The best thing with sportsmanship is that one gets to earn a living from what they enjoy doing. Over the years the different sports have grown in stature to reach a level that involves the corporate world. Sports such as golf, tennis, soccer and American football have become lucrative and produced some of the richest sportsmen in the world. These players are taking hefty pay checks to the bank. Most of these players have even been dubbed as brand magnets and continue to attract interest from the corporate world. David Beckham is one such player who for many years has been referred to as a brand magnet. Most of his earning is derived from endorsement deals even though he falls short of the top five highest paid players. It was reported that Beckham donated his entire salary of $5.3 million to a children’s charity.
For a complete analysis here is a list of the top 10 riches sportsmen.
10
Lionel Messi
In the football world, Messi is the third highest paid footballer pocketing about $41.3 million a year. The Argentinian who has been dubbed as the best player to have graced the world of football plays his football in Spain for FC Barcelona. 50% of his total income is derived from endorsements. His current contract with Barcelona extends to 2018 and is worth $20 million a year.
9
Cristiano Ronaldo
Ronaldo is afellow Lionel Messi counterpart playing for Real Madrid an arch club rival of Barcelona. The football player who is known for his trickery and talents earns a mammoth of $44 million annually. Real Madrid is one of the richest clubs in the world and gave Ronaldo a contract worth $23 million per year. The other part of his income comes from the numerous endorsements he gets.
8
David Beckham
The third footballer to make it into the list and it is no wonder is the most famous British football player. To give a perspective to Beckham’s wealth, his annual earnings stand at $47 million as of June 2013. Majority of Beck’s earnings is derived from endorsements. It is reported that $42 million of his total income comes from endorsements leaving the rest to his club earnings.
7
Phil Mickelson
Even as Phil Mickelson continues to show his prowess in the golfing world, he continues to pocket a huge chunk of money through his passion. Annually, Mickelson makes a lucrative $48.7 million. One thing in common between Mickelson and Beckham is that most of their earnings come from endorsements. Mickelson makes about $44 million from endorsements partners such as Barclays, Callaway and Rolex.
6
Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Rodgers is a name that resonates throughout the NFL. His total earning stands at $49 million. According to Forbes, Rodgers ranks at number 6 of the top 10 richest sportsmen. Most of his income comes from the game he plays i.e. $43 million while the other $6m is from endorsements. For two consecutive years Rodgers was voted the best player.
5
Drew Brees
The 51 million dollar man is the highest paid American footballer.Brees’ sporting earnings total up to $40 and the rest is from endorsements. The Purdue University graduate is currently married with three kids and lives in New Orleans.
4
LeBron James
The Miami Heat player is one of the finest basketball players in NBA. As per June 2013, LeBron James was pocketing about $60 million with $18m coming from basketball while the other $42 million derived from endorsement deals.
3
Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant is currently the richest basketball player in NBA. Bryant is a popular figure earning about $62 million annually. Bryant plays for the Lakers. He has made most of his fortunes from endorsement ($34m) deals with partners such as Mercedes-Benzes, Lenovo, Nike and Turkish Airlines.
2
Rodger Federer
Federer is without a doubt the richest tennis player in the industry. The sportsman earns a humongous $71 million and $65m of his total income is derived from endorsements such as Wilson, Nike and Rolex. It is reported that Federer currently has more than 10 sponsors who pay him an annual fee of $40 million.
1
Tiger Woods
Controversial as he may seem to be, Woods is currently the highest paid sportsman in the world. Woods earns about $78.1 million annually. He has many endorsements which earns him about $65 million of his total income. In addition to his riches, Woods also sits at the top of the golfing rankings.