Featured Image Credit: Getty
Chris Byfield
The top ten richest athletes in the world have been revealed, with Inter Miami star Lionel Messi only eighth in the rankings.
It has been widely reported that Messi is set to earn some $150million (£117million) across the next two-and-a-half years at Inter, making him far and away the highest-paid player in Major League Soccer.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is certainly among football’s richest-ever players, having also earned a fortune across his time at Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.
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But when Messi’s wealth is compared to that of athletes across all sports, he isn’t even among the top five richest sportspeople, retired, or still active.
NewsTradeU has ranked the richest athletes in the world, courtesy of figures from Forbes, with former NBA superstar Michael Jordan taking the top spot.
With a net worth of $3billion (£2.35billion) Jordan is far away the richest athlete in the world. His basketball career, marked by six championships with the Chicago Bulls, laid the foundation for his Air Jordan brand, which has grown exponentially.
Second, is former tennis star Ion Tiriac, who has a net worth of $2.1billion (£1.65billion). The Romanian successfully transitioned from tennis player to business mogul, with his conglomerate, the Tiriac Group, having made significant inroads in the insurance, real estate, and automotive industries.
Olympic dressage rider, Anna Kasprzak, has raked in a $1.46billion (£1.14billion) fortune in the world of finance. Her performances in the dressage have been complemented by lucrative endorsements and business ventures within the world of equestrian.
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Fourth on the list is Magic Johnson, worth some $1.2billion (£940million). His NBA career with the LA Lakers was followed by a fortune in the world of business, courtesy of Magic Johnson Enterprises.
Golf legend Tiger Woods completes the top five, with a net worth of $1.1billion (£860million). His career has seen his performances on the golf course complemented by lucrative endorsements with the likes of Nike and Bridgestone.
LA Lakers star Lebron James is sixth, with a net worth of $1billion (£780million), The 18-time NBA All-Star has made his money through NBA earnings coupled with a series of investments.
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Michael Schumacher is seventh, with the Formula 1 icon having raked in $780million (£611million). Again his wealth comes courtesy of several smart investments alongside success on the track.
Lionel Messi, as mentioned is eighth on the list with e net worth of $650million (£509million)
Meanwhile, former F1 star Eddie Jordan and ex-NBA player Junior Bridgeman complete the top ten with a net worth of $600million (£470million).