MS Dhoni lone Indian and cricketer in 2014 Forbes list of highest paid athletes

Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni

In the latest list of highest paid athletes in the world, released by Forbes, MS Dhoni has earned the distinction of being the only Indian and cricketer to feature in top 100. Mahendra Singh Dhoni is ranked 22nd in the Forbes’ list of World’s highest paid athletes of 2014.

“Dhoni cemented his legacy as one of India’s best captains of all time when he led the Indian national team to victory in the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy and became the first national captain to ever win all three ICC trophies,” the publication says.

The earnings include salaries, bonuses, prize money, appearance fees, and also the licensing and endorsement income received during the period between June 2013 and June 2014.

The wicket-keeper batsman’s total earnings stands at 30 million US dollars and his endorsements are valued at 26 million US dollars.

It is no hidden fact that the World Cup winning captain signed a top deal with Spartans Sports for a huge amount as bat sponser. He also endorses Amity University. These contract values were reportedly higher than what Reebok paid him. These important contracts alone fetched him USD 4 million, 3 million higher than the worth of his previous bat sponser. Still, Dhoni’s income was down by 1.5 million USD in comparison to 2013 Forbes’ list.

Portugal football captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who led Real Madrid to their 10th Champions League Trophy win is placed second in the list with a annual income of 80 million USD. Argentina’s Lionel Messi is played fourth behind Basketball star LeBron James.

American boxing star Floyd Mayweather heads the list with a total earning of 105 million USD. In fact Mayweather does not endorse any brands and all of his earnings were from prize money. He contested boxing matches for just 72 minutes to top the list. The list also includes top football and tennis starts around the world.

Despite not winning any majors since claiming the 2012 Wimbledon, Roger Federer sits at 7th place above Rafael Nadal who is in 9th place. The tennis great’s earnings were calculated as USD 56.2 and 44.5 millions respectively.

“Federer continues to be among the world’s best players 16 years after he turned pro. His sponsors collectively pay him more than USD 40 million annually,” Forbes said.

The French Open finalst Novak Djokovic is on the 17th rank with earnings of USD 33.1 million. Maria Sharapova at 34 is the highest earning women athlete in the world with income of 24.4 million USD.

Los Angeles Lakers’ Kobe Bryant (5th), Golf legend Tiger Woods (6th), Brazil’s football sensation Neymar (16th), Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney (43rd), Olympic Gold medallist Usain Bolt (45th), American Tennis star Serena Williams (55th), German Formula One racer Sebastian Vettel (83rd), were among the other prominant names to make the list.

Click here for the complete list.