Sports Illustrated have released their list of the highest earning athletes in sport. Alongside a top 50 from American citizens or athletes competing in the country, the US-based magazine has also produced a list of the top 20 ‘international earners’ spanning all sports.
‘Soccer’ players, as they like to say across the pond, dominate the list. Indeed, of the top 20, exactly half play the most popular game in the world.
Roger Federer and Fernando Alonso are second and third on the list respectively, whilst boxer Manny Pacquiao comes in sixth. US pound-for-pound king Floyd Mayweather was the highest-earning athlete in the world.
We’re focusing on football players in this list however, so enjoy the top ten players who earn the big bucks whilst putting a smile on the faces of fans.
10. Didier Drogba (Galatasaray) – $15,200,000
The Ivorian continues to reap the rewards of bring a national icon, despite moves to Shanghai Shenhua and Galatasaray after a stunning eight-year spell at Chelsea.
Nike, Samsung and Pepsi are amongst the 35-year-old’s endorsement portfolio, and the magazine even claims he could return to Stamford Bridge in the future. Not sure if the Yanks have got that quite right, but he’s clinging on to the top ten without the Blues.
9. Kaka (Real Madrid) – $16,690,000
Whilst the Brazilian international might be past his best, he’s still raking in the dough both on-and-off the field at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Kaka has deals with Adidas and Electronic Artists to name a few, and is still one of the top earners in the Spanish capital following his big money move (reported to be €68.5 million) from AC Milan back in 2009.
8. Zlatan Ibrahimovic (PSG) – $17,200,000
The mercurial Swedish striker has cashed-in on Paris Saint-Germain’s riches, joining the newly-crowned French champions last summer from AC Milan.
His three-year deal made him one of the highest earners in European football, whilst his style-of-play and attitude makes him a marketing dream.
7. Yaya Toure (Manchester City) – $19,000,000
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| Photos: Getty Images |
A second Ivorian in the top ten, and another player who gives a large chunk of both his money and time to charity.
Toure recently signed another big contract with Manchester City, whilst sponsorship deals with Pume and Pepsi help take him into the elite-earning bracket.
6. Wayne Rooney (Manchester United) – $21,500,000
The Manchester United striker remains one of England’s most talented footballers – and also one of their highest earners.
Despite losing Coca-Cola and EA Sports from his armoury, the former Everton starlet remains a top earner at Old Trafford, whilst Nike have stuck by the 27-year-old. How long he stays with the Red Devils remains to be seen?
5. Sergio Aguero (Manchester City) – $23,500,000
Another player on the Pepsi roster, Aguero is one of the biggest earners in South America following his move to the Etihad Stadum from Atletico Madrid in 2011.
The 24-year-old signed a mega-deal alongside Yaya Toure in 2011, and scored the goal that won the Citizens the title 12 months ago.
4. Samuel Eto’o (Anzhi Makhachkala) – $30,200,000
The biggest beneficiary from Russia’s financial football splurge, Eto’o is still reaping the rewards from his three-year contract penned in 2011.
Puma and Ford are among his main sponsors, whilst living in luxury isn’t a problem either – his flat rents for $100,000 a month in Moscow.
3. Lionel Messi (Barcelona) – $35,100,000
The only Barca star in the top ten, Messi earns eight-times more than David Beckham in salary, and earns endorsements aplenty off the back of his sublime skills on the pitch.
A movie based on the Argentine superstar could take his total earning into another level in the future, but for now he remains behind two of the biggest names in the game – a position Messi rarely occupies.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) – $35,300,000
Ronaldo finally beats Messi, but doesn’t claim top spot. The Portuguese ‘winker’ just tops his great rival in both earnings and endorsements, with Nike and Castrol just a couple of the big names to take advantage of both his looks and talent.
A big-money move to Manchester United this summer could provide even more cash for Ronaldo, but if he stays with Real Madrid, then success would be the name of the game for the 28-year-old, with bonuses sure to be in his contract.
1. David Beckham (PSG) – $48,349,000
‘Goldenballs’ remains the master when it comes to pocketing the big bucks.
Despite earning a relatively nominal fee as part of his five-month deal to join PSG in January, the veteran continues to make huge financial gains off the pitch with his incredible array of sponsors.
A ‘lifetime’ contract with Adidas, plus deals with H&M, Samsung and Burger King, all go towards making the former LA Galaxy star the financial king outside of America.
Remember, the figure is based on salary, bonuses and sponsorship…
Source: Givemefootball
