The Highest-Earning Athletes of All Time: Who Are They?

Michael Jordan is the highest-earning athlete of all time. According to Statista, Jordan's inflation-adjusted career earnings reached US$2.62 billion, or approximately Rp 37.25 trillion (using an exchange rate of US$1 = Rp 14,220).

Most of this income comes from ongoing licensing payments from Nike. In the fiscal year ending May 31, 2021, the Oregon-based sportswear giant sold US$4.7 billion worth of merchandise under the Jordan brand, with the American basketball player's annual income exceeding US$100 million, according to Forbes estimates.

The next highest-earning athlete is Tiger Woods. The American golfer has recorded career earnings of US$2.10 billion.

Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus follow as the highest-earning athletes of all time. These American golfers recorded career earnings of US$1.50 billion and US$1.38 billion, respectively.

Meanwhile, soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo has recorded career earnings of US$1.24 billion. Following him, boxer Floyd Mayweather and basketball player LeBron James have recorded career earnings of US$1.20 billion and US$1.17 billion, respectively.

Next, Argentinian soccer player Lionel Messi has recorded career earnings of US$1.14 billion. Meanwhile, German race car driver Michael Schumacher and Swedish tennis player Roger Federer have career earnings of US$1.12 billion.