Forbes: McGregor picks first spot ahead of Messi, Ronaldo

Conor McGregor, MMA superstar has edged past Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi to top Forbes’ list of the world’s highest-paid athletes.

During the 12-month period up to May 1 this year, the Irishman is said to have earned a whopping $180million, though $150m of that came from the sale of a majority stake in his whiskey brand.

Just in: @Forbes athletes rich list is out! // #UFC fighter Connor McGregor made more money than any other athlete in 2020.#HStvSports #HStvZim #Heartnation #Zimbabwe

Barcelona and Argentina forward Messi was second on the list and set a record as the highest-earning football player after bringing home $130 million while Portugal and Juventus forward Ronaldo earned $120 million to sit third among the top 10 highest-paid athletes.

NFL quarterback Dak Prescott ($107.5 million) of the Dallas Cowboys and four-times NBA champion LeBron James ($96.5 million) rounded out the top five.

 

Tobi Sangotola/sportinglife