Sports & Fitness

Conor McGregor tops Forbes 2020 sporting rich list

Messi, Ronaldo, James, Neymar, Federer and Hamilton rounded out the Top 10 list of the highest-paid athletes in the world

Updated 5 years ago · Published on 13 May 2021 9:53AM

Conor McGregor tops Forbes 2020 sporting rich list — The bulk of Conor McGregor's earnings in 2020 ─ an estimated RM651.8 million ─ came from his successful business activities, including the sale of his whiskey brand ─ pic courtesy of AFP, 13 May 2021

MIXED martial arts superstar Conor McGregor was the sporting world's highest-paid athlete in 2020, raking in around $180 million (RM742.5 million) with earnings boosted by commercial ventures, a Forbes report showed Wednesday.

The 32-year-old Irishman only fought once in 2020, earning around $22 million (RM90.7 million) from his victory over Donald Cerrone in January.

Barcelona superstar, Lionel Messi, came in second on the list with RM536.3 million in earnings

The bulk of the former plumber's pay packet ─ an estimated $158 million (RM651.8 million) ─ came via his successful business activities, which included the sale of his Proper Twelve whiskey brand.

McGregor was one of only four athletes to earn more than $100 million (RM412.5 million) in 2020, according to the Forbes annual list of sport's highest earners.

Juventus idol, Cristiano Ronaldo, came in third on the list with RM495 million in earnings

Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi was second on the list with $130 million (RM536.3 million) in earnings, followed by Juventus idol Cristiano Ronaldo with $120 million (RM495 million).

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott was ranked fourth on the list with $107.5 million (RM443.4 million).

The bulk of Prescott's earnings came via a $66 million (RM272.2 million) signing bonus agreed when he inked a $160 million (RM660 million) contract extension with the iconic NFL franchise.

Los Angeles Lakers' LeBron James, came in fifth on the list with RM398.1 million in earnings

LeBron James came in fifth with $96.5 million (RM398.1 million) after a year that saw him lead the Los Angeles Lakers to the NBA Finals crown.

Some $65 million (RM268.1 million) of James' earnings came from endorsements and other off-the-court activities.

Paris Saint-Germain's striker, Neymar, came in sixth on the list with RM391.9 million in earnings

Paris Saint-Germain's Brazilian striker Neymar was sixth on the list with $95 million (RM391.9 million).

Swiss tennis star, Roger Federer ─ in seventh place ─ earned most of his RM371.2 million from endorsements

Swiss tennis star Roger Federer, meanwhile, continued to make the top 10 despite playing only one tournament in 2020. The 20-time Grand Slam singles champion earned most of his $90 million (RM371.2 million) from endorsements.

Formula One star, Lewis Hamilton, came in eighth on the list with RM338.2 million in earnings

Formula One star Lewis Hamilton ($82 million [RM338.2 million]), NFL Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady ($76 million [RM313.5 million]) and NBA Brooklyn Nets ace Kevin Durant ($75 million [RM309.4 million]) rounded out the top 10. ─ AFP, 13 May 2021