Top 11 highest paid retired athletes

Taking a look at some highest paid retired athletes who coudn't stop getting richer even after hanging their boots.Note : earnings estimates include salaries, endorsements, licensing, speaking and appearances, golf course design, book deals and production contracts in 2013.

#11 Sachin Tendulkar

After a 24-year long career Tendulkar retired in November 2013 but continues to be one of the most sought after celebrities in India.

Adidas, Coca Cola, Future Group, Toshiba, Aviva India have all retained the star batsman as their brand ambassador.

Tendulkar's earnings are estimated to be $13 million.

#10 Pele

Pele's fortunes have seen an upsurge due to the upcoming FIFA World Cup in Brazil later this year.

Endorsement deals with Procter & Gamble, Santander, Vivo, Volkswagen, Hublot, Carrefour, Subway and Emirates airline have seen the Brazilian's earnings soar to $15 million.

#9 Greg Norman

Greg Norman's business ventures include wine, apparel, eyewear, asset management and more.

Norman is also the brand ambassador for Johnnie Walker, Omega, Sandals, Dow, Cobra Golf, Pacific Links and Club Car among others.

Norman's earnings are believed to be $16 million.

#8 Wayne Gretzky

Fairfax Capital and Upper Deck, TD, Samsung, Breitling and Bigelow are all sponsors of the 'Big One' Wayne Gretzky.

Gretzky's wine business is also taking off and he received $8 million from the NHL from a previous settlement.

Gretzky's current earnings are estimated to be $17 million.

#7 Gary Player

Gary Player's golf course design company has executed over 300 projects in 35 countries. His corporate sponsors include Callaway, Rolex and SAP.

Player's earnings are estimated to be around $19 million.

#6 Shaquille O\'Neal

Shaq has traditional endorsement deals with IcyHot, Buick and Monster headphones, as well as licensing deals with Macy's, Zales and AriZona Beverage Co. AriZona launched Shaq Soda in June and it was the most successful beverage launch in the company's history.

O'Neal also recently became a minority owner of the Sacramento Kings and is involved in real estate as well.

Shaq's earnings are believed to be $20 million.

#5 Magic Johnson

Magic Johnson had a windfall of $100 million from his 2010 sales of 105 Starbucks franchises and his 4.5% stake in the Los Angeles Lakers.

Johnson runs Magic Johnson Enterprises, a company that has a net worth of $700 million whose subsidiaries include Magic Johnson Productions, a promotional company; Magic Johnson Theaters, a nationwide chain of movie theaters; and Magic Johnson Entertainment, a movie studio.

Johnson's earnings are estimated to be $22 million.

#4 Jack Nicklaus

Much before his playing career ended, 18-time Major winner Jack Nicklaus founded Nicklaus Design.

The company designs and constructs golf courses and is believed to have constructed over 380 golf courses in 36 countries.

Nicklaus' earnings are believed to be $30 million.

#3 David Beckham

David Beckham retired from football in 2013 and has been a global icon for quite some time now.

Beckham has signed big deals with Coty cologne and H&M bodywear. He is also trying to make an impact in Asia by signing deals with Sands, China Auto Rental and the Chinese Super League.

Beckham's earnings in 2013 are believed to be a cool $37 million.

#2 Arnold Palmer

Despite his last PGA Tour win coming over 40 years ago, Arnold Palmer had his best financial year in 2013 thanks to the Arnold Palmer drink ( a beverage consisting of iced tea and lemonade).

The drink is estimated to be a $200 million business with Palmer's name licenced all over Asia. Palmer has around 400 stores in Asia which sell apparel and leather goods under the Palmer brand.

Palmer's earnings for 2013 have been estimated at $40 million.

#1 Michael Jordan

Most of basketall legend Michael Jordan's earnigns come from his association with Nike. Nike's Air Jordan brand is believed to be worth over $2 billion.

Jordan, a 5-time MVP, gets paid for every shoe, hoodie and pair of shorts sold by Nike under the Jordan brand.

Gatorade, Hanes, Upper Deck and Five Star Fragrances are some of the other brands endorsed by 'His Airness'. He also owns the NBA team Charlotte Bobcats.

Jordan's total earnings in 2013 is estimated to be around $90 million.