Mayweather Chairs Highest-Paid Athletes, Ronaldo, Messi in Top Five

The money man as he is fondly called tops the list recently released by Forbes Magazine for the 100 highest paid athletes in the world. 

For the third time in a space of four years, Floyd Mayweather has ranked as the highest paid athlete in the world. Mayweather’s $300 million year shatters the record for athlete earnings, which was previously held by Tiger Woods, who banked $115 million in 2008 ($125 million adjusted for inflation).

Thanks to the big money fight bewteen Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao which greatly influenced their positions on the list.

The only footballers in the top ten are Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi who occupy 3rd and 4th respectively.

Here's the Top 10: 

1. Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Total Earnings: $300 million

Salary/Winnings: $285 million 

Endorsements: $15 million 

2. Manny Pacquiao

Total Earnings: $160 million

3. Cristiano Ronaldo

Total Earnings: $79.6 million

4. Lionel Messi

Total Earnings: $73.8 million

5. Roger Federer

Total Earnings: $67 million

6. LeBron James

Total Earnings: $64.8 million 

7. Kevin Durant

Total Earnings: $54.1 million

8. Phil Mickelson

Total Earnings: $50.8 million 

9. Tiger Woods

Total Earnings: $50.6 million 

10. Kobe Bryant

Total Earnings: $49.5 million

See full list here