Forbes magazine published its annual ranking of the world’s highest-paid athletes on May 12, 2021. They identified the top earners in sports based on revenues from prize money, wages, bonuses, and endorsements during the 12-month period (May 1, 2020, to May 2021).
These athletes attract large crowds, help win games, and most crucially, bring in millions of dollars for their teams or promoters.
The top three are as follows:
- Conor McGregor:
During the 12-month period, the outspoken Conor McGregor earned a total of $180 million. The majority of his earnings came from the sale of his controlling interest in the whisky brand Proper No. Twelve to Proximo Spirits for a cool $150 million.
In addition to his endorsements, McGregor earned $158 million beyond his fighting career in the previous 12 months, according to MMA Fighting.
- Lionel Messi:
Leo Messi is ranked second in terms of earnings, having surpassed the $100 million mark in 2014. Despite the off-field issues Messi was experiencing with Barcelona, it does not appear that his wages have been impacted in any way.
- Cristiano Ronaldo:
Cristiano Ronaldo, the legendary Portuguese footballer, is ranked third. CR7, a line of branded apparel, accessories, hotels, and gyms, is owned by the 36-year-old, whose four-year deal with Nike averages $64 million per year and expires in 2022. He also has a lifetime agreement with Nike and is the driving force behind the CR7 firm.