Ronaldo, Messi, Conca: When unknown Argentine was world's third-highest paid player

Do you remember Dario Conca?

No?

Call yourself a football fan.

Conca was once the third best player in world football behind Lionel Messi and Cristiano.

Okay… not quite. But he was actually the third best-paid player behind the two greatest players to have ever played the game.

But who is he?

Here’s the bizarre story of Dario Conca.

In the summer of 2011, Conca had just helped Brazilian side Fluminense to their first Brazilian championship since 1984. He had been voted the best player in Brazil’s Serie A in 2009 and 2010, catching the attention of many clubs.

It earned him a lucrative move.

But not a lucrative move to a major European side.

Instead, he secured a very lucrative move to Guangzhou Evergrande in China, before the Chinese Super League was fashionable. The Chinese club spent a record-breaking $10 million on him.

On July 2, Conca signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with Guangzhou worth £170,000 per week, making him the third-highest paid player in the world.

Only Messi and Ronaldo earned more at the time.

But Conca wouldn’t be competing for the Ballon d’Or with the two superstars who played for Barcelona and Real Madrid at the time.

Instead, the striker remained in China for three seasons scoring an impressive 54 goals in 99 appearances.

During those three years, he was suspended by the club for nine matches for questioning the manager’s decision to substitute him.

He said: “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?”

However, midway through the ban former Italian World Cup-winning football manager Marcello Lippi was appointed and