There are many of the richest sportsmen in the world who have paved their way to the top through their business acumen and outstanding performances.
While not every athlete can amass a fortune like Michael Jordan or Tiger Woods, today’s sporting world still boasts a substantial number of high-earning superstars.
Richest Sportsmen of All Time
These richest sports athletes have not only excelled in their respective games but have also ventured into business and endorsements to secure their positions as some of the wealthiest athletes in history. Let’s delve into the lives and fortunes of the 20 wealthiest athletes of all time.
1. Michael Jordan – $2.2 Billion
Michael Jordan, often hailed as the greatest basketball player ever, has amassed an estimated net worth of $2.2 billion. With these huge earnings, Michael Jordan became the highest-paid athlete in the world.
His career with the Chicago Bulls yielded six NBA championships and $90 million in total salary. However, his billionaire status was cemented by off-court successes. Besides starring in “Space Jam,” Jordan owns the Charlotte Hornets and has lucrative sponsorship deals with Nike and Gatorade.
2. Ion Tiriac – $1.2 Billion
With an earning of more than $1.2 billion Romanian billionaire Ion Tiriac comes in second place in the list of the richest sportsmen in the world.
He represented Romania in ice hockey at the 1964 Olympics and later earned a place in the International Tennis Hall of Fame with 23 career titles. Post-retirement, Tiriac ventured into business, founding Banca Tiriac in 1990 and expanding his empire under Tiriac Holdings.
3. Anna Kasprzak – $1 Billion
You may not be familiar with Danish dressage rider Anna Kasprzak, but she’s one of the world’s youngest billionaires. While she lacks Olympic medals, she’s earned accolades in European events. Her wealth comes from her lineage; she’s the granddaughter of ECCO shoe company founder Karl Toosbuy.
4. Tiger Woods – $800 Million
Tiger Woods remains golf’s richest player despite a 2009 scandal that rocked his endorsements and personal life. His annual salary is $50 million, but his fortune primarily stems from major endorsements with Nike, Gatorade, and American Express.
5. Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson – $800 Million
Dwayne Johnson, known as “The Rock,” boasts a diverse career and is among the richest sportsmen of all time. He was a football champion at the University of Miami and an eight-time WWE champion.
His success transcends wrestling, with roles in Hollywood blockbusters like “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” and “The Fast and the Furious” franchise. Johnson’s charisma has turned him into one of the richest athletes globally.
6. Magic Johnson – $620 Million
Earvin “Magic” Johnson, a former Los Angeles Lakers star, clinched five NBA championships and three MVP awards.
His entrepreneurial ventures have been equally successful; he founded Magic Johnson Enterprises, collaborated with Sony Pictures and Starbucks, and made a record-breaking purchase of the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2012 for $2 billion.
7. Junior Bridgeman – $600 Million
Junior Bridgeman, a former NBA player for the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Clippers, leveraged his $350,000 salary into a fast-food empire, investing in Wendy’s franchises. He later sold off his Wendy’s and Chili’s franchises, securing his wealth.
8. Lionel Messi – $600 Million
Lionel Messi is a soccer legend, ranked third on Forbes’ 2020 list of highest-paid athletes with $104 million in earnings.
His income arises from a $72 million annual salary at Barcelona and numerous endorsement deals, including a lifetime partnership with Adidas. His six FIFA Player of the Year awards underline his well-deserved wealth.
9. Michael Schumacher – $600 Million
Michael Schumacher, a seven-time Formula One World Champion, has a remarkable financial legacy.
Unfortunately, a skiing accident in 2013 left him with a traumatic brain injury. Despite this, he continues to receive treatment at home.
10. Roger Staubach – $600 Million
Roger Staubach’s football career, crowned with a Heisman Trophy and Super Bowl wins, was just the beginning.
After retirement, he transitioned into real estate, creating the Staubach Company, which he later sold for $640 million in 2008.
11. LeBron James – $600 Million
Basketball megastar LeBron James is renowned for his on-court feats and lucrative brand deals with Nike, Beats by Dre, Coca-Cola, Samsung, and more.
Beyond basketball, he’s a part owner of Blaze Pizza and founded the LeBron James Family Foundation, advocating for education and opening an elementary school in 2018.
12. Eddie Jordan – $600 Million
Eddie Jordan’s journey from kart racing in Ireland to founding and owning the successful Formula One racing team, Jordan Grand Prix, showcases his business acumen. Today, he’s an F1 broadcaster for the BBC.
13. Roger Federer – $550 Million
Roger Federer, considered one of the greatest male tennis players, has not only set records but also signed a 10-year deal worth $300 million with clothing brand Uniqlo.
His brand endorsements, including Rolex and Mercedes-Benz, bolster his net worth to $550 million.
14. Cristiano Ronaldo – $500 Million
Cristiano Ronaldo, a five-time FIFA Player of the Year, is a top-earning athlete. His $60 million salary at Juventus and a billion-dollar lifetime deal with Nike have secured his financial standing.
15. David Beckham – $450 Million
David Beckham, renowned for his soccer skills, has transitioned into a business mogul. He earned $800 million during his career and continues to thrive with brand deals, endorsements, and ownership of the Miami United soccer franchise.
16. Floyd Mayweather Jr. – $450 Million
Floyd Mayweather Jr., with an unblemished record of 50 wins and zero losses, was Forbes’ highest-paid athlete in 2015 with a $300 million salary.
His mega-fight against Conor McGregor in 2017 earned him around $275 million.
17. Greg Norman – $400 Million
Australian golf pro Greg Norman, a former world No. 1, retired with $705 million in career earnings.
His business empire, the Greg Norman Company, spans golf course design, real estate, eyewear, and beef jerky.
18. Jack Nicklaus – $400 Million
Jack Nicklaus, an 18-time major championship winner, boasts a diverse business empire through the Nicklaus Companies.
He partners with various brands, including The Honda Classic, Arizona Beverage Company, and Rolex.
19. Shaquille O’Neal – $400 Million
Shaquille O’Neal, an NBA legend, achieved significant post-retirement success through entrepreneurship, talk show hosting, and endorsements.
In 2019, he joined Papa John’s board of directors and became the face of the pizza franchise.
20. Phil Mickelson – $300 Million
Phil Mickelson, with 45 PGA Tour wins, including five major championships, is a golf icon. His $50 million annual earnings from brand deals with companies like Amgen and Rolex have solidified his position among the wealthiest athletes.
Also Read: 10 Richest Golfers of All Time
Follow Top and Trending on Google News and receive the latest alerts and the main news about apps, technology, beauty, entertainment, and all the top 10 related posts.
