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Sport continues to be one of the best forms of entertainment, and world-class athletes have all enjoyed good years in their respective sports.
There has been financial restraints due to the pandemic, but athletes continue to diversify. Apart from their wages, several sportspeople run successful businesses which continue to do well. Apart from this, top brands and excellent sponsorship deals have also been crucial.
Basketball and football remain popular sports, while American football also has a couple of representatives on this list.
We look at the:
10 highest-paid athletes in the world (2021)
#10 Kevin Durant | $75 million
Kevin Durant, often called "KD", is one of the most famous basketball players in the world.
Durant has enjoyed a storied career in the game, having won two NBA Championships, an NBA Most Valuable Player award, and two Olympic gold medals. The 32-year old currently plays for the Brooklyn Nets, having previously represented the Golden State Warriors.
It was with the Golden State Warriors that Durant won consecutive NBA Championships, in 2017 and 2018. His debut for the Brooklyn Nets was delayed due to a serious injury, but Durant's ability will be key for them going forward.
#9 Tom Brady | $76 million
Regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, Tom Brady is one of the most recognizable names in American football.
Brady spent the first 20 years of his professional career playing for the New England Patriots, where he played a crucial role as the team won six Super Bowl titles and 17 division titles, among other trophies. His association with the New England Patriots ended in 2019, and the 43-year old is currently a part of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
With the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Brady won another Super Bowl this year and became the oldest player to be named Super Bowl MVP. He has been appreciated for his longevity in the game.
#8 Lewis Hamilton | $82 million
Arguably the most famous racing driver in the world right now, Lewis Hamilton has etched a fine legacy for himself in Formula One.
The Brit is currently competing in Formula One for Mercedes, having started his career with McLaren. Hamilton has won a joint-record seven World Drivers' Championship titles, while also holding a number of individual records in the sport.
The 36-year old is regarded as a role model for many young drivers. Off the field, Hamilton has taken an active stand against racism and has often commented on the lack of diversity in the Formula One circuit.
Also Read: 5 biggest under-performers from the Premier League's Big 6 this season (2020/21)
#7 Roger Federer | $90 million
Probably the greatest tennis player of all time, Roger Federer is the highest-paid tennis star in the world.
A legend of the game, Federer has been around for a long time. The Swiss has won 103 ATP singles titles and 20 Grand Slam titles, and his rivalry with Rafael Nadal and later Novak Djokovic has been covered extensively. A well-rounded player known for his elegance and shot-making, Federer is well-renowned for his calmness and composure.
The 39-year old is currently ranked No.8 by the ATP and has been unlucky with injuries recently. It remains to be seen what the future holds for him.
#6 Neymar | $95 million
Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar needs little introduction as the forward is regarded as one of the best football players in the world.
A creative, pacy forward with excellent dribbling ability, Neymar began his European adventure with Barcelona, forming a fearsome attack with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez. The three played an important role as Barcelona won the treble under the management of Luis Enrique.
The 29-year old decided to join Paris Saint-Germain for a world-record fee of €222 million in 2017, and Neymar has been a key cog for the Parisiens since his arrival. In 114 appearances in all competitions the Brazil international has scored 86 goals. Neymar recently signed a contract extension with the Ligue 1 side.
#5 LeBron James | $96.5 million
LeBron James has often been compared to Michael Jordan, with the two basketball greats regarded as the greatest to have played the game.
Still going strong at 36, James began his career with the Cleveland Cavaliers, joining Miami Heat in a controversial move in 2010. With the Heat, James won two NBA championships, returning to Cleveland Cavaliers in 2014 and leading them to a championship win in 2016.
James currently plays for the Los Angeles Lakers and won another NBA championship in 2020. The American has won four NBA MVP awards, four Finals MVP awards and two Olympic gold medals as well.
#4 Dak Prescott | $105.5 million
A quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, Dak Prescott recently signed a contract extension with the team which includes a $66 million signing bonus, the highest in the game's history.
Prescott was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the 2016 NFL draft and won the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year that very year. The 27-year old is a crucial member of the Dallas Cowboys outfit and holds several individual records.
The highest-paid American football player in this list, Prescott is currently recovering from a serious ankle injury that ended his 2020 season.
Also Read: 5 greatest Barcelona strikers of all time
#3 Cristiano Ronaldo | $120 million
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.
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.
#2 Lionel Messi | $130 million
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.
#1 Conor McGregor | $180 million
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.
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.
Also Read: 5 Liverpool players who have been treated unfairly by Jurgen Klopp
