Michael Jordan and other billion-dollar athletes, with Cristiano Ronaldo getting closer - in pictures

A look at the career earnings of some of the greatest athletes in history

1. Michael Jordan ($2.2 billion/Dh8bn). One of the greatest NBA players and athletes of all time continues to expand his superstar brand. His career earnings have crossed $2 billion according to celebritynetworth.com, which includes salary, long-term endorsements like the ones with Nike, and stakes in NBA team Charlotte Hornets. AP

2. Tiger Woods ($1.65 billion). The undisputed king of golf has seen the absolute highs and lows of life on and off the course. His career earnings crossed $1bn in 2009 and despite marital woes and long spells on the sidelines due to injury, the money and sponsors continue to roll in. AP

3. Arnold Palmer ($1.4 billion). Seven-time major champion Palmer passed away in 2016 but incredibly is still earning money, through his estate and branded apparel. According to Forbes, the partnership between IMG founder Mark McCormack and Palmer ‘revolutionised sports marketing’. His career earnings are adjusted for inflation. Reuters

4. Jack Nicklaus ($1.2 billion). Another golfer on this list. Nicklaus, Palmer and Gary Player formed the ‘Big Three’ of golf in the 1960s and he cashed in on his star status. Nicklaus' course design company is behind more than 400 courses in 41 countries. AP

5. Michael Schumacher ($1 billion). The Formula One great earned over $1bn during his racing career, including salary and endorsements and is one of only six athletes to top the Forbes highest-paid athletes list since 1990. He continues his recovery from the tragic 2013 skiing incident. Getty

6. Floyd Mayweather Jr ($1 billion). His posse is called 'The Money Team'. Mayweather’s 50-0 record makes him not only one of the greatest pound-for-pound boxers in history, but also the first pugilist to break into the billion dollar world after his cross-over fight with Conor McGregor. AP

7. LeBron James ($930 million). 'King James' is a force of nature in the world of basketball. In 2017, Forbes valued his lifetime earnings at $730m. He signed a four-year deal with the LA Lakers in 2018. His estimated annual earnings of $100m put him within touching distance of the billion dollar club. USA TODAY

8. Cristiano Ronaldo ($910 million). The Portuguese great is famous across seven continents, which reflects in his career earnings. The Juventus star is less than $100m short of becoming the first footballer to earn $1bn in his lifetime, even after accounting for his pay cut due to the coronavirus pandemic this year. AFP

9. Phil Mickelson ($900 million). ‘Lefty’ is another athlete on the verge of breaking into the coveted club, according to celebritynetworth.com. He has already been inducted into the Golf Hall of Fame, and has found a new class of admirers following his eccentric debut on social media.

10. David Beckham (more than $800 million). The English football legend has settled down in the US and according to Forbes, was worth over $800m before his foray into team ownership in Major League Soccer. However, if you include wife Victoria’s brand in the Beckhams portfolio, the number easily shoots past $1 billion. AP

There are good players. Then there are greats. And among them are all-time legends. Comparing sports stars across the world and eras is an impossible task, but what can be assessed is the money they have earned during their career.

There are just a handful of athletes across the world who can claim to have earned over $1 billion (Dh3.6bn) in their lifetime, and even after their death in one case.

We have complied a list of athletes who are part of that ultra-exclusive 'three-comma' club, plus a few who are on the verge of joining. NBA star Michael Jordan is by far the highest-earning athlete of all time, bringing in more than $2 billion and still going strong.

For calculations, lifetime earnings include salary, endorsement deals and brand value after retirement. Figures have been adjusted for inflation. Valuations include those done by Forbes and celebritynetworth.com.

Above is a picture of gallery of the top 10 earners. To move to the next image, click on the arrows. Or if using a mobile device, simply swipe.