Top 10 Richest Athletes in 2012

One way or another, we were stunned in one of the sports or game events that have been shown on television or on the site of the game itself. We have been a fan on one of these games. In fact, some of us become avid followers of the sport or the player, not because of the team or individual ability but because of the record that they have shown and proven in the history. When we are talking about the richest athletes they are the athletes who are experts in specific fields whether it is on basketball, baseball, soccer, and even boxing. They give honor to the country they represent where the strength and speed that they are showing made them qualified to be part of that league. Hence, aside from their performances, they are also recognized with the equal compensation that they are receiving aside from praises from the people. In fact, for this year’s list, here are the top 10 Richest Athletes in 2012.

10. Lionel Messi

He has a total net worth of $32.3 Million who plays as forward for ball team from Argentina where he served as a captain for the Argentine National Team. He started playing when he was still young but his potential was realized until year of 2000 when his family settled in Europe. In fact, he still holds the title as the best soccer player for 2012, which he has been holding for the past few years.

9. Michael Schumacher

He has a total net worth of $34 million and is German racing driver that represents the Mercedez GP team. He holds the 7-time World Champion and is considered to be the top racing driver in this field, and was recognized because of his 11-year spell with Ferrari. He has received various awards like the fastest laps, most championships and the number of won races.

8. Alex Rodriguez

His current net worth is $35 million and he is playing as a third baseman at American Professional Baseball wherein he plays at New York Yankees. He is better known as Rod in the field and he is one of the best all around players of all time according to history. In fact, he had recorded the first ever heralded top notch scores in home runs, which was 500, while 600 as the youngest and 14 100-RBI seasons. He has received the title as American League Most Valuable Player, a couple of times.

7. Cristiano Ronaldo

He is a footballer from Portugal that has a total net worth of $38 million. He plays as a winger and striker at Spanish La Liga Club Real Madrid. Aside from being part of this list, he is the most expensive player who has been paid according to the history of football, specifically when he moved to Real Madrid after closing a deal of £80 million, which is equivalent to €94 million. In calculation, he is receiving an annual pay of €12 million as stated in the contract that he signed.

6. David Beckham

This boy next door from the association of footballers has a current net worth of $40 million and is a free agent at the moment. His career began when he signed a contract at Manchester United in 1992 and he was 17 years old during that time, while other opportunities to be part of other team came in his way. In fact, he has also appeared in various films in a cameo role such as Goal! The Dream Begins in 2005, Goal 2! Living the Dream and in 2009, Goal! 3: Taking on the World.

 5. Phil Mickelson

He is better known as Lefty as an American Professional Golfer who has a total net worth of $46.5 million and had won 4 major championships. He was elected as the World Golf Hall of Fame last year of 2011, wherein it will be personally awarded to him by May 2012.

4. Roger Federer

He is from the tennis field who had earned a total net worth of $47 million who has been at the No.1 position for 237 consecutive weeks where he has been ranked as #3 worldwide, as a tennis player by the Association of Tennis Professionals. In fact, he has received various titles but everyone believed that he is the greatest tennis player of all time.

3. LeBron James

“King James” as everyone calls him at National Basketball Association who is a player of Miami Heat and has a total net worth of $48 million. He has received various awards such as NBA Rookie of the Year, NBA Most Valuable Player, and All-Star every season and other citations.

2. Kobe Bryant

Who would ever forget the shooting guard from Los Angeles Lakers from the National Basketball Association, who has a total net worth of $53 million. He is known for his highflying moves and for his slam-dunks. In fact, he got the second highest point of all time in 2006 wherein he earned 81 points in a single game.

1. Tiger Woods

Another golfer has topped this list because he has a total net worth of $100 million and was considered as the most successful golf player in history. In fact, he was the richest athlete in 2010, where he got richer from championships tournaments and endorsements.