When we talk about sports, it's not just about winning and losing anymore. It has evolved into a multi-billion dollar industry, with top athletes earning astronomical figures. The competition is not just between the teams or the players, but also between the brands, as they fight to sign the biggest stars. In this blog post, we'll dive into who the highest paid athlete in the world is, how they earned their money, and the impact they have off the field.

The list for the highest paid athlete in the world is released annually, and for the past four years, it has been occupied by none other than Lionel Messi. The Argentine footballer earned a whopping $125 million in 2020, with $92 million coming from his salary with Barcelona. Messi's earning doesn't just come from his salary, he also has lucrative endorsement deals with Adidas, PepsiCo, and MasterCard, among others. Messi's success on and off the field can be attributed to his eight Ballon d'Or wins, ten La Liga titles with Barcelona, and his humanitarian work through the Leo Messi Foundation.

The second highest-paid athlete in the world as of 2020 is another footballer, Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese star earned $117 million, with $70 million coming from his salary with Juventus. Ronaldo's endorsement deals are also a huge contributor to his earnings, with Nike and Herbalife being his biggest sponsors. Despite being past his prime, Ronaldo's continued success on the field, with his 30 goals in 33 games for Juventus, proves that age is just a number.

Third on the list is a basketball player, LeBron James. The Los Angeles Lakers star earned $88.2 million in 2020, with $60 million coming from his endorsements with Nike, Beats by Dre, and Coca-Cola, among others. James' impact off the field, specifically his philanthropy work through the LeBron James Family Foundation, has cemented his status as a global icon.

The fourth highest paid athlete in the world is also a basketball player, Stephen Curry. The Golden State Warriors guard earned $74.4 million in 2020, with $44 million coming from his endorsements with Under Armour, Rakuten, and Brita, among others. Curry's success on the court, with his three NBA championships and two MVP awards, have also made him a household name.

The fifth highest paid athlete in the world is a racing driver, Lewis Hamilton. The seven-time F1 champion earned $72 million in 2020, with $55 million coming from his salary with Mercedes. Hamilton has also established himself as a fashion icon, with his collaborations with Tommy Hilfiger, Puma, and Police being some of his most notable endorsement deals.

Conclusion:

The world's highest paid athletes are not just successful on the field, but also off it, with their endorsements, sponsorship deals, and philanthropy work. From footballers to basketball players to racing drivers, these athletes have become global icons, inspiring people to dream big and achieve their goals. And with the growing popularity and profitability of sports, we can expect to see more athletes breaking the bank in the upcoming years.