Portugal's football phenomenon Cristiano Ronaldo was the highest-paid athlete in the world in the last 12 months, according to the latest report released by Forbes. The 38-year-old superstar, who plays club football for Al-Nassr in Saudi Pro League, earned a whopping sum of Rs 1,111.33 crore in the last 12 months from his on-field salary and endorsement deals. For the first time ever, eight out of the top 10 highest-paid athletes in the world earner more than $100 million in a year.
Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe occupy the top three places in the highest-paid athletes list while the top 10 consists of three football players, three basketball players, two golfers, one boxer and one retired tennis superstar.
Let's take a look at the complete list of the top 10 highest-paid athletes in the world:
1. Cristiano Ronaldo: The Portuguese superstar, who is the most followed person on social media, earned a whopping sum of $136 million in the last 12 months. Ronaldo earned $46 million through on-field salary while he pocketed $90 million off the field.
2. Lionel Messi: Argentina's global superstar Lionel Messi earned $130 million in the last 12 months. He pocketed $65 million on the field while he earned the same amount off the field.
3. Kylian Mbappe: France's Kylian Mbappe bagged $120 million in the last 12 months. He pocketed $100 million on the field while $20 million came off the field.
4. LeBron James: Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James earned $119.5 million in the last 12 months. Out of his total earnings, $44.5 million came on the field while $75 million came off the field.
5. Canelo Alvarez: Mexico's professional boxer Canelo Alvarez earned $110 million in the last 12 months. He pocketed $100 million on the field while $10 million came off the field.
6. Dustin Johnson (Golf): Total earnings - $ 107 million (On-field: $102 million, off-field: $5 million)
7. Phil Mickelson (Golf): Total earnings - $ 106 million (On-field: $104 million, off-field: $2 million)
8: Stephen Curry (Basketball): Total earnings - $ 100.4 million (On-field: $48.4 million, off-field: $52 million)
9: Roger Federer (Tennis): Total earnings - $ 95.1 million (On-field: $0.1 million, off-field: $95 million)
10: Kevin Durant (Basketball): Total earnings - $ 89.1 million (On-field: $44.1 million, off-field: $45 million)
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