Basketball player Michael Jordan is recognized as the highest paid athlete in history

Former basketball player of the American club Chicago, Michael Jordan, took first place in the list of the highest—paid athletes in history, with his total income, adjusted for inflation, of $ 4.5 billion. The list of athletes was presented by the Sportico portal on April 1.

Last year alone, according to the publication's estimates, Jordan earned about $275 million, his income mainly came from Nike advertising contracts.Газета.Ru ".

In second place is the 15—time winner of Major tournaments, golfer Tiger Woods, with incomes of $2.88 billion. The third place was taken by five-time winner of the Golden Ball, soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo, with revenues of $2.52 billion.

The top ten highest-paid athletes also included basketball player LeBron James ($2.03 billion), soccer player Lionel Messi ($1.99 billion), golfers Arnold Palmer ($1.85 billion) and Jack Nicklaus ($1.83 billion), soccer player David Beckham ($1.26 billion), tennis player Roger Federer ($1.29 billion) boxer Floyd Mayweather ($1.16 billion).

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On November 11, 2025, the newspaper O Jogo reported on Ronaldo's decision to participate in the 2026 World Cup for the last time at a professional level. When asked about recent statements about retirement, the athlete joked that "it will happen in 10 years."

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