Conor McGregor to Cristiano Ronaldo to Lionel Messi: The top 10 highest-paid athletes in the world

The top athletes from every sporting verticle happen to be paid a bomb. Furthermore, years of consistent performance lead them to become the highest-paid athlete globally, owing to their star power and the amount of fan-following they draw every time they perform.

When it comes to the top athletes across sporting platforms, they indeed have a great fan-following. Moreover, every time they perform, they draw a big crowd.

Consequently, owing to their fertile and consistent performance, they are paid a lumpsum amount. On the same note, we take a look at the top ten highest-paid athletes in the world, revealed by Forbes on Wednesday night.

LeBron James
The basketball legend from the United States of America is undoubtedly a modern-day GOAT of the sport. The 36-year-old currently plays for Los Angeles Lakers and has had an illustrious career with three sides in the National Basketball Association. Being a four-time NBA champion, besides winning NBA Finals MVP and NBA Most Valuable Player four times each, he has indeed become one of the most highest-paid athletes in the world. Placed fifth by Forbes, he pockets around $96.5 million annually.

Dak Prescott
While he might be an uncommon name in world sports, he is undoubtedly a big name in the USA. The 27-year-old footballer (American football), who plays as a quarterback for Dallas Cowboys in the National Football League, has set numerous records. He was named the 2016 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, besides earning a Pro Bowl selection. With a current rating of 97.3, he is tied on seventh in the all-time rankings along with Tom Brady. He is placed fourth in this list, with a pay of $107.5 million per year.

Cristiano Ronaldo
The Portuguese football sensation hardly needs any introduction. Being a five-time Ballon d'Or winner, he has made a massive impact for whichever club he has played for, including his national side. Currently, 36 years old, he is showing no signs of slowing down, while only a few clubs in the world could afford him. As of 2021, he is placed third on the list, earning $120 million annually.

Lionel Messi
The Argentine football superstar happens to be the rival of Ronaldo and is also a modern-day great of the sport, who needs no introduction. The 33-year-old is a record six-time Ballon D'Or winner and holds countless records in club football, having played for Barcelona throughout his career. Being one of the most highly paid footballers globally, he has to feature in the list and is placed second with an earning of $130 million per year.

Conor McGregor
The man who tops the chart does come as a surprise but is no stranger. The Irish Mixed Martial Artist and a former three-time champion in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, he continues to be the highest-paid athlete in the sport. The 32-year-old is also a professional boxer and businessman, as he makes huge bucks while he charges a bomb for the matches he performs in. As of 2021, he pockets $180 million annually.

Other highest-paid athletes in 2021
- Neymar: $95 million
- Roger Federer: $90 million
- Lewis Hamilton: $82 million
- Tom Brady: $76 million
- Kevin Durant: $75 million

NOTE: Asianet News humbly requests everyone to wear masks, sanitise, maintain social distancing and get vaccinated as soon as eligible. Together we can and will break the chain #ANCares #IndiaFightsCorona