Kaka 1st to top $7 million in MLS earnings

Brazil's soccer player Ricardo Kaka (R) and his wife Caroline Celico (L) attend the final tennis match of the Monte Carlo Masters between Switzerland's Roger Federer and Stanislas Wawrinka, in Monaco April 20, 2014. [Photo/Agencies]

NEW YORK?- Kaka is set to be Major League Soccer's highest-paid player with a base salary of $6.6 million from Orlando City, according to figures released Monday by the players' union.

Including a prorated share of compensation not specified to a specific year, the Brazilian attacker's total earnings rise to a league-record $7,167,500.

Orlando starts play next season, along with New York City FC. The previous MLS high for total earnings was set by David Beckham of the Los Angeles Galaxy at $6.5 million annually during a five-year contract that ended in 2011.

Seattle forward Clint Dempsey dropped to second in total earnings at $6,695,000, followed by Toronto midfielder Michael Bradley at $6.5 million and Toronto forward Jermain Defoe at $6.18 million.

Among the American players who signed with MLS after the World Cup, midfielder Jermaine Jones has a $3 million salary with New England and total earnings of $3,252,500.

Defender Liam Ridgewell, who left West Bromwich Albion to sign with Portland, has a $1.2 million salary.