Every
move of theirs is watched, their losses are mourned and their victories
are rejoiced by one and all. They are talented, and have a body to die
for, and men and women go crazy over them. They have an adulation of
countless fans. Further, they make millions playing a sport they love!
These sportspersons have it all. Here is the list of the highest paid
sportspersons named by luxpresso.
Tiger Woods,Golf:
Tiger Woods has an Estimated Net Worth of $500 million. Woods was the world’s first sportsperson to earn over $1 billion in his career, making him the second richest African-American after Oprah Winfrey. He made over $130 million in prize money alone at the peak of his career. However, ever since his infidelity scandal came out in the open, Woods struggled to win tournaments and also got dropped from many profitable sponsorship deals.
His annual earnings have dropped by $50 million over the past two years. Yet, Woods is the highest-paid sportsperson in the world and this is due to his long standing sponsors – Nike and Electronic Arts.
Michael Schumacher, Formula One:
Michael
Schumacher has a Net Worth of $400 million. Seven-time F1 world
champion, Schumacher is frequently regarded as one of the greatest F1
drivers of all time.As Ferrari’s top racer, he had announced his retirement in 2006 when his racing career started dwindling. Known to be one of the richest sportspersons in the world, Schumacher decided to hold on to that title when he announced his comeback with team McLaren for estimated sum of $7 million. Michael’s riches also come from win bonuses, endorsements and merchandising.
Alex Rodriguez, Baseball:
Alex Rodriguez has a Net Worth of $300 million. Alex has been on the
news a couple of times for reasons not so good- he was tested positive
for steroids some years ago, as well his rumored affairs with Madonna
and Kate Hudson. However, Alex Rodriguez, or A-Rod, is still considered a
power house of talent and is one of the world’s richest players.
Alex has scored big brands like Pepsi, Nike, Kraft Foods and Colgate. He even makes an extra $6-7 million if he reaches certain home run targets
David Beckham, Football:
David Beckham has a Net Worth of $219 million. He is
not only one of the world’s most famous people but also one of the
richest. Football’s original pin-up boy, Beckham has also had an
illustrious soccer career that has seen him play for Manchester United,
Real Madrid and the Los Angeles Galaxy.
He makes over $20 million a year through endorsements with brands like- Adidas, Calvin Klein, Police sunglasses, Pepsi, and Gilette to name a few. David also has his own line of perfumes and body wear.
Ever since David moved to the U.S. he is more famous for socializing with the who’s who of Hollywood with a seldom mention of his football career.
Kobe Bryant, Basketball:
Kobe Bryant has a Net Worth of $200 million. He is known for his high
flying moves on court. With his estimated net worth valued at $ 200
million, Bryant is one of the highest paid basket ball players in the
world.
Kobe Bryant aka Black Mamba has added Turkish Airlines and Mercedes-Benz’s smart car to his endorsement portfolio this year. Ka-Ching. The Los Angeles Lakers star’s jersey is one of the top selling NBA merchandize in the U.S.
Cristiano Ronaldo,Football:
Cristiano Ronaldo has a Net Worth of $160 million. Ronaldo is one of
the top three footballers in the world along with Messi. He has made a
lot of big money in his high power football career.
Ronaldo made history when he moved from Manchester United to Real Madrid for an astounding $132 million. The most expensive player in the world has profitable deals with Nike, Castrol and Clear shampoo. He has over three million followers on Twitter and 25 million fans on Facebook and is a favorite with media all over the world his extravagant lifestyle.
Roger Federer,Tennis:
Roger Federer has an Estimated Net Worth of $150 million. He is one of
the greatest and most popular tennis players ever. The Federer era may
be approaching its end- he’s been passed by both Rafael Nadal and Novak
djokovic in rankings. However, Federer still has the most impressive
endorsement portfolio with deals including Rolex, Nike, and Wilson. It
is also noted that Gilette had dropped Tiger Woods and renewed their
contract with Federer.
Roger is known to have has earned a record of $62 million in career prize money. His gentle smile, sensitive persona and powerful shots have won Federer the hearts of women and respect of men around the world.
Lionel Messi,Football:
Lionel Messi has a Net Worth of $110
million. He is recognized as one of the top three football players in
the world and is the highest paid football player in the world
currently.
Messi has won top honors in football – the Ballon d’Or thrice in a row and FIFA player of the year at the age of 21. He earns around $35 million from his current team Barcalena along with sponsorship deals with Nike and Adidas. Messi is nicknamed La Pulga which means: 'the flea', because he’s so fast.
Lebron James, Basketball:
Lebron James has a Net worth of $90 million. He presently plays for the
NBA team Miami Heat. After his decision to let FSG manage his career,
Lebron even received a small stake in the English premier club Liverpool
FC.He is popularly known as King James. He has his own line of signature shoes, made in association with Nike, which have been the best selling shoes this year. Of late Lebron added a plum deal with McDonalds to his endorsements.
Sachin Tendulkar,Cricket:
Tendulkar is the brand ambassador for a host of brands in India like Coca Cola, Adidas, Grindlays and Visa. Coca Cola supposedly paid him Rs 20 crore for his 3-year deal with them. Sachin recently made headlines for his nomination as an MP to the Parliament and also for completing his 100th century. The master blaster is definitely one of the highest paid sportspersons.
