rich List 2014 with an astonishing estimated wealth of €148 million and, as our index showed, players at the very top of the game are earning increasingly big rewards.

As well as rocketing wages and bonuses, luxurious sponsorship and endorsement deals are ensuring the game’s highest-profile stars are seeing their net worth continue on an upward curve.

But, for the majority of footballers, signing professional terms does not guarantee a Hollywood lifestyle. Indeed, the experience of many players is quite the opposite to Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and the others in our top 10.

Following Peter Staunton’s special report looking at those players who struggle with life during and after their professional careers, Goal asks – is the modern day footballer is paid too much?

In an exclusive video debate, Peter Staunton is joined by Nat Coombs and former Premier League striker Dean Holdsworth, who now serves as managing director of XPRO, the charity which helps footballers who are going through hard times.

Do you think footballers are paid too much? Have your say in the comments box below.