The Richest Athletes in the World

The sports industry, particularly in North America, is one of the highest-paying professions a person can have. Actors, directors, musicians, dancers, singers, and athletes are all paid millions of dollars every year to share their talents with the world and keep people entertained. Professional athletes are especially well paid for their hard work and acumen. Talented athletes who are able to stay healthy and have long careers coupled with savvy investing can lead to some truly mega-rich sports stars. Here is a list of the ten richest athletes of all time, spanning all kinds of different sports.

Floyd Mayweather, Net Worth: $650 Million

In 2015, Floyd Mayweather, Jr., continuing his father’s legacy, was officially named the highest-paid athlete of the year by Forbes magazine. The inestimable Mayweather has earned his golden gloves; he has yet to lose a fight in his entire career. For that level of skill, Mayweather earns $100 million per fight. Yes, you read that correctly. In addition to his $300 million in fight earnings in 2015, Mayweather also earned $15 million in endorsements. He’s come quite a long way from his very humble beginnings and his star continues to rise.

Simone Biles, Net Worth: 2.5 Million

Simone Biles is an Olympic gymnast and the reigning champion in three different individual disciplines. At the age of 18, Biles set the record for the most medals in history by an American gymnast. During the year in which she competed at the Olympics, Biles also earned additional money from endorsements. Her net worth is a respectable $2.5 million at the age of 20.

Michael Phelps, Net Worth: $55 Million

Michael Phelps is an American Olympic swimmer. Phelps is the most decorated Olympic athlete of all time, with 28 medals in total. He has written 2 books, and also appears as a public speaker occasionally. Phelps is perhaps the most recognized Olympic athlete ever, besides Usain Bolt. The net worth of Michael Phelps is $55 million today.

Stephen Curry, Net Worth: 90 Million

NBA basketball star Stephen Curry is not only one of the richest athletes in America, but in the entire world. His net worth: 90 million dollars! Since bringing the Golden State Warriors to some of their winningest seasons (winning three championships!), Curry’s salary just keeps increasing. At the end of the 2017 season, his salary was around $12.1 million but by the end of 2018, had risen to $34.7 million . But of course, with endorsement deals, Stephen Curry’s income was actually closer to $77 million for the 2017-2018 season. It was quite a battle in the shoe world to get Curry as a spokesperson; Under Armor eventually wooed him after Nike reportedly failed to match their $4 million deal. Curry’s deal with the company was just extended to 2024 and gives him some equity within the company in addition to millions in payments. Because of that, experts say Curry’s deal with Under Armor is far more valuable than it appears at its face and that his value to the company could be in the BILLIONs. Curry also is partnered up with Degree antiperspirant, Brita water filters, Infiniti, and just signed a multi-year contract with JP Morgan Chase. Being that he is one of the most popular athletes on the planet, once can only expect that Curry’s star will keep on rising and that he’ll keep inking more endorsement deals.

Kevin Durant, Net Worth: 150 Million

American basketball player Kevin Durant is widely known to be one of the best scorers in the NBA, but he’s also known to be one of the highest paid athletes of our time. His net worth: 150 Million dollars! Durant formerly played for the Oklahoma City Thunder and now plays for the hugely successful Golden State Warriors. It was a free agent moved that shocked many, and gave him a $6 million salary increase. The Warriors reportedly pay him a little over $25 million per year, but of course, Durant makes much more than that thanks to endorsement deals. In recent years, he’s been the face of Degree antiperspirant, Sprint, General Electric, and Gatorade. His biggest endorsement deal is with Nike, however. Durant is also a savvy businessman, and being so close to Silicon Valley, The Durant Company has invested in a number of very profitable ventures, including Postmates and about 30 other technology start-ups. He’s also invested in the investing app, Acorns, joining Paypal and e.ventures. The 29 year old basketball star is big on sharing his wealth, though, giving back to the Red Cross after tornados hit Oklahoma in 2013.

Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior (Neymar Jr.), Net Worth: 185 Million

This Brazilian soccer phenom is so popular he’s simply known by “Neymar Jr,” by those familiar with the game. At 26 years old, he’s one of the richest athletes in the world. His net worth: 185 million dollars! Neymar Jr came from very humble beginnings in Sao Paolo, Brazil but now he spends his money on lavish items, recently purchasing a mansion worth nearly $10 million, a three bedroom yacht and his own private jet. In 2017, he left Barcelona’s soccer team for Paris Saint German, inking a five year deal worth $600 million! But it’s not just his athletic ability that is earning Neymar millions of dollars, it’s also his lucrative sponsorship deals. He has endorsement deals with major companies, like McDonald’s, Gillette, Red Bull, Nike and Beats by Dre, earning him about $17 million dollars. Neymar would have a bit more in his bank, but recently settled a tax evasion case for over a million US dollars.

Manny Pacquiao, Net Worth: $190 Million

Pacquiao is one of the most successful boxers of all time. Outside of the ring, he owns various businesses in The Philippines and has served seven years as a Senator within his homeland. He was recently re-elected and will be in this role until at least 2022. Various sponsorships from companies such as Nike have been just as important as his boxing earnings. He participated in the richest fight in history, against Floyd Mayweather in 2015, and pocketed $80 million for this one fight alone. His net worth today is $190 million.

Peyton Manning, Net Worth: 200 Million

An American football legend, Peyton Manning’s legacy lives on even after his recent retirement. He played in the NFL for 18 seasons, for both the Indianapolis Colts and the Denver Broncos, leading his teams to the Super Bowl twice. At the time of his retirement, Peyton Manning had collected more than $400 million dollars in salary, endorsements and bonuses, with $249 million dollars coming straight from the NFL teams he played for. Some of the biggest companies Manning has partnered with or been a spokesperson for are Reebok, Nike, DirecTv, Buick, Nationwide and Fanatics. He’s also appeared in a large number of commercials. Later in his career, Manning diversified his income; he also owns 32 Papa John’s restaurants in the state of Colorado.

Jeff Gordon, Net Worth: 200 Million

American racecar driver Jeff Gordon won more than 90 races during his NASCAR career, making him the first driver to ever make more than $100 million. Gordon retired in 2015, but was making between $20-$30 million a year during the prime of his career. The total of money won from his participation in NASCAR races is over $140 million. He made millions for each race he won, but even more in lucrative endorsements with companies like DVX Sport Sunglasses, Pepsi and DuPont. Those deals were valued between $10-$30 million each. Jeff’s net worth: 200 million dollars is less than what it should be; he paid nearly $100 million to his wife Brooke after a divorce settlement. Interestingly enough though, should he want to get back into racing to make up for that lost money, he could: he has a lifetime contract to drive with Hendrick Motorsports. There are rumors that he is exploring a comeback for a race, so stay tuned! Jeff Gordon shares his success with those that are less fortunate; creating his own Foundation and Children’s Hospital in North Carolina.

Paul Caddick, Net Worth: $225 Million

Paul Caddick is a former professional rugby player from England. Forced to retire after becoming injured in a freak accident on the pitch, Caddick began purchasing and developing property as well as various businesses. Today he owns a rugby league team and is worth approximately $225 million.

Lewis Hamilton, Net Worth: $260 Million

Lewis Hamilton is a Formula One race-car driver who has won three world titles throughout his career. Hamilton competes in one of the richest sports on the planet, so there is no wonder his personal success has translated into an estimated net worth of $260 million. Endorsement deals from Puma, Monster Energy, Bose, and L'Oreal, among others, make up a good percentage of his yearly earnings.

