If you want to know about the richest athletes in the world, you have landed at the right article. Once you know their earnings then sports would be a preferred career choice for you, I guarantee. So let's begin...
We all know that playing sports is great stress buster and it's probably a favorite among young kids and teens. However, many parents think that's playing sports is just a waste of time and nothing else. The only aspect they know of sport is the health aspect. It's universal knowledge that playing sports regularly gives you a healthy mind and body. But do you know that sports is one of the best career opportunities for you. Well most parents won't believe me, but after looking at the pay scale of the richest athletes in the world, they might change their mind.
Richest Athletes in America
If played with dedication and true sportsmanship, there's no career like sports careers and it will take you places. Never think that sportsmen are penniless freaks who just waste their time running around the field. You will be shocked to know that most of them are ambassadors of your favorite brands and are global youth icons.
Tiger Woods
Yes, he had affairs and don't ask me the number because we are not here to discuss his personal life. We are here to see how much does he earn and it's mind-boggling. Tiger Woods brought more than USD 25 million just by playing on the field and extra USD 100 million from his endorsements. The divorce cost him more than USD 100 million but he still remains one of the highest paid athletes in the world with a total wealth of more than USD 900 million and probably will be the first sportsman to cross over a billion mark.
Kobe Bryant
When you think of basketball, you think of Kobe Bryant. He is regarded as one of the most talented and famous basketball players after he won the NBA title with Los Angeles Lakers in June. Popularly known as the "Black Mamba" among his fans, his playing and deals got him around USD 24 million this year. His jersey which carries the number 24 sells like hot cakes in the west and east.
Michael Jordan
If you haven't heard this name, you shouldn't be living. Michael Jordan is one of the most influential people in the world of sports. He is one of the richest athletes of all time and is still considered a legend in the world of basketball. The Nike Jordan brand is reaching its USD 1 billion sales mark and this guy is swimming in money. Rumors also float that he's on the list of potential buyers for Charlotte Bobcats where he's the head of basketball operations.
Phil Mickelson
The #2 golfer is also one of the richest athletes in the world 2010 with an earning of USD 54 million. Phil Mickelson's major share of those green dollars comes from Callaway which gave his contract a five year extension. He's not only good at endorsements, but is also one of the most talented and famous golfers in the world and if you believe existing rumors, he's going to take #1 position from Woods soon.
David Beckham
He's currently one of the most famous soccer players of the world and David Beckham is one of the highest earners in the world of sports. He started playing professional soccer with Manchester United and then moved to L.A. Galaxy in 2007. He's earning USD 6.7 million annually but his endorsement deals with corporate giants earn him a pretty decent amount.
Top 10 Richest Athletes in the World 2010
They aren't just five people in the world of sports who are making millions every year. Here are some more names who are considered as the worlds highest paid athletes.
So these were the most popular and the richest athletes in the world. Majority of their earnings comes for their brand endorsements but it's their talent that has got them the money and fame. So if you think you have the potential to be a great sportsman, then start working hard on your skills and may be in few years I'll mention your name in this list.
Richest Athletes in America
If played with dedication and true sportsmanship, there's no career like sports careers and it will take you places. Never think that sportsmen are penniless freaks who just waste their time running around the field. You will be shocked to know that most of them are ambassadors of your favorite brands and are global youth icons.
Tiger Woods
Yes, he had affairs and don't ask me the number because we are not here to discuss his personal life. We are here to see how much does he earn and it's mind-boggling. Tiger Woods brought more than USD 25 million just by playing on the field and extra USD 100 million from his endorsements. The divorce cost him more than USD 100 million but he still remains one of the highest paid athletes in the world with a total wealth of more than USD 900 million and probably will be the first sportsman to cross over a billion mark.
Kobe Bryant
When you think of basketball, you think of Kobe Bryant. He is regarded as one of the most talented and famous basketball players after he won the NBA title with Los Angeles Lakers in June. Popularly known as the "Black Mamba" among his fans, his playing and deals got him around USD 24 million this year. His jersey which carries the number 24 sells like hot cakes in the west and east.
Michael Jordan
If you haven't heard this name, you shouldn't be living. Michael Jordan is one of the most influential people in the world of sports. He is one of the richest athletes of all time and is still considered a legend in the world of basketball. The Nike Jordan brand is reaching its USD 1 billion sales mark and this guy is swimming in money. Rumors also float that he's on the list of potential buyers for Charlotte Bobcats where he's the head of basketball operations.
Phil Mickelson
The #2 golfer is also one of the richest athletes in the world 2010 with an earning of USD 54 million. Phil Mickelson's major share of those green dollars comes from Callaway which gave his contract a five year extension. He's not only good at endorsements, but is also one of the most talented and famous golfers in the world and if you believe existing rumors, he's going to take #1 position from Woods soon.
David Beckham
He's currently one of the most famous soccer players of the world and David Beckham is one of the highest earners in the world of sports. He started playing professional soccer with Manchester United and then moved to L.A. Galaxy in 2007. He's earning USD 6.7 million annually but his endorsement deals with corporate giants earn him a pretty decent amount.
Top 10 Richest Athletes in the World 2010
They aren't just five people in the world of sports who are making millions every year. Here are some more names who are considered as the worlds highest paid athletes.
| Name | Sport | Total Earnings |
| Roger Federer | Lawn Tennis | USD 61.7 Million |
| Lionel Messi | Soccer | USD 44 Million |
| Cristiano Ronaldo | Soccer | USD 40 Million |
| Alex Rodriguez | Baseball | USD 39 Million |
| Menny Pacquiao | Boxing | USD 38 Million |
| Ichiro Suzuki | Baseball | USD 37 Million |
| Valentino Rossi | Moto GP | USD 35 Million |
| Rafael Nadal | Lawn Tennis | USD 27 Million |
| Kimi Raikkonen | Formula One Racing | USD 23.6 Million |
| Fernando Alonso | Formula One Racing | USD 22.6 Million |
So these were the most popular and the richest athletes in the world. Majority of their earnings comes for their brand endorsements but it's their talent that has got them the money and fame. So if you think you have the potential to be a great sportsman, then start working hard on your skills and may be in few years I'll mention your name in this list.
