10 highest-paid athletes in the world (2021)

#3 Cristiano Ronaldo | $120 million

Cristiano Ronaldo looks on

Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the most identifiable athletes in the world right now, due to his performances on the field and his brand power off it.

The Portugal international made his name at Manchester United, winning three Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy. He moved to Real Madrid in 2009 for a then-world record fee of €94 million and became the club's all-time top goalscorer.

118 for Manchester United.450 for Real Madrid.103* for Portugal.100* for Juventus.Cristiano Ronaldo has now scored 100+ goals for three clubs AND his country 👑 pic.twitter.com/fLCn9a0vYU

— B/R Football (@brfootball) May 12, 2021

Ronaldo currently plays for Juventus in Serie A. The 36-year old, who has won five Ballon d'Or trophies, five Champions League trophies and one UEFA European Championship, has recently been linked with a return to Manchester United.

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#2 Lionel Messi | $130 million

Lionel Messi in action for Barcelona

Arguably the greatest player to have played the game, Lionel Messi has enjoyed a stellar career in football.

Barcelona's greatest ever player, Messi is a one-club man. The 33-year old has made 777 appearances in all competitions for the club, scoring 671 goals. A world-class creator, dribbler and goalscorer, Messi has often been the difference between a Barcelona win and a Barcelona loss.

The Argentina international's Barcelona contract expires in the summer and he has been linked heavily with a move to Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain. However, recent rumors have suggested that he would be willing to sign a new deal with the Camp Nou outfit.

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#1 Conor McGregor | $180 million

Conor McGregor v Donald Cerrone

Mixed martial arts superstar Conor McGregor is the highest-paid athlete in the world, having raked in $180 million in 2020.

It has been suggested that the majority of his earnings have come through his various business activities. The Irishman has been a controversial figure throughout his sporting career, but in the ring his achievements speak for themselves.

Training with India’s next heavyweight champion 🇮🇳 I know first hand how strong India and its people truly are! I stand with India in their fight through Covid. Let’s go India! We are with you! The world is with you! 🇮🇳❤️🇮🇪 https://t.co/yUuLOutQQy pic.twitter.com/yfdNtkxYqP

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) May 12, 2021

The 32-year old's fights have always attracted global attention, making him extremely marketable. McGregor made his boxing debut against Floyd Mayweather Jr., and was defeated by the legendary boxer.

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