The Crème de la Crème: Highest-Paid Athletes by Year
Alright, guys, let's dive into the world of sports and money, shall we? We're talking about the highest-paid athletes by year, the ones who really brought home the bacon. So, grab a cup of coffee (or tea, we don't discriminate) and let's get started! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and highest-paid athlete by year.
The Big Bucks: 2010s
2010: Tiger Woods
Kicking off our list is the one, the only, Tiger Woods. In 2010, Tiger raked in a whopping $105 million. Now, that's what we call a hole in one! But it wasn't just about the prize money. Tiger's endorsement deals were through the roof. We're talking Nike, EA Sports, Gillette, and more. He was the king of the green and the bank.
2011: Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Next up, we've got Floyd "Money" Mayweather Jr., and boy, did he live up to his nickname in 2011. Floyd took home a cool $85 million that year. His fight against Juan Manuel Marquez was a major contributor to that hefty paycheck. But let's not forget about his endorsement deals with the likes of Burger King and Hublot.
2012: Manny Pacquiao
Manny Pacquiao was the man in 2012, bringing home $90 million. His fight against Juan Manuel Marquez was a huge moneymaker. But Manny's not just about the fight game. He's also got a political career going on in the Philippines. Talk about a busy guy!
2013: Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Floyd Mayweather Jr. was back on top in 2013, raking in $105 million. His fight against Canelo Alvarez was a big reason for that. But Floyd's also got a knack for making money outside the ring, with endorsement deals with the likes of Hublot and Burger King.
2014: Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Yep, you guessed it. Floyd Mayweather Jr. was the highest-paid athlete for the third year in a row. In 2014, he took home $105 million. His fight against Manny Pacquiao was the most lucrative boxing match ever, with both fighters raking in the big bucks.
2015: Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Four years in a row! Floyd Mayweather Jr. was unstoppable in 2015, bringing home $105 million. His fight against Manny Pacquiao was a major moneymaker, but Floyd's also got a keen eye for business, with investments in various ventures like a strip club and a car dealership.
2016: Cristiano Ronaldo
Finally, someone new to the top spot! Cristiano Ronaldo took home $88 million in 2016. The Portuguese soccer star's salary and endorsement deals with the likes of Nike, EA Sports, and Herbalife contributed to his massive payday.
2017: Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Yep, Floyd's back! Floyd Mayweather Jr. was the highest-paid athlete in 2017, with $120 million. His fight against Conor McGregor was a major money-maker, but Floyd's also got a keen eye for business, with investments in various ventures like a strip club and a car dealership.
2018: Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Floyd Mayweather Jr. was back on top in 2018, raking in $113 million. His fight against Conor McGregor was a major moneymaker, but Floyd's also got a keen eye for business, with investments in various ventures like a strip club and a car dealership.
2019: Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi took the top spot in 2019, bringing home $127 million. The Argentine soccer superstar's salary and endorsement deals with the likes of Adidas, Pepsi, and Gillette contributed to his massive payday.
The New Decade: 2020s
2020: Kylie Jenner
Alright, guys, we're switching things up a bit. Kylie Jenner was the highest-paid athlete in 2020, with $590 million. Now, we know what you're thinking. "Kylie Jenner? Really?" But hear us out. Kylie's makeup empire, Kylie Cosmetics, was a major moneymaker. And with her reality TV fame and social media presence, she's got brands lining up to work with her.
2021: Conor McGregor
Conor McGregor took the top spot in 2021, with $180 million. The Irish MMA fighter's fights against Dustin Poirier and Nate Diaz were major moneymakers. But Conor's also got a keen eye for business, with investments in various ventures like Proper No. Twelve whiskey and a gym franchise.
The Takeaway
So there you have it, guys. The highest-paid athletes by year. It's a tough job, but someone's gotta do it, right? Whether it's boxing, soccer, or making a name for yourself on reality TV, these athletes know how to bring home the bacon.
But it's not all about the money. These athletes have worked hard to get where they are. They've got the skills, the dedication, and the drive to be the best. And that's something to be admired.
So, who's your pick for the highest-paid athlete of the next year? Let us know in the comments! Until next time, guys. Stay awesome!