From Conor McGregor to Cristiano Ronaldo, these are 2021’s top paid athletes in the world – how did they each make over US$100 million in the past year and who’s the richest?
- Cristiano Ronaldo endorses Tag Heuer and Nike while Lionel Messi has a lifetime deal with Adidas and a fashion line by Tommy Hilfiger’s sister, Ginny
- MMA star Conor McGregor is the third athlete after Roger Federer and Tiger Woods to make over US$70 million off the field in a year while competing
During a period that most athletes took severe knocks to their wealth when live events were halted, four sportspeople still managed to bring home more than US$100 million over the past year, according to Forbes.
The publication released its annual list of highest-paid athletes for 2021, which examines celebrity earnings over the 12 months up to May 1. From lifetime endorsement deals to risky business moves and landmark sports contracts, this is how the world’s four richest athletes walked away with six-figure sums despite the odds.
Conor McGregor (MMA): US$180 million
Most of McGregor’s side hustle comes from his whiskey brand, Proper No. Twelve – along with his business partners, he sold his stake to Proximo Spirits in a landmark deal. He told Forbes he wanted to make money beyond endorsements and poured his “heart and soul” into the whiskey business.
McGregor celebrated taking the No 1 spot on Instagram, saying he was being recognised as an entrepreneur and not just an athlete. Forbes reported that he’s only the third athlete after Roger Federer and Tiger Woods to make more than US$70 million off the field in a single year while still competing.
Lionel Messi (football): US$130 million
