Six-time NBA and two-time Olympic champion Michael Jordan is the highest-earning athlete in history.
According to the list released by “Sportico,” the American legend has earned $4.5 billion over his career.
In second place on the list is Jordan’s compatriot, legendary golfer Tiger Woods - $2.88 billion. The top three is completed by “Al-Nassr” forward, European football champion Cristiano Ronaldo with $2.52 billion.
The Portuguese star’s longtime rival - “Inter Miami” forward Lionel Messi is fifth on the list with $1.99 billion. He is also the second highest-earning footballer.
The athletes’ incomes include salaries, bonuses, awards, advertising contracts, licensing, royalties, souvenir sales, book deals, media income, appearance fees, and other payments.
In total, the 50 athletes included in the ranking have earned a combined $56.2 billion adjusted for inflation.
The top 10 highest-earning athletes in history:
1. Michael Jordan (basketball) - $4.5 billion
2. Tiger Woods (golf) - $2.88 billion
3. Cristiano Ronaldo (football) - $2.52 billion
4. LeBron James (basketball) - $2.03 billion
5. Lionel Messi (football) - $1.99 billion
6. Arnold Palmer (golf) - $1.85 billion
7. Jack Nicklaus (golf) - $1.83 billion
8. David Beckham (football) - $1.68 billion
9. Roger Federer (tennis) - $1.67 billion
10. Floyd Mayweather (boxing) - $1.57 billion/publika.az