Greg Norman, Net Worth: 300 Million

This Aussie golf pro has made his millions not only from his tournament winnings and endorsement deals but also from his entrepreneurial skills, including his winery business. Norman’s career was at its height in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s, winning 91 major golf tournaments and millions of dollars in earnings. Greg Norman, a saavy businessman, also made a great deal from his endorsement deals with Club Car, Dow, Jonnie Walker, Omega, Sandals, and Cobra Golf. Greg Norman Estates, his wine company, sells 175,000 cases each year, and he’s also apparel and eyewear industries. Norman also specializes in asset management. Even after a number of bitter and expensive divorces, Norman has managed to maintain his spot as one of the wealthiest athletes of all time, with a Net worth: 300 Million.

George Foreman, Net Worth: $300 Million

Foreman is a retired professional boxer but is perhaps most well-known for a grill with his namesake. Foreman had a successful career in the ring, but like many other athletes on this list, most of his fortune came from endorsements post-boxing career. These endorsements have included McDonald's, Nike, KFC, and Doritos, among others. Foreman's net worth today is $300 million.

Jack Nicklaus, Net Worth: $320 Million

Jack Nicklaus is a former professional golf player who holds the record for most major tournament championships (the most prestigious tournaments in golf) with 18 victories. Nicklaus earned the majority of his money at the peak of his golfing career. He has published instructional books about golf, as well as designing courses. His nickname is the 'Golden Bear', and with a net worth of $320 million, it is easy to see how he lives up to that name.

Alex Rodriguez, Net Worth: 350 Million

These days, he’s known as actress Jennifer Lopez’s boyfriend, but American baseball player Alex Rodriguez should be known for his net worth: 350 million dollars! Rodriguez recently retired but was a Major League Baseball player since he was 18 years old, playing for the New York Yankees, Texas Rangers and Seattle Mariners. By age 28, he was one of the highest paid players in baseball, signing a $252 million contract with the Rangers in 2001. Alex Rodriguez earned $545 million during his baseball career, but he’s also made millions from his endorsement deals with Nike, Vita Coco and Tops. Rodriguez also owns a private jet and has a number of mansions across the country, all valued at tens of millions of dollars. He’s also a huge fan of fine art, reportedly owning some original Andy Warhol paintings. Like Mickelson, Rodriguez has also made Forbes’ list of top-paid celebrities.

Kobe Bryant, Net Worth: $350 Million

Kobe Bryant had a legendary 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers earning $680 million for playing basketball and various endorsements during this period. Kobe endorsed Nike (his main sponsor throughout his career), Mercedes-Benz, Sony, and McDonald's as well as others to this day. Bryant's net worth is estimated at $350 million and is growing post-retirement.

Lionel Messi, Net Worth: $400 Million

Lionel Messi is a football superstar from Argentina, widely acknowledged as the best in the world. Messi also plays for one of the wealthiest clubs in the world, Barcelona, of Spain. Endorsement deals with Adidas, Dolce & Gabbana, and Pepsi to name a few contribute to his net worth of $400 million.

Phil Mickelson, Net Worth: 400 Million

American Phil Mickelson has made a name for himself on and off the golf course, and one reason is for his net worth: 400 million dollars. Mickelson is hugely successful professional golfer and a winner of some major tournaments, winning the Masters three times and the PGA Championships. Last year alone, Phil Mickelson made nearly $53 million in winnings and endorsement deals. Mickelson has been a major name in the golf industry since the early 1990’s, partnering with major brands like ExxonMobile, Ford, Rolex and Barclay’s. Reportedly, he also owns a private jet, valued at $40 million dollars; ensuring he always arrives in style. In recent years, Mickelson made Forbes’ list of richest celebrities, comparing him to the likes of Barbara Streisand and George Lucas.

Lebron James, Net Worth: $440 Million

Lebron James is widely considered the best basketball player on the planet right now. He has won three NBA championships since his debut in 2003. During 2016, James made $71 million alone and his net worth is $440 million today. A large piece of his fortune is from playing and the accompanying endorsements, but James also owns LRMR Sports Management which represents various athletes in different sports.

