Highest-paid athletes: Federer tops 2020 list

Roger Federer topped the 2020 Forbes magazine list of highestpaid global athletes announced, leading the lineup for the first time with pre-tax earnings of $106.3 million (€95.5 million). The Swiss tennis legend, a men’s record 20-time Grand Slam singles champion, becomes the first player from his sport atop the annual list since its 1990 debut, rising from fifth in 2019.

Federer’s haul over the past 12 months included $100 million from appearances fees and endorsement deals plus $6.3 million in prize money.

His previous best showing was second in 2013.

Portuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo was second on the list at $105 million, $60 million in salary and $45 million from endorsements, with Argentine football hero Lionel Messi third on $104 million, $32 million of that from sponsorship deals.