Earned more than Ronaldo and Messi combined. Jordan is the richest athlete of all time
A refreshed ranking of the 25 highest paid athletes in the world has been presented. What about the world! Of all time! If Europeans would name, for the most part, Cristiano Ronaldo or his main rival in this field – Lionel Messi, then true connoisseurs will immediately list a few names, whose money accounts surpass the well-known professionals in terms of ball skating. К
Who is the richest man in the world?
Topping the list is basketball legend Michael Jordan. As a six-time NBA champion who once played for the Chicago Bulls, he has managed to surpass many wealthy athletes. He has even surpassed renowned golfer Tiger Woods, whose fortune is estimated at $2.1 billion, while Jordan boasts $2.62 billion. Ronaldo is fifth in the rankings with $1.24bn, while Messi is eighth with $1.14bn.
Interestingly, the main “confrontation” in the financial ranking is between basketball players and golfers. Both sports are represented by 5 men each and the sums are truly impressive. Nevertheless, this is not just a rivalry, but proof that the elite can safely compete with other classes and even lose to them. Golf is considered an aristocratic sport, which not everyone can afford. Basketball is a mass game, where anyone with talent and hard work can become a star and get rich, no matter where they come from.
Michael Jordaan’s finances
Michael Jordan and LeBron James come from simple families who love the game and disappear into the streets. Today they are two influential figures in world sports and beyond, but they started at the bottom. They managed to make a fortune during their NBA careers, but they have managed to grow it and continue earning millions through smart investments, numerous contracts with well-known brands and other projects. However, statistics show that basketball boasts the highest average salary of any sports league – $8.25m per year.
Despite the fact that Jordan leads the rankings, he shouldn’t be considered the undisputed leader. He can compromise on a spot at any time, both as a golfer and as a basketball player. LeBron James, Shaquille O’Neal and Kevin Durant are breathing down his neck.
Kobe Bryant, who tragically died in 2020, could also compete for the championship. Basketball provides a great start for young talent, but managing money and knowing how to invest it properly to make a fortune is also a must. The name-carriers in the rankings have proven that nothing is impossible, but you have to put in the effort.
Jordan making money off of other athletes
Michael Jordan has managed not just to build his own empire, but to make money from other athletes. In particular, his company Air Jordan is the technical sponsor of Parisian football club PSG. Currently, Lionel Messi is playing there, whose name is the dream of many fans to see on their shirts. That’s exactly what Jordan is taking advantage of, preparing to make over $10 million for the season from a percentage of the sale of these jerseys.