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Rich List

NBA stars dominate the list of the 20 highest-paid athletes in the world

But two footballers – Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi – are in the top-three.

ON WEDNESDAY FORBES released its list of the 100 highest-paid athletes in the world.

Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo tops the list for the second year in a row, taking in an impressive $93 million in salary and endorsements.

Basketball was the most well-represented sport on the list, taking 32 of the top 100 spots, with LeBron James coming in at number two overall while reportedly earning $31.2 million in salary and $55 million in endorsements.

Andrew Luck is the highest ranking of the 15 football players listed, tied for the sixth spot overall with Rory McIlroy after earning $50 million over the past 12 months. Luck’s total was bolstered by the $32 million dollar signing bonus he received from the Colts last summer.

Serena Williams was the only woman to make the ranking, placing 51st after earning a combined $27 million in winnings and endorsements.

Juventus v Real Madrid - UEFA Champions League - Final - National Stadium Nick Potts Nick Potts

You can see the top 20 listed below, and check out the list in its entirety here.

  • 1. Cristiano Ronaldo (soccer) $93 million

  • 2. LeBron James (basketball) $86.2 million

  • 3. Lionel Messi (soccer) $80 million

  • 4. Roger Federer (tennis) $64 million

  • 5. Kevin Durant (basketball) $60.6 million

  • 6. Andrew Luck (football) $50 million

  • 6. Rory McIlroy (golf) $50 million

  • 8. Stephen Curry (basketball) $47.3 million

  • 9. James Harden (basketball) $46.6 million

  • 10. Lewis Hamilton (auto racing) $46 million

  • 11. Drew Brees (football) $45.3 million

  • 12. Phil Mickelson (golf) $43.5 million

  • 13. Russell Westbrook (basketball) $38.6 million

  • 14. Sebastian Vettel (auto racing) $38.5 million

  • 15. Damian Lillard (basketball) $38.4 million

  • 16. Novak Djokovic (tennis) $37.6 million

  • 17. Tiger Woods (golf) $37.1 million

  • 18. Neymar (soccer) $37 million

  • 19. Dwyane Wade (basketball) $36.2 million

  • 20. Fernando Alonso (auto racing) $36 million

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Rory McIlroy up to sixth highest-paid athlete in world after successful year on and off course

Published with permission from
Business Insider