NORTHERN IRELAND’S RORY McIlroy is currently the sixth highest-paid athlete in the world, according to Forbes magazine.
The world number two is the only golfer to feature in the top 10 this year following a lucrative spell for the 28-year-old on and off the course.
McIlroy earned a total of $50 million (€44 million) in salaries, prize money and sponsorship between June 2016 and June 2017.
The Holywood native signed a 10-year extension with Nike last year and more recently negotiated a multi-million dollar agreement with equipment manufacturer TaylorMade, complementing big-money victories on the PGA Tour towards the end of 2016 such as the Tour Championship and the $10 million FedEx Cup bonus.
McIlroy’s estimated $50 million total earnings for the 12-month period is made up of $16 million in salaries and $34 million in endorsements, which sees him tie with Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck in sixth spot.
Real Madrid and Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo leads the way with earnings totalling $93 million (€83 million), ahead of NBA star LeBron James ($86.2 million) and Barcelona attacker Lionel Messi ($80 million).
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