Khaberni - Retired American basketball legend Michael Jordan tops the list of the highest-earning athletes in history, by a significant margin over his nearest pursuers.
Despite being away from playing basketball for more than two decades, Jordan has maintained his position as the highest-earning athlete in history according to a list highlighted by the Spanish newspaper "Sport".
Jordan’s earnings (aged 63) have risen to $3.28 billion, equivalent to $4.5 billion after adjusting for inflation (recalculating the old amount at its current value).
Jordan significantly leads over his compatriot Tiger Woods, the golf legend, who holds the second position with $2.88 billion.
Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo, playing for Saudi club Al Nassr, holds the third position in this list, but he is the first among football players, with earnings just over $2.5 billion.
List of the top 10 highest-earning athletes in history in US dollars adjusted for inflation:
1. American Michael Jordan (basketball): $4.5 billion.
2. American Tiger Woods (golf): $2.88 billion.
3. Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo (football): $2.52 billion.
4. American LeBron James (basketball): $2.03 billion.
5. Argentine Lionel Messi (football): $1.99 billion.
6. American Arnold Palmer (golf): $1.85 billion.
7. American Jack Nicklaus (golf): $1.83 billion.
8. English David Beckham (football): $1.68 billion.
9. Swiss Roger Federer (tennis): $1.67 billion.
10. American Floyd Mayweather (boxing): $1.57 billion.
Jordan's Economic Empire
Jordan has secured his status as the highest-earning athlete in the world, thanks to the economic empire he built over many years based on his historic sports partnership signed with "Nike" in 1984.
Even after retiring, Jordan has not faded from the sports scene. He owns the "23XI Racing" car racing team, as well as holding a share in the Charlotte Hornets, competing in the NBA.
Through his trademark brands, he has managed to expand into the world of fashion, attracting female audiences, in addition to entering fields beyond basketball.
Jordan has established historic partnerships with various companies specializing in energy drinks, video games, and school stationery, along with investments in other sectors including those dealing with sports data and statistics, tech-focused and eSports.
