World's Richest Athletes 2021, Where Does Ronaldo Rank?

Forbes has released its list of the highest-earning athletes in 2021. Surprisingly, Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fighter Conor McGregor topped the list as the world's highest-paid athlete, beating out top footballers Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Forbes reports that McGregor earned US$180 million (Rp2.56 trillion) in the 12 months from May 2020 to May 2021. McGregor's top spot is attributed to the sale of a majority stake in his Irish whiskey distillery, Proper Twelve. He also owns the video game Dystopia: Contest of Heroes and the brand Roots of Fight.

This is the first time a mixed martial arts athlete has topped the list. Previously, the top spot has alternated between Ronaldo and Messi.

Lionel Messi came in second with total earnings of US$130 million (Rp1.8 trillion). Cristiano Ronaldo took third place with US$120 million (Rp1.7 trillion).

Rounding out the list of the world's highest-earning athletes are Dak Prescott: US$107.5 million (Rp1.5 trillion), LeBron James: US$96.5 million (Rp1.37 trillion), Neymar: US$95 million (Rp1.35 trillion), Roger Federer: US$90 million (Rp1.28 trillion), Lewis Hamilton: US$82 million (Rp1.16 trillion), Tom Brady: US$76 million (Rp1.08 trillion), and Kevin Durant: US$75 million (Rp1.06 trillion).