David Beckham, Net Worth: 450 Million

For former soccer star David Beckham and wife Victoria, money is no issue. His net worth is 450 million dollars, and that’s not including his wife’s income! David has been a soccer star for decades, playing for the English National team, Real Madrid, Manchester United and the LA Galaxy. He started his professional career at just 18 years old and in twenty years of play, Beckham made more than $100 million. He made one million dollars per week while playing for the LA Galaxy (a team he played for for five years!) That should come as no surprise, as Beckham was named FIFA’s World Player of the Year twice. But, David Beckham has made just as much in endorsement deals that continue to generate money for him in retirement. Currently, his largest deals are with Adidas and Jaguar. Beckham is continuing his soccer legacy, most recently purchasing his own Major League Soccer team in Miami. His business, Beckham Miami United, purchased a piece of land to fit a stadium that will hold 20,000 people and the team is expected to start playing in 2020.

Roger Federer, Net Worth: 450 Million

Swiss tennis star Roger Federer’s net worth: 450 million dollars. He is known as the world’s greatest male tennis player, and he certainly has been in the game long enough to prove that! Federer went pro in 1999, eventually becoming the youngest player to make the Association of Tennis Professional ‘s Top 100 list. Federer has made $116 million in prize money from his tennis career, but that’s nothing compared to what he’s made off the court, thanks to endorsement deals. The 36 year old is highly marketable not only because of his tennis record, but his pleasant demeanor and good looks. Federer is a master at keeping good relationships with his sponsors; he’s been working with brands like Credit-Suisse, Mercedes-Benz, Moet & Chandon, Wilson, and Rolex for many years. You’d think as he ages, Federer’s endorsement deals would be slowing down, but not only did he just renew a multi-year agreement with both Lindt and Mercedes, he also just signed a deal with Barilla. That new deal is estimated to be worth $40 million! But Federer isn’t just working to make money for himself. His charity, the Roger Federer Foundation has raised more than $40 million since its start in 2003, with proceeds going to educate underprivileged children in Africa.

Christiano Ronaldo, Net Worth: $450 Million

Possibly the most famous face in sports today and dream transfer target of every team that plays the beautiful game is Christano Ronaldo. His earnings in 2017 topped $93 million in combined salary and endorsements which puts him on top of the soccer world. Depending on the contract he signs in 2018 Ronaldo may very well vault himself ahead of many of his close competition on this list.

CR7's net worth is a whopping $450 million, putting him a few million behind the next, less know, member of our list.

Eddie Jordan, Net Worth: $475 Million

Top Gear fans will already be familiar with number ten on the list, Irish-born Eddie Jordan. The former Bank of Ireland clerk found his true calling in racing when banks all over Ireland went on strike in 1970. Jordan moved to New Jersey, where he found such success in auto racing that he was picked up by Team Marlboro and had a flourishing albeit fraught career. After several accidents, he retired and began to mentor other aspiring drivers, all the while investing his earnings smartly, as his net worth attests.

Magic Johnson, Net Worth: $500 Million

Earvin “Magic” Johnson is an example of an athlete who became a very smart investor. His very successful professional basketball career was cut short when he was diagnosed HIV positive in 1991. He retired from the National Basketball Association (NBA), where he played with the Los Angeles Lakers, as soon as he found out his status, and by 1996, he had fully given up the thought of ever playing again. However, Johnson has since gone on to build and grow an empire in Magic Johnson Enterprises, which consists of Starbucks franchises, shopping centers, and movie theaters in underserved urban areas.

Roger Staubach, Net Worth: $600 Million

Roger Staubach is a legendary quarterback who played eleven straight seasons with the Dallas Cowboys from 1969-1980. What makes Staubach unique is not that he was so successful that he was nicknamed “Captain America,” or even that he led the Cowboys to two Superbowl victories, but that he didn’t even begin playing professional football until the age of 27after he had left the US Navy team, the Midshipmen. After his retirement from the NFL, Staubach wisely turned his interests to the Texas real estate scene, which was beginning to boom. He and his family are set for life.

