Athletes have always been held in high regard. They set examples for the rest of us as they strive to be the best in their chosen sport. But they also serve as an inspiration beyond their skill set. They are icons that people often look up to and hold in high esteem. And as their popularity grows, so does their bank account. In this article, we will take a closer look at who the highest paid athlete in the world is.
In recent years, Forbes has taken the time to conduct studies and list down the highest-paid athletes in the world. These lists often feature some familiar names, but up until 2020, there was a unanimous name on top – Floyd Mayweather. With earnings of around 285 million dollars, Mayweather was the highest-paid athlete for four years straight.
However, in 2020, there was a shift in rankings, and a new highest-paid athlete emerged. Roger Federer, a tennis icon, overtook Mayweather with earnings of around 106 million dollars. He made the large chunk of his earnings through sponsorship deals and exhibitions. Federer is widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time and has held the number one spot in the ATP rankings for the most weeks overall.
The second highest-paid athlete in the world is relatively new to the scene. Cristiano Ronaldo, who is a Portuguese professional football (soccer) player, has been a popular figure in the sport for more than a decade now. He ranks in the millions with total earnings of around 105 million dollars. Ronaldo made a significant part of his earnings from his salary, as he pulls in massive amounts of money from his past employers like Manchester United and current employers, Juventus.
American basketball star, LeBron James, ranks third on the list of the highest-paid athletes worldwide. With a total earnings of around 88.2 million dollars, much of James’s money comes from his substantial endorsement deals with companies like Nike, Intel, and Coca-Cola. He is widely regarded as one of the best basketball players of his time, having won multiple MVPs and championships throughout his illustrious career.
The fourth and fifth highest-paid athletes in the world are Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr., both football players. Messi has been a regular fixture on the list of the highest-paid athletes worldwide, ranking in the top three for most years. He earns around 81.5 million dollars, most of which comes from his impressive contract with FC Barcelona and endorsement deals with companies like Adidas and PepsiCo. Neymar, on the other hand, has become a household name recently, and with 76 million dollars in earnings, he’s considered one of the best players in the world.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, being the highest-paid athlete in the world comes with the territory of being excellent at what you do, but it’s not all about skill. The fame and recognition that you receive as a result of your accomplishments often play a significant role in the size of your paycheck. However, the sheer hard work and dedication put into these sports cannot be overlooked. Fans can often see this determination and often leave them inspired. And, at the end of the day, it’s the passion for the sport that drives these athletes to the top, earning the title of the highest-paid athletes in the world.