The Athletes' Aristocracy: A Billion Dollar Club Beyond Reach The Forbes list of the world's highest paid athletes has long been a benchmark for the global sports industry's health and trends. This year's $4.
1 billion haul by the top 50 players highlights an elite group that is increasingly detached from the broader athletic landscape.
Cristiano Ronaldo tops this list, tying his estimated $300 million earnings with boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. 's record from 2015 for the largest sum earned by an active athlete.