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.
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.
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.
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 Brazilian striker Neymar was sixth on the list with $95 million (RM391.9 million).
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 ($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
