Top 15 highest paid sportspersons in the world

ESPN recently released its list of highest paid sportspersons in the world. The selected individuals were categorized based on their base salary and prize money only, keeping the endorsement factor aside.The list involves a combination of players belonging to different sports.From footbaling icons and NFL quarterbacks to NBA stars, we take a look at the elite set of individuals who have made the cut for the top 15 spots of highest paid sportspersons in the world.

#15 Wayne Rooney

Salary - $26 million

Manchester United's mercurial playmaker Wayne Rooney stands as one of the most influential players on the planet. He has established his stature as a complete player and the appetite with which he plays every game is quite astonishing.

Following Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement, there was a small dent in Rooney's love affair with the club as reports about his departure emerged. But the speculation was put to rest when Rooney signed a four-year extension contract worth nearly $26 million a year,which became the biggest annual salary in the history of the English Premier League.

#14 Tony Romo

Salary - $26.5 million

It is not a hidden fact that Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo is incredibly well-paid. Romo ranks sixth among all quarterbacks in the NFL.

Making $26.5 million last year, Romo stands at no. 14 in this list.

#13 Lewis Hamilton

Salary - $27.5 million

British F1 star Lewis Hamilton is currently racing for the Mercedes AMG team. He won the 2008 Formula One World Championship at the age of 23.

The first high-profile black driver on the F1 circuit, the 29-year-old is Britain’s richest young sportsman in the below 30 category. After six years with McLaren, he moved to the Mercedes F1 team for a deal of $100 million . The sponsorship prospect was rigid and controlled by McLaren but Hamilton has found an air of flexibility under Mercedes.

#12 Fernando Alonso

Salary - $27.5 million

Fenando Alonso is a two-time F1 World Champion who is currently racing for Scuderia Ferrari. The Spanish Formula One driver is still one of the best in the world when he is on the race circuit.

He remains the highest-paid driver in F1, earning close to $30 million annually from his salary with Ferrari in a deal that runs through 2016.

#11 Zack Greinke

Salary -$28 million

Baseball pitcher Zack Greinke plays for the Los Angeles Dodgers in the Major League Baseball (MLB).He has appeared in 28 games for the Los Angeles Dodgers so far this season.

His 2013 contract with the Dodgers was the largest ever signed by a right-handed pitcher at the time when his agent John Courtright struck a deal of $19 million.

#10 Joe Flacco

Salary - $30 million

Another quarterback who features in this category is Joe Flacco of the Baltimore Ravens. Noted for his composure and cool behaviour on the field, Joe has earned the nickname "Cool Joe."

On March 4, 2013, Flacco signed a six-year contract worth $120.6 million, a record high for a quarterback at the time. The Super Bowl Most Valuable Player received a $29 million signing bonus and option bonuses of $15 million and $7 million. The option bonuses are scheduled to be paid out in 2014 an 2015, respectively.

At his current salary, he is tied for ninth position in the list of the highest paid athletes in the world.

#9 Matt Ryan

Salary - $30 million

Nicknamed as "Matty Ice", Matt Ryan is a quarterback who plays for the Atlanta Falcons. He was named as the ACC Player of the Year in 2007. He tied for ninth position on the list of highest paid atheletes in 2013 with $30 million annual salary earnings.

Some question whether Ryan deserves to be paid like an elite quarterback with just one playoff win to his credit, but the fact remains that he is one of the highest-profile athletes in the world.

#8 Kobe Bryant

Salary - $30.5 million

Kobe Bryant has established himself as a basketball phenomenon of the new millenium. The shooting guard who plays for the LA Lakers has enjoyed a hugely successful time in the NBA, becoming the all time top scorer in Laker's history.

During the first 15 years of his playing career, he has banked $196 million. His new deal of $84 million over 3 years with a base salary of $30.5 million a year makes him the Richie Rich of the NBA and the only basketball player to feature in the top 15.

#7 Tom Brady

Salary - $31 million

Over the past decade, Tom Brady has become an icon for the New England Patriots. The quarterback who was drafted in the 2000 NFL Draft has won two Super Bowl MVP awards and has the record of the most touchdown passes in a season to his name. Brady was also ranked as the best player of the 2010 NFL season.

His efforts on the field has rewarded the Patriots with many successful campaigns and they have returned the favour it seems. The $30 million deal including a signing bonus ties the Patriots to Brady through the 2017 season when the quarterback will be 40 years old.

#6 Matt Stafford

Salary - $31.5 million

The Detroit Lions picked up Matthew Stafford in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft. Since his debut, the quarterback has been pivotal for the Lions. Stafford threw over 5,000 yards in a single season, becoming the 4th player in the NFL to do so.

Signed for a contract of $53 million for a duration of 3 years, the American is well placed as one of the leading earners in the NFL as well as among the sport personalities around the globe.

#5 Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Salary - $35 million

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is always in the centre of things with his post match comments and his magical goals. The 31-year-old striker has played for a lot of clubs in his illustrious career and has been a league winner in various countries.

The Swedish sensation is known for having a big ego and his outspoken attitude which is also backed by a big handsome payroll. Ibrahimovic ranks fifth in the cateogy of highest paid players.

#4 Aaron Rodgers

Salary - $40 million

American football quarterback Aaron Rodgers plays for the Green Bay Packers in the NFL (National Football League). He was selected in the first round of the NFL Draft in 2005. After playing second fidle to Brett Favre, Rodgers finally got his spot as a regular quarterback in the team and led them to a victory in the Super Bowl XLV. He was named the Super Bowl MVP in the process.

With a substanstial salary earnings of $40 million per year, the American is placed fourth in the list of best paid professional players.

#3 Lionel Messi

Salary - $50.1 million

A 13-year-old awkward kid to the best player of his generation - that sums up the footballing journey of Lionel Messi. Coming through the ranks of the La Masia academy, he has established himself as one of the Barcelona greats, making and breaking records for the Catalans on a regular basis.

The four-time Ballon d'Or winner was ahead of his rival Ronaldo in salary earnings until the Portuguese signed his new contract last year. And although there have been talks about an improved deal, the Argentine still remains one of the highest earners in the beautiful game at his current wage.

#2 Cristiano Ronaldo

Salary - $50.2 million

Real Madrid winger Cristiano Ronaldo joined the Spanish outfit for a then-record fee of £80 million. The Portuguese star has been a goal scoring machine for the Los Blancos since his move from Manchester United, producing several moments of brilliance in the La Liga.

Ronaldo's contract was renewed by club president Florentino Perez in September 2013 which made him the highest paid player in La Liga ahead of his Barcelona rival Lionel Messi. With this new contract, the two-time Ballon d'Or winner also became the second highest paid sportsperson on the planet.

#1 Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Salary - $73.5 million

The American boxer has been undefeated throughout his professional career and is considered as the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world. He is a two-time Ring magazine Fighter of the Year and his in-ring skills have earned him the current No. 1 spot in the welterweight division.

His reputation as an undisputable champion in the world of boxing is matched by his handsome earnings. He is the only boxer to feature in this segment and he currently sits at the top as the highest paid athlete in the world.