PLAY HARD, EARN HARDER!
Talk'OH! Tuesday
Written by Glenn Javier
The world continues to experience a financial meltdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the sports industry is no exception. But despite the postponed and canceled events - not to mention athletes (and organizers) testing positive - a couple of them still managed to pull in some BIG money into their bank accounts. And quite frankly, they didn't seem to be bothered by the crisis at all.
We're here to talk about the highest-paid athletes of 2020, and up until this day in 2021.
Highest-Paid Athletes [Left to Right] Cristiano Ronaldo, Conor McGregor, Lebron James
Just this month, Forbes sent out its annual ranking of the highest-paid athletes of 2021. Even though he lost the last match against Dustin Poirier, Conor McGregor's silver lining is through heavy and shiny paychecks added onto his other money-making endeavors. He led the list with an approximate $180 million in earnings over the last 12 months.
While Mixed Martial Arts bags the elusive spot, two of Soccer's top athletes also placed in the top 5. Lionel Messi of Barcelona and Cristiano Ronaldo of Juventus F.C. were second and third, having a net worth of $130M and $120 million respectively. We just can't count out the NFL and the NBA. Next in the golden line are Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott ($107.5M) and LA Lakers superstar LeBron James ($96.5M).
Conor McGregor | "The Notorious" Irish Mixed Martial Artist
Born: July 14, 1988 (32 years old)
Birthplace: Dublin, Ireland
Fighting Style: MMA (Main), Boxing, Kickboxing, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Karate, Taekwondo, Capoeira
MMA Debut: 2013
WHY?!
Earning ratio: CAD 26 million (within the octagon); CAD 190 million (outside the octagon)
Total: CAD 216 million
While the majority of McGregor's cash inflow is from the sale of his whiskey brand, he also earned big bucks in an appearance at UFC 257 last January. Not to mention his upcoming rematch with Dustin Poirier.
This man achieved huge popularity around a decade ago not only because of his physical performance in MMA but also with his unique and unforgettable personality.
Lionel Messi | Argentine Soccer Star
Born: June 24, 1987 (33 years old)
Birthplace: Rosario, Argentina
Team: FC Barcelona | Position: Forward and Captain
Senior Career Debut: 2003
WHY?!
Earning ratio: CAD 117 million (on the soccer field); CAD 40 million (off the field)
Total: CAD 157 million
Off the field, Messi has also been part of prominent campaigns with Pepsi, Gillette, and Turkish Airlines.
Cristiano Ronaldo | Prolific Portuguese Goal Scorer
Born: February 5, 1985 (36 years old)
Birthplace: Funchal, Portugal
Team: Juventus F.C. | Position: Forward and Captain
Senior Career Debut: 2002
WHY?!
Earning ratio: CAD 84 million (on the soccer field); CAD 60 million (off the field)
Total: CAD 144 million
Apart from being ranked among the top-tier (or highest-paid) players of soccer, Ronaldo also earns from endorsements with companies like Nike, Clear Shampoo, and Herbalife - to name a few.
Dak Prescott | American Football QB
Born: July 29, 1993 (27 years old)
Birthplace: Louisiana, United States
Team: Dallas Cowboys | Position: Quarterback
Career Debut: 2016
WHY?!
Earning ratio: CAD 118 million (on the football field); CAD 12 million (off the field)
Total: CAD 130 million
Prescott became the highest-paid player in league history, based on the value he got at the Cowboys contract signing
LeBron James | American Basketball's "The King"
Born: December 30, 1984 (36 years old)
Birthplace: Ohio, United States
Team: Los Angeles Lakers | Position: Forward, Shooting Guard
Senior Career Debut: 2003
WHY?!
Earning ratio: CAD 38 million (in the basketball court); CAD 78 million (outside the court)
Total: CAD 116 million
Lebron is an impressive player which makes him an asset to the Lakers, giving him a huge value he got at his contract extension. Apart from that, he also has endorsements with Nike, Beats by Dre, Walmart, etc.
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