(Reuters)

Irish MMA fighter Conor McGregor was the world’s highest-paid athlete over the last year, ahead of soccer players Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, according to the annual Forbes list released today (May 12).

During the 12-month period ending May 1, 2021, McGregor earned US$180 million, a figure which includes US$158 million from endorsements and the recent sale of the majority stake of his whiskey brand, Forbes said.

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

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

Forbes said its on-the-field earnings figures include all prize money, salaries and bonuses earned during the 12-month period while off-the-field earnings are an estimate of sponsorship deals, appearance fees and licensing income.