10 highest-paid athletes in the world (2020)

#3 LIONEL MESSI- $104 million

Lionel Messi might leave Barcelona this summer

Arguably the greatest player to have graced a football field, Lionel Messi has been in the news quite a lot these days.

The diminutive forward is a product of the famed La Masia academy, going on to become the talisman of Barcelona. In a poor Barcelona side last season, Messi was the best passer, best creator as well as the best goalscorer; "Messidependencia" was well and truly in full flow.

La Liga confirmed that they side with Barcelona on Lionel Messi's contract dispute, stating his current contract is still valid and interested clubs must pay his €700m release clause.La Liga and the Barca board: pic.twitter.com/41Def45XgC

— B/R Football (@brfootball) August 30, 2020

It was revealed recently that Messi had decided to leave Barcelona this summer, after they were beaten 8-2 by Bayern Munich in the Champions League. He earned $32 million from his endorsement deals; while his salary and winnings accounted for $72 million.

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#2 CRISTIANO RONALDO- $105 million

Cristiano Ronaldo in Juventus colours

The one player who has given tough competition to Lionel Messi for some time now is Cristiano Ronaldo.

Like Messi, many argue that Cristiano Ronaldo is the greatest player of all-time; having enjoyed successes in England, Spain and now Italy. He is Real Madrid's all-time top goalscorer, and at the age of 35, continues to perform at an extremely high level for Juventus.

🗣: Cristiano Ronaldo:"With all my strength and with the precious help from my team-mates and all of the Juventus staff, we work once again to conquer Italy, Europe and the world!" 🌍 pic.twitter.com/lcyf4mo8CF

— Goal (@goal) August 27, 2020

The Portuguese superstar has also tasted success at an international level, having won the Euros in 2016 with his country. Ronaldo took home $45 million from various endorsements and $60 million as his salary/winnings.

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#1 ROGER FEDERER- $106.3 million

Roger Federer in action

Regarded by many as the greatest tennis player of all-time, Roger Federer comes first in this list of 10 highest-paid athletes in the world.

The 39-year old continues to a strong performer at the highest level, showing incredible fitness and longevity. Federer has won 20 Grand Slam titles, the most in the history for a male player, and has held the world no.1 position for a record total of 310 weeks.

The Swiss superstar's charm and grace have made him an extremely popular figure off-the-field, and resulted in various brand deals. He made an incredible $100 million simply from endorsements, and took home $6.3 million as his salary and winnings.

Note: Figures have been taken from Forbes

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