Lifestyle -- 14 days ago
Words: Violet
We all know that there are certain sports that turn over a hell of a lot of cash. In the US, it’s the National Football League and National Basketball Association, whereas in Europe, it is all about football (or soccer). Everyone has an opinion on whether these guys should be earning the big bucks but, whatever your thoughts on the subject, there is no denying that they do. Here are the Top 20 Highest Paid Athletes in the World according the ESPN.
1. FLOYD MAYWEATHER JR – $73.5M
This professional American boxer is a five-division world champion having won eight world titles and the linear championship in three weight classes. The bulk of his multi-million dollar earnings come from only a couple of fights and when it comes to letting the world know about his earnings, Mayweather is a pro. You only have to check his social media pages to see his photos of his $6.4 million watch collection and stacks of cash photographed at the bank, on his head, in bets and on a blackjack table. You name it, he has posted it.
2. CRISTIANO RONALDO – $50.2M
Ronaldo is one of the most famous football players in the world and his bank balance reflects it. Playing for Real Madrid in La Liga, he has a weekly wage of £288,000 after tax which is a new record in footballing history.
3. LIONEL MESSI – $50.1M
In 2012, Messi broke a 40-year world record (previously held by Gerd Muller) by scoring 91 goals in all competitions and 2013 marked the 4th consecutive year that he won FIFA’s World Player of the Year award. It’s these accomplishments along with many other areas of his game that ensure he is widely regarding as one of the best, if not the best, football player in the world.
4. AARON ROGERS – $40M
Arguably one of the best players in the NFL, last April, Rodgers signed a $110 million 5-year contract (plus a $35 million signing bonus) with Green Bay Packers making him the highest paid player in the NFL on a annual basis. He is famous for one other thing too. When he scores a play, Rodgers pulls an invisible championship belt from around his waist in celebration!
5. ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC – $35M
Playing for Paris Saint Germain, Zlatan has a weekly salary of €262,500 as well as earning up to $2.5million in endorsement deals.
6. MATTHEW STAFFORD – $31.5M
This 26-year old quarterback for the Detroit Lions has signed a three year $53 million contract with a $27.5 million signing bonus.
7. TOM BRADY – $31M
One half of one of the most famous, highest earning and annoyingly attractive power couples on the planet, Tom Brady has a lot to smile about. Last February, Brady signed a deal extension with the New England Patriots which included a $30 million signing bonus.
8. KOBE BRYANT – $30.5M
He is the most recognisable NBA player in the world and his pay packet reflects that. According to Forbes, he earned the highest salary in the NBA for the 3rd year straight in 2012/13 with his $27.8 million salary being a massive $7 million higher than any other NBA player!
9. MATT RYAN – $30M
Matt Ryan signed a 5 year $103.7 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons meaning he has an annual average salary of $20,750,000.
9. JOE FLACCO – $30M
Joe Flacco, quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens, rounds out our Top 10 and is the 5th NFL player on our list. On March 4th 2013, he became the highest paid quarterback in NFL history but was quickly surpassed in the following months by Aaron Rodgers and Matt Ryan.
Rounding out the Top 20 are two Formula 1 drivers and five Major League Baseball players.
11. Zack Greinke – $28M, 12. Fernando Alonso – $27.5M, 12. Lewis Hamilton – $27.5M, 14. Tony Romo – $26.5M, 15. Wayne Rooney – $26M, 16. Ryan Howard – $25M, 16. Calvin Johnson – $26M, 16. Cliff Lee – $25M, 16. Peyton Manning – $25M, 20. Robinson Cano – $24M
By Victoria Gardiner Twitter @vicky_gardiner
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