Today, we’ll be looking at the impressive financial achievements of the current richest professional athletes in the world. Most of these athletes have retired from playing but continue to make a name for themselves in entrepreneurship, business, and investing through their hard work and talent even after their sports career ended. They all created huge financial success, with many even becoming billionaires. Whether you’re a basketball, golf, soccer, football, or motorsports fan, there’s someone of interest for everyone in this list of the wealthiest athletes in the world.[1]
1. Michael Jordan $1.7 billion net worth
Michael Jordan is a retired American professional basketball player considered to be the greatest of all time. He made his money through a combination of salary, endorsements, and investments. Jordan earned tens of millions of dollars in salary during his playing career from 1984 to 2003. He also signed numerous endorsement deals with major brands such as Nike, Gatorade, and Hanes. In addition to his income from basketball and endorsements, Jordan has also made successful investments in various businesses, including restaurants, car dealerships, and golf courses. Michael Jordan is a billionaire and the richest athlete in the world.
2. Ion Tiriac $1.2 billion net worth
Ion Tiriac is a Romanian billionaire businessman and former professional tennis player. He made his fortune in various industries, including insurance, real estate, and automotive. Tiriac is the co-founder of the Tiriac Group, a conglomerate interested in banking, insurance, and other sectors. He has also made significant investments in real estate, including developing luxury residential and commercial properties in Romania and other Eastern European countries. In addition to his business ventures, Tiriac is also the owner of the Madrid Open, one of the premier tennis tournaments on the ATP Tour.
3. Tiger Woods $1 billion net worth
Tiger Woods is a professional golfer and one of the highest-paid athletes in the world. He has made his money through prize money, endorsements, and investments. Woods has won numerous golf tournaments throughout his career, including the Masters, the PGA Championship, and the US Open, contributing to his income. In addition to his prize money, Woods has also signed endorsement deals with major brands such as Nike, Gatorade, Buick, and Bridgestone. He has also invested in various businesses, including golf courses and restaurants. Forbes reported that he turned down a “high nine digits” deal to play on the new Saudi-backed golf tour, but no worries. Thanks to endorsement deals and real estate, he’s a billionaire anyway. [2]
4. Anna Kasprzak $1 billion net worth
Anna Kasprzak is a Danish dressage rider and Olympic athlete. She has made money through prize money, sponsorships, and endorsements. Kasprzak has competed in numerous international dressage competitions, including the Olympics, and has earned money through winning. She has endorsement deals with companies in the equestrian industry and other related fields. Kasprzak has also made money through other ventures, such as coaching and training.
5. Magic Johnson $630 million net worth
Earvin “Magic” Johnson is a retired American professional basketball player and successful entrepreneur. He made his money through a combination of salary, endorsements, and investments. Johnson earned tens of millions of dollars in salary during his playing career from 1979 to 1996. He also signed numerous endorsement deals with major brands such as Coca-Cola, Converse, and MCI. In addition to his income from basketball and endorsements, Johnson has also made successful investments in various businesses, including movie theaters, restaurants, and fitness clubs. He’s currently the chairman and CEO of Magic Johnson Enterprises, a diversified holding company that invests in various industries.[3]
6. Lionel Messi $620 million net worth
Lionel Messi is an Argentine professional soccer player who plays for Barcelona and the Argentine national team. He has made money through salary, endorsements, and sponsorships. Messi earns a significant salary as a professional soccer player and has also signed endorsement deals with major brands such as Adidas, Pepsi, and Gatorade. Messi has also received sponsorship deals from companies in the soccer industry and other related fields. He’s widely considered one of the greatest soccer players and has won numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. Messi had never won a FIFA World Cup prior to Qatar in 2022. It was the only major trophy that he had not won throughout his career. His career is now complete. [4]
7. Eddie Jordan $600 million net worth
Eddie Jordan is a former Irish racing driver, team owner, and businessman. He made money through his racing career, team ownership, and various business ventures. Eddie Jordan competed in Formula One as a driver in the 1970s and 1980s and later owned and operated the Jordan Grand Prix team. He has also invested in various other businesses, including restaurants and hotels. In addition to his business ventures, Jordan has worked as a television commentator and analyst for motorsports events.[5]
8. Junior Bridgeman $600 million net worth
Ulysses Lee “Junior” Bridgeman is a retired American professional basketball player and successful entrepreneur. He made his money through a combination of salary, endorsements, and investments. Bridgeman earned millions of dollars in salary during his playing career, which spanned from 1975 to 1987. He also signed endorsement deals with various brands. In addition to his income from basketball and endorsements, Bridgeman has also made successful investments in various businesses, including fast-food franchises and wine distribution. He’s currently the CEO of Bridgeman Foods, a restaurant franchising company that operates over 250 locations in the United States.
9. Michael Schumacher $600 million net worth
Michael Schumacher is a retired German racing driver considered one of the greatest Formula One drivers of all time. He made his money through salary, endorsements, and sponsorships. Schumacher earned millions of dollars in salary during his racing career, which spanned from 1991 to 2012. He also signed endorsement deals with major brands such as Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz, and Nike. In addition to his income from racing and endorsements, Schumacher also received sponsorship deals from companies in the racing industry and other related fields. After retiring from racing, Schumacher has also worked as a consultant for various motorsports teams.
10. Roger Staubach $600 million net worth
Roger Staubach is a retired American football player who made money through a combination of salary, endorsements, and business ventures. Staubach played as a quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys from 1969 to 1979 and was a six-time Pro Bowl selection. He earned millions of dollars in salary during his playing career and also signed endorsement deals with various brands. In addition to his income from football and endorsements, Staubach has also been successful in business. He is the founder and chairman of The Staubach Company, a commercial real estate firm acquired by Jones Lang LaSalle in 2008.
Conclusion
All these athletes had the rare dual abilities to win on the playing filed and in the finance world of investing and business. They managed to do both through their hard work and dedication to their craft and their wealth. Whether it’s Michael Jordan’s legendary basketball career, Tiger Woods’s dominance on the golf course or Lionel Messi’s record-breaking soccer performances, each of these athletes has left a lasting mark on their respective sports and then also joined the ranks of the wealthy.
In addition to their on-field successes, these athletes have also achieved impressive success off the field. From endorsement deals and business ventures to philanthropic efforts, each of these individuals has used their platform to impact their communities positively and beyond.