(ANSA-AFP) – PARIS, MAY 12 – Lionel Messi was the highest paid sportsman in the world in 2021, with about 130 million dollars in revenue (about 125 million euros). The figure is reported by Forbes magazine: the Argentine precedes in order LeBron James and Cristiano Ronaldo. Messi returns to first place in this ranking drawn up by the US specialized media, after being overtaken by the mixed martial arts ace Conor McGregor. Of his $ 130 million in gross income (as in 2019 and 2020, when he was still playing for Barcelona), $ 75 million (€ 72 million) comes from his contract (accolades and cumulative salaries) with the Parisian club and 55 millions from its sponsorship businesses, most notably Adidas, Budweiser and Pepsi Cola.
Lakers star LeBron James, 37, is second with 121.2 million in earnings (116.8 million euros), of which two-thirds, about 80 million dollars (77 million euros), come from sponsors. His partnerships, between activities and investments, range from cinema to cryptocurrency.
Cristiano Ronaldo, who returned to Manchester United at the start of the season, completes the podium with $ 115 million in revenues (€ 110 million). The 37-year-old Portuguese striker has balanced salaries, as 60 million come from his own sports contract and 55 million from other activities, in particular sponsorships.
Neymar, another PSG star, is 4 / o (95 million dollars, 91 million euros), followed by Stephen Curry (NBA) of the Golden State Warriors (82.8 million dollars, 89 million euros). The first non-footballer and non-basketball player is Roger Federer, 7 / o with 90.7 million dollars in revenues, of which 90 from commercial activities. (ANSA-AFP).
Source: Ansa
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