Golf's world No. 1 Tiger Woods has reclaimed his position as the world's highest-earning athlete, according to Forbes. The 14-time major winner picked up $13.1 million in salary/winnings in the 12 months to June 1, as well as $65 million from endorsements with companies such as Nike. Woods is thought to be close to resigning with the American sportswear giant.
1. Tiger Woods - $78.1M —
Golf's world No. 1 Tiger Woods has reclaimed his position as the world's highest-earning athlete, according to Forbes. The 14-time major winner picked up $13.1 million in salary/winnings in the 12 months to June 1, as well as $65 million from endorsements with companies such as Nike. Woods is thought to be close to resigning with the American sportswear giant.
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The previous No. 1 Roger Federer pocketed $6.5 million from on-court success over the past 12 months. The tennis star's endorsements, which include deals with Nike, Rolex, Wilson and Credit Suisse, earned the 17-time grand slam winner $65 million.
2. Roger Federer - $71.5M —
The previous No. 1 Roger Federer pocketed $6.5 million from on-court success over the past 12 months. The tennis star's endorsements, which include deals with Nike, Rolex, Wilson and Credit Suisse, earned the 17-time grand slam winner $65 million.
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Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers is the highest-paid player in the NBA. His salary of $27.85 million is $7 million higher than any other player, and his jersey was the biggest seller overseas during the 2011-12 season.
3. Kobe Bryant - $61.9M —
Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers is the highest-paid player in the NBA. His salary of $27.85 million is $7 million higher than any other player, and his jersey was the biggest seller overseas during the 2011-12 season.
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Miami Heat's LeBron James is the toast of the NBA when it comes to endorsements, boasting deals with companies such as Nike, McDonald's, Coca Cola and Samsung earning him $42 million of his $59.8 million total.
4. LeBron James - $59.8M —
Miami Heat's LeBron James is the toast of the NBA when it comes to endorsements, boasting deals with companies such as Nike, McDonald's, Coca Cola and Samsung earning him $42 million of his $59.8 million total.
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Quarterback Drew Brees cashed in last July by signing a new five-year contract with the NFL's New Orleans Saints worth $100 million. Brees' new deal also came with a $37 million signing bonus.
5. Drew Brees - $51M —
Quarterback Drew Brees cashed in last July by signing a new five-year contract with the NFL's New Orleans Saints worth $100 million. Brees' new deal also came with a $37 million signing bonus.
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Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers is the highest annual earner in the NFL. His five-year deal is worth $110 million.
6. Aaron Rodgers - $49M —
Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers is the highest annual earner in the NFL. His five-year deal is worth $110 million.
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Four-time major winner Phil Mickelson collected $44 million in endorsements over the last year, including deals with Callaway, Barclays and KPMG.
7. Phil Mickelson - $48.7M —
Four-time major winner Phil Mickelson collected $44 million in endorsements over the last year, including deals with Callaway, Barclays and KPMG.
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David Beckham recently called time on his playing career, but he is still the highest-earning footballer on the planet. The $5.2 million salary he received during his spell with Paris Saint-Germain, his final club, was donated to charity. The former England captain recently launched a clothing line with H & M.
8. David Beckham - $47.2M —
David Beckham recently called time on his playing career, but he is still the highest-earning footballer on the planet. The $5.2 million salary he received during his spell with Paris Saint-Germain, his final club, was donated to charity. The former England captain recently launched a clothing line with H & M.
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Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo earns half of his money from endorsements. This is thought to have prompted talks of a new contract with the Spanish club, with both parties unable to agree over Ronaldo's image rights. The Portuguese star currently splits his image rights 60-40, according to Forbes.
9. Cristiano Ronaldo - $44M —
Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo earns half of his money from endorsements. This is thought to have prompted talks of a new contract with the Spanish club, with both parties unable to agree over Ronaldo's image rights. The Portuguese star currently splits his image rights 60-40, according to Forbes.
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Barcelona star Lionel Messi is used to finishing top of the pile. But the four-time FIFA Ballon d'Or winner is the third-highest-earning footballer, with Adidas launching a signature line for the Argentine earlier this year.
10. Lionel Messi - $41.3M —
Barcelona star Lionel Messi is used to finishing top of the pile. But the four-time FIFA Ballon d'Or winner is the third-highest-earning footballer, with Adidas launching a signature line for the Argentine earlier this year.
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