Although the global pandemic has crippled the world economy, it couldn’t stop several sports stars from making millions through their endorsement and marketing deals.
Such is an expample of Mixed martial Arts (MMA) superstar Conor McGregor, who topped the charts for the world’s highest-paid athletes in the year 2020.
As per Sportico, the Irish MMA boxer earned a total of a whopping $208 million USD through his winnings, salary, and endorsements last year.
He is followed by star footballers Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Significantly, these two footballers have been a regular feature in the charts for highest-paid athletes in the world.
Let’s take a look at the world’s top-10 highest paid athletes sportspersons.
1) Conor McGregor ($208 million)
With an estimated earnings of $208 million USD, the Irish is the world’s highest-paid athlete for the year 2020. Although, he fought just once in the year 2020, his earnings were boosted by his commercial ventures.
2) Lionel Messi ($126 million)
The Argentine professional footballer, who captains both Spanish club Barcelona and his national team, earned a staggering $91 million in salary beside earning around $35 million through his endorsement deals.
3) Cristiano Ronaldo ($120 million)
Messi is followed by Juventus star and Portugal skipper Cristiano Ronaldo as he earned around $120 million USD through his salary and endorsements.
4) Dak Prescott ($108.4 million)
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott stands fourth in the list after earning around $108.4 million in the previous year. Prescott, who had signed a $160 million contract with his NFL franchise, was handed $66 million USD as the signing bonus.
5) Lebron James ($101.8 million)
Lebron James is the highest-paid basket-baller in the world, standing fifth in the list. He earned $101.8 million in 2020, with a majority of the amount coming from his endorsements while the remaining from his salary.
6) Neymar ($100 million)
Brazil’s football superstar Neymar pocketed around $100 million in the year 2020. He earned around $75 million through salary and bonuses and made another $25 via endorsements.
7) Roger Federer ($84 million)
The Swiss great is the only tennis player on the list. He earned $46k in winnings while making a whopping $84 million through endorsements.
8) Tom Brady ($80.4 million)
Tom Brady, another NFL superstar on the list, secured the eighth spot after earning $58.4 million in salary and winnings along with $22 million through endorsements to pocket an estimated $80.4 million.
9) Kevin Durant ($80.1 million)
The NBA great earned a total of $80.1 million through salary/winnings and endorsements.
10) Stephen Curry ($74.5 million)
The Golden State Warriors star pocketed $74.5 million USD in the year 2020.