Online Reporter
TIGER WOODS has been named the second richest athlete of all time, just days after his DUI arrest.
The legendary golfer is one of the most dominant stars the sport has seen.
And despite a turbulent life off the course, the latest chapter of which saw Woods roll his car before being arrested on DUI charges last week, he has amassed quite the fortune during his 30-year career.
A recent analysis by sports business publication Sportico revealed the best-paid athletes in history, with the American netting himself an impressive second-place. His estimated earnings, when adjusted for inflation, ballooned to £2.18billion($2.88B).
Over $100million of that figure is attributed to his competition winnings, having a joint-record 82 PGA Tour wins, and 15 major titles.
But the vast majority of the funds, like many names on the list, comes through endorsement deals, including the likes of Nike, Gatorade, American Express and Rolex.
But all that money lays barely a hand on the fortune of the rich-list table-topper, Basketball icon Michael Jordan.
The 63-year-old set records with his monster NBA contracts, but is still raking it in thanks to his range of brand deals, pushing his inflation-adjusted earnings to £3.41billion($4.5B).
He has acted as a spokesperson for Coca Cola and McDonalds, but his most lucrative agreement came through Nike, with his Jordan line of trainers — though the Jordan brand has now expanded into a sportswear empire.
Cristiano Ronaldo secured the third spot on the list at £1.91billion($2.52B), to which he is still adding thanks to his $178m-a-year wages in Saudi Arabia.
Just outside the top three is basketball legend LeBron James at £1.54billion($2.03B).
He just about pips Lionel Messi‘s £1.51billion($1.99B) to the fourth spot, and is the only star between the two biggest names in football.
Golf legends Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus take up the sixth and seventh spots at £1.4billion($1.85B) and £1.39billion($1.83B) respectively.
David Beckham is the only Brit to feature inside the top 10 at £1.27billion($1.68B), thanks largely to his massive presence outside of the sport, including a number of fashion endorsements.
Roger Federer follows closely behind the former Manchester United star at £1.26billion($1.67B), the only tennis star to feature in the top 25 on the rich list.
And boxing star Floyd Mayweather rounds out the top ten at £1.19billion($1.57B), which will be sure to increase after his fight with Manny Pacquiao. — Sun
Mathew Masinge