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Los Angeles (AFP)
Mixed martial arts superstar Conor McGregor was the highest paid athlete in the world in 2020 with a gross of about $ 180 million, mostly from his commercial activity, according to a report by Forbes magazine released Wednesday.
The 32-year-old Irishman only fought once in 2020, and from that win over Donald Cerrone in January he took home about $ 22 million.
The bulk of the exploiter’s salary package, an estimated $ 158 million, came from his successful business activities, which included the sale of his Proper Twelve brand of whiskey.
McGregor was one of four athletes to earn more than $ 100 million in 2020, according to Forbes’ annual list of top-earning athletes.
Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi of Argentina was second on the list with $ 130 million in earnings, followed by Juventus idol Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal with $ 120 million.
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott ranked fourth on the list with $ 107.5 million. Most of Prescott’s earnings came from a $ 66 million bonus he agreed to upon signing a $ 160 million contract extension with the iconic NFL franchise.
LeBron James was fifth with $ 96.5 million after a year in which he led the Los Angeles Lakers to the crown in the NBA Finals. About $ 65 million of LeBron’s earnings came from endorsements and other off-court activities.
Paris Saint-Germain Brazilian forward Neymar was sixth on the list with $ 95 million.
Meanwhile, Swiss tennis star Roger Federer continued in the ‘Top 10’ despite playing only one tournament in 2020.
The 20-time Grand Slam champion in singles earned most of his 90 million endorsements as well.
Formula One star British Lewis Hamilton (82 million), NFL Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (76 million) and NBA Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant (75 million) rounded out the ‘Top 10’.
© 2021 AFP
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