On Friday, Forbes magazine released its 2021 athlete revenue rankings, with MMA McGregor topping the list for the first time with a revenue of $180 million, Messi at No. 2 and Cristiano Ronaldo in third place.
In 2016, McGregor joked in a conversation with Ronaldo, "Sooner or later I will replace you, maybe next year." At that time, Cristiano Ronaldo ranked first in the Forbes athlete income chart with a revenue of $88 million.
After 5 years, McGregor finally achieved his dream. After receiving a call from Forbes, McGregor said, "Honestly, I've been waiting for a long time, and I've been waiting for this call. I'm glad I was able to beat Ronaldo this year. ”
In 2021, McGregor earned $22 million by competing in the UFC, and by selling his stake in his own whisky brand, McGregor earned $150 million, with annual revenues of up to $180 million, thus ranking first in the list.
Messi was second with 130 million, and Cristiano Ronaldo was third with 120 million. However, Ronaldo's off-field income reached 50 million, still surpassing Messi.
In 2021, a total of 4 people earned more than 100 million US dollars, and rugby superstar Prescott also earned 107.5 million US dollars, after the previous record was 3 people who created more than 100 million yuan in 2018.
Of the top 50 players, 18 rugby players made the list, basketball came in second with 13, and football came in second. Among the 21 who made the list for the first time, bayern striker Levan. Meanwhile, the 22-year-old Mbappe became the youngest player to make it into the top 50.
Forbes 2021 Athlete Revenue Rankings:
1 - McGregor, 180 million
2 - Messi, 130 million
3-C Ronaldo, 120 million
4 - Prescott, 107.5 million
5 - LeBron James, 96.5 million
6- Neymar, 95 million
7 - Roger Federer, 90 million
8- Lewis Hamilton, 82 million
9- Tom Brady, 76 million
10- Kevin Durant, 75 million