Forbes release top 10 highest paid male athletes in world for 2020 with Federer earning mega £86M just ahead of Ronaldo – The Sun

ROGER FEDERER has become the first tennis player ever to top Forbes' list of the world's highest-paid male athletes.

The American lifestyle magazine revealed that the Swiss legend had leapfrogged football icons, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

The World Number Four's ascent to top of the rich list for the first time in his career was partly made possible by the fact that the coronavirus pandemic has halted all major sports.

Both Ronaldo and Messi have seen massive salary cuts as the collective gross of wealth across Forbes' annual list is down nine per cent from 2019.

But not to diminish Federer's incredible haul that has lifted him from fifth last year to the top.

The 38-year-old has raked in over £5million in prize money alongside £81m from endorsements and appearance fees.

Here's who else Forbes named as the top-earning sporting superstar of 2020…

1. ROGER FEDERER

Sport: Tennis

Earnings: £86million

FEDERER was the only tennis ace to crack the list of the decade's highest earners and has now been crowned king of 2020.

The Swiss legend's endorsement portfolio is unmatched among active athletes, with 13 brands paying to represent him.

He joins Tiger Woods as the only two active athletes to hit $100 million (81m) in a single year from sponsorships alone.

2. CRISTIANO RONALDO

Sport: Football

Earnings: £85million

FINISHING just behind Federer but managing to best Messi for another personal accolade, Ronaldo is the highest-paid footballer of the year.

Despite a salary cut, the Portuguese's profile off the pitch is second to none, with the Juventus superstar commanding huge endorsement deals and has the highest number of followers on Instagram and Facebook.

3. LIONEL MESSI

Sport: Football

Earnings: £84million

MUCH like Federer, Messi was locked in another personal battle of his own this year, going up against Cristiano Ronaldo for the Ballon d'Or once again.

While the Argentine emerged victorious in December for his performances on the pitch, the Barcelona star, earns close to £2m a week, was beaten to the punch in Forbes' list, pocketing £84m.

4. NEYMAR

Sport: Football

Earnings: £77million

THE money rapidly began to roll in for Neymar in 2013 after his move to Barcelona from Santos.

However, his move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017 saw his income skyrocket, with Neymar pocketing £77m alone in 2020 – fourth in the world.

5. LEBRON JAMES

Sport: Basketball

Earnings: £71million

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron takes his rightful spot at the top of Basketball's elite here.

The Space Jam 2 actor, who earns more from endorsements than salary, raked in over £70m over the past 12 months.

6. STEPH CURRY

Sport: Basketball

Earnings: £60million

7. KEVIN DURANT

Sport: Basketball

Earnings: £60million

8. TIGER WOODS

Sport: Golf

Earnings: £50million

In 2019, Woods ended an 11-year major trophy drought by winning the Masters in April.

And the American has since followed up that success with a spot on the top-ten list with earnings of over £50m.

9. KIRK COUSINS

Sport: American Football

Earnings: £49million

10. CARSON WENTZ

Sport: American Football

Earnings: £48million

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