Top 10 Richest Athletes In The World
10. Matt Ryan
Mathew Thomas a k a “Matt” Ryan is an American football player with the Atlanta Falcons, where he plays as a quarter back. Ryan moved from college to NFL success, which puts him among the highest earning athletes in the world. His current five year deal with Falcons of $103.75 million has put him in position number 10.
Salary/bonuses: $42 million.
Endorsements: $1.8 million.
Total Earnings: $43.8 million.
9. Rafael Nadal
The world number 2 has enjoyed outstanding success in his career so far. The 2014 French open winner has accumulated enough earning from winnings and sponsorship. His major sponsor Nike and several others, Banc Sabadell, Babolat, Mapfre etc have moved his earning status up based on his outstanding performance last year. Therefore, the Spaniard is one of the richest athletes in the world.
Salary/bonuses: $44.5 million.
Endorsements: $30 million.
Total earning: $44.5 million.
8. Phil Mickelson
Philip Alfred Mickelson is a member of professional golfers association of America (PGA) who has won 42 events in PGA tour. His sponsor earnings skyrocketed last year when won the British open for the first time. And that got him up to an amazing financial height. His sponsors are- Barclay’s, Exxon Mobil, Rolex, KPMG, Rolex etc. These sponsors contribute over $40 million to his earnings annually, which puts his position to number 8.
Salary/bonuses: $5.2 million.
Endorsements: $48 million.
Total earnings: $53.2 million.
7. Roger Federer
Roger Federer is the world number 3 tennis player. Before now, he has enjoyed every bit of it, holding the number 1 spot for about 6 years. In fact, he’s considered the greatest tennis player ever. The Swiss has got all it takes to secure a long term sponsorship deal with Nike, Rolex, and credit suisse who add about $40 million to his annual earnings.
Salary/bonuses: $4.2 million.
Endorsements: $52 million
Total earnings: $56.2 million.
6. Tiger Woods
When the going was good, Eldrick Tont “Tiger” Woods was one of the most celebrated athletes in the world. Breaking many records from his early carrier, especially in the 2000’s. He held the number one spot for 281 weeks making him the richest athlete in the world then. Until the consistency of change came taking hold of him, so that, he lost significantly to the 6th position. Some of his sponsors still keep faith in him i e Nike, giving him endorsement deal of over $40 million yearly.
Salary/bonuses: $6.2 million
Endorsements: $55 million
Total earnings: $61.2 million
5. Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant plays as a shooting guard for the Los Angeles Lakers of National Basketball Association (NBA). He has spent his entire career with the Lakers inspiring three out of five championships won. Only Kobe Bryant has what it takes to earn in $8 million in contract above every other NBA player. His endorsements thus give more volume to his earnings. Turkish air, Lenovo, Hublot, Nike, etc have been his huge suppliers of fund, which makes him the 5th richest athlete in the world.
Salary/bonuses: $30.5 million
Endorsements: $31 million
Total earnings: $61.5 million
4. Lionel Messi
The Barca and Argentine wonder boy entertains crowd and money with his skills. His current $50 million a year contract has enabled him in the list of top earners. This father of one rose from a very humble beginning to clinch top spots in both play-making and money. His endorsement deals with Adidas, Turkish Airline, Pepsi etc, have complimented his salary in a very big way to put him in the 4th position. Messi is definitely one of the richest athletes in the world.
Salary/bonuses: $41.7 million
Endorsements: $23 million
Total earnings: $64.7 million
3 Lebron James
Lebron Raymone James plays basketball for Cleveland carvaliers of National Basketball Association (NBA). The four time Most Valuable Player (MVP) winner who has won championship twice played his way to NBA from high school. He has since established himself successfully in his field of play and earnings making him one of the richest athletes in the world. James is the most sponsored NBA star. His sponsors: Nike, coca-cola, McDonalds, Upperdeck etc have put his earnings up to the 3rd position.
Salary/bonuses: $19.3 million
Endorsements: $53 million
Total earnings: $72.3 million
2. Cristiano Ronaldo
The two time world best player has enjoyed much success recently. The Real Madrid and Portuguese forward has seen great increase in wares and earnings. His current $206 million 5 year contract has moved him up the ladder of top earners. And his sponsors have been good to his earnings: Nike, Tag Heuer, Herbal life, Fly Emirate, and Samsung have enabled him to the 2nd position.
Salary/bonuses: $52 million
Endorsements: $28 million
Total earning: $80 million.
1. Floyd Mayweather
The undefeated champion has proved undefeated in earning too. Floyd Maywheather has won ten world titles and it doesn’t seem he’s stopping soon. More winning more money. He has signed series of expensive fights contracts with various boxing promoters. His September 2013 fight against Canelo Alvares recorded a massive revenue of about $200 million. His winnings make him Champion, his earnings make him the richest.
Salary/bonuses: $ 105 million
Endorsements: $ 0
Total earnings $ 105 million