The Highest Paid Athletes in History as Cristiano Ronaldo Beats Lionel Messi

• Michael Jordan is unsurprisingly the highest-earning athlete of all time
• The NBA legend has racked up a fortune of $3.3 billion over the years
• Cristiano Ronaldo is the only footballer in the top five earners in history

Athletes are some of the best-earning professionals in the world.

Over the years, sports stars playing different games have made a fortune from their sheer talent and hard work.

Many of the athletes have earned their fortune in the form of endorsements from both their on-pitch and off-field performances.

A list of the highest-paid athletes of all time has since been revealed, with some familiar names making the list. Incredibly, no footballer features in the top four, with NBA legend, Michael Jordan topping the charts.

According to SPORTbible, Jordan has racked up a fortune of $3.3 billion to make him the best-earning athlete in history. The earnings include his NBA salary and endorsements with top brands like Nike and Gatorade.

Lionel Messi's net worth, contract, Instagram, salary, house, cars, age, stats, latest news

Football

Who are the best-earning athletes?

In a list compiled by Sportico, golf icon Tiger Woods is ranked second in the earnings list, having raked in an eyewatering $2.5 billion in his career.

Arnold Palmer, another golf legend, is placed third in the listing with $1.7 billion in earnings.

His counterpart, Jack Nicklaus ranks fourth with $1.63 billion, while Al-Nassr superstar, Cristiano Ronaldo completes the top five positions.

The Portuguese star has estimated lifetime earnings of over $1 billion, all thanks to his on-field success and a massive global fanbase.

The Manchester United legend is currently the best-earning footballer following his lucrative move to Saudi Arabia in 2023. The veteran forward is understood to be earning about $200 million per year at Al-Nassr.

Listing the 10 best-earning sports stars in history

1. Michael Jordan - basketball - $3.3 billion
2. Tiger Woods - golf - $2.5 billion
3. Arnold Palmer - golf - $1.7 billion
4. Jack Nicklaus - golf - $1.63 billion
5. Cristiano Ronaldo - football - $1.58 billion
6. LeBron James - basketball - $1.53 billion
7. Lionel Messi - football - $1.48 billion
8. Floyd Mayweather - boxing - $1.41 billion
9. Roger Federer - tennis - $1.38 billion
10. Phil Mickelson - golf - $1.36 billion.

John Gibson's net worth, contract, Instagram, salary, age, stats, photos

NHL

Ronaldo to sue Juventus over wages

Sports Brief also previously reported on Ronaldo reportedly preparing to sue Juventus for a substantial sum of £17 million in alleged unpaid wages.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner had reportedly agreed to defer his salary with the Italian club to assist with financial issues as a result of COVID-19.