The Crème de la Crème: Highest Paid Athletes in 2017
Alright, sports fans, buckle up! We're diving into the world of big bucks and even bigger egos. You've probably been wondering who the highest paid athletes in 2017 were. Well, grab a snack, get comfy, and let's explore the fascinating realm of sports salaries. Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and highest paid athletes 2017.
The Golden Goose: Forbes' Top 100
Forbes, our trusty financial compass, released their annual list of the highest paid athletes in 2017. And boy, did they deliver! The top 100 athletes raked in a collective $3.8 billion. That's right, billion with a 'B'! Let's take a peek at the top 5, shall we?
1. Floyd Mayweather - $285 million The undefeated boxer, known as "Money" Mayweather, lived up to his nickname, topping the list with a whopping $285 million. His mega-fight against UFC champ Conor McGregor in 2017 was the main cash cow.
2. Lionel Messi - $111 million The Argentine soccer sensation didn't just win the hearts of fans worldwide; he also won the second spot on this list. Messi's salary and endorsements totaled $111 million.
3. Cristiano Ronaldo - $108 million Ronaldo, Messi's eternal rival, came in third with $108 million. The Portuguese superstar's salary and endorsements were just enough to edge out the next athlete on our list.
- 4. LeBron James - $85.5 million *The NBA's king, LeBron James, took home $85.5 million in
- 2017. His salary and endorsements made him the highest-paid American athlete that year.*
- 5. Neymar - $81.5 million *The Brazilian soccer star made waves when he transferred to Paris Saint-Germain in
- 2017. His new salary and endorsements landed him the fifth spot on this list.*
The Money Makers: Sports by the Numbers
Now, let's talk sports. Which disciplines really brought home the bacon in 2017?
Football (Soccer) - $614 million
Football, or soccer to our American friends, dominated the list with a total of $614 million. With massive leagues like the English Premier League and the Spanish La Liga, it's no surprise that soccer players took home the most cash.
Basketball - $398 million
The NBA might not have the global reach of soccer, but it sure knows how to make money. Basketball players collected a cool $398 million in 2017, thanks to massive salaries and lucrative endorsement deals.
Boxing - $335 million
Boxing might not be as popular as it once was, but when there's a big fight, the money rolls in. Floyd Mayweather's fight against Conor McGregor alone generated $335 million, making boxing the third-highest earner in 2017.
The Endorsement Kings
Endorsement deals can be a significant source of income for athletes. Let's look at some of the most lucrative partnerships in 2017.
- Cristiano Ronaldo - $47 million The Portuguese superstar cashed in on endorsement deals with brands like Nike, EA Sports, and Herbalife.
- LeBron James - $42 million King James' endorsement portfolio includes Nike, Coca-Cola, and Beats by Dre.
- Roger Federer - $37 million The tennis legend's endorsement deals with brands like Nike, Rolex, and Credit Suisse helped him rake in $37 million.
The New Kids on the Block
While the usual suspects dominated the list, there were a few new faces in the top 100. Let's give them a shout-out!
- Conor McGregor - $34 million The UFC superstar made his debut on the list thanks to his massive payday from his boxing match against Floyd Mayweather.
- Anthony Joshua - $30 million The British boxer's knockout performances in the ring translated into big bucks, earning him a spot on the list.
- Alex Morgan - $26.5 million The American soccer star became one of the highest-paid female athletes in 2017, thanks to her salary and endorsement deals with brands like Nike and Coca-Cola.
The Takeaway
So there you have it, folks! The highest paid athletes in 2017 were a who's who of sports superstars. While the big names dominated the list, it's great to see new faces making waves and raking in the dough. At the end of the day, it's all about skill, hard work, and a little bit of luck.
Whether you're a fan of soccer, basketball, or boxing, there's no denying that these athletes are at the top of their game – and their earnings reflect that. So, the next time you're cheering on your favorite athlete, remember that they're not just playing for glory; they're playing for serious cash!
Until next time, sports fans! Keep your eyes on the ball (and the bank accounts).