‘Forbes’ Top 100 Highest-Paid Athletes List Released, Cristiano Ronaldo Takes Top Spot

A list complied by Forbes of the world’s top 100 highest-paid athletes, and Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo tops the list once again.

Ronaldo, who also topped the list last year, has earned a total of $93 million, with $58 million coiming in salary/winnings, and the other $35 million by way of endorsement deals. Forbes conducted research from June 1, 2016 to June 1, 2017 in order to find an athlete’s total earnings, using salary and bonus data as well as estimated earnings form endorsements.

The list consists of 32 NBA players, making basketball the sport with the most athletes on the list. This year’s list also features 18 more basketball players than last year’s list. Lebron James was the first basketball player to appear on list, coming in at No. 2. The 32-year-old Cleveland Cavalier earned $31.2 million in salary/winnings, and $55 million from endorsements for a total of $86.2 million.

FC Barcelona icon Lionel Messi, tennis legend Roger Federer and Golden State Warriors star Kevin Durant round out the top five, respectively.

Ronaldo was the top earner by way of salary/winnings, but it was Federer who earned the most out of endorsement deals, with an estimated $58 million coming from that. Tiger Woods, No. 17 on the list only earned $107,000 from his salary/winnings due to limited participation but raked in a whopping $37 million in endorsement deals. Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Zach Grienke earned $24.1 million through his salary/winnings, but just a mere $50,000 in endorsements.

There were 22 MLB players on the list, topped by 28th-ranked Clayton Kershaw, to go with 15 NFL players, led by 6th-ranked Andrew Luck. Serena Williams was one of six tennis players but the only woman to make the list, coming in at No. 51 overall.

Additionally, the list featured four golfers, headlined by Phil Mickelson at No. 12, the oldest athlete on the list, at 46. Fellow golfer Jordan Spieth, ranked 21st on the list, was the youngest at age 23. Six auto racers made the cut, with Lewis Hamilton rounding out to top ten. Zero NHL players appeared on the list.

To view the entire Forbes list, visit their website to view the comprehensive breakdown.

Article by Matthew Lamb