Arnold Palmer, Net Worth: $675 Million

Not many people are famous enough to have a drink named after them, let alone an entirely non-alcoholic one. Arnold Palmer, king of the iced tea and lemonade combination, is also known as one of the greatest golfers ever to play the game and is rightfully called “The King.” On top of his millions of dollars of golf tournament earnings over his lifetime, Palmer ingeniously sold the rights to his signature drink to the AriZona Beverage Company; proceeds for that drink brought in over $100 million in 2012 alone. Regrettably, the sporting world lost Arnold when he passed away on September 25, 2016.

Tiger Woods, Net Worth: $700 Million

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past two decades, you know who Tiger Woods is and that he is not only incredibly good at golf, but also very, very rich. Despite his undeniable skill in the sport of golf, surprisingly, much of Woods’ $50-$60 million-a-year earnings come not from tournaments but from endorsements and royalties from his incredibly popular video game sales. In recent years, Woods has endured public humiliation - his multiple affairs came to light and destroyed his marriage - as well as multiple back injuries, but his endorsements continue to bring in the dough despite his lighter tournament schedule.

Vince McMahon, Net Worth: $750 Million

Vince McMahon may be one of the most hated personalities on television - and is paid very well for his trouble. The king of the World Wrestling Entertainment empire, McMahon is at once a savvy businessman, skilled wrestler, and talented feud artist. McMahon nearly single-handedly transformed entertainment wrestling into the bombastic, multimedia sensory soap opera explosion that it is today. He was able to draw in celebrity endorsements and money from sources as diverse as MTV-sponsored artists to president-elect Donald Trump, and his ability to write storylines worthy of your grandmother’s favorite “stories” have drawn ever-larger crowds over the years. For his efforts, McMahon is worth nearly a billion dollars. Not too shabby.

Michael Schumacher, Net Worth: $800 Million

Michael Schumacher, German-born Formula One racer extraordinaire, is known for his winning smile, over-the-top kindness, and, of course, his vast sums of money. Schumacher is one of the winningest Formula One racers of all time; he has won seven World Championships and holds the record for most Grand Prix wins with ninety-one (the next closest contender won a mere fifty-three by comparison). In 2012 alone, Schumacher earned $20 million in winnings and $10 million in endorsements. Tragically, in 2013, the revered racer suffered a brain injury in a skiing accident and, despite his vast sums of wealth, hasn’t been the same since.

Michael Jordan, Net Worth: $1.1 Billion

Like others on this list, Michael Jordan needs no introduction. He made a name for himself as perhaps the best basketball player of all time when he famously played for the Chicago Bulls NBA franchise in the 1980s and 1990s. He was successful enough in his professional basketball career that fans even forgave his abortive attempts to cross over into other sports such as baseball and golf. Where Jordan has really earned the majority of his money, however, is through endorsements and the continued decades-long successful sales of his Nike Air Jordan sneakers. He also is the owner of the Charlotte Hornets NBA franchise; his neon Lamborghini is often seen in the Charlotte, North Carolina area. Who can blame him for flaunting it?

Ion Tiriac, Net Worth: $2.2 Billion

Unlike number two Michael Jordan, the richest athlete of all time - by a landslide - is a name that you probably haven’t heard before. Ion Tiriac is a retired Transylvanian Olympic ice hockey player and professional tennis player who went on to become a renowned coach. After competing in the 1964 winter Olympic Games, Tiriac decided he was tired of ice hockey and took up tennis instead, where he enjoyed a respectably successful career. After retiring from playing and coaching, he became the President of the Romanian National Olympic Committee.

The eccentric Tiriac, who is known for his unique facial hair and propensity to wear stylish shades indoors and in all kinds of weather, goes by the colorful (and admittedly predictable) nickname “Count Dracula.” All of these interesting endeavors did not make him a billionaire, however; that is owing to his extremely successful business ventures in Romania, including airlines, auto dealerships, and private banks.