The Most Iconic and Successful Sports Persons in History

1. Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan is widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time. During his career, he won six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls and earned the Finals MVP award five times. His impact on the sport and global culture is immeasurable, leading to a reported annual income of over 100 million dollars from endorsements and other ventures post-retirement.

2. Serena Williams
Serena Williams has made a significant mark on women’s tennis. With 23 Grand Slam singles titles, she holds the record for the most in the Open Era. Williams has earned more than 94 million dollars in prize money alone, making her one of the highest-earning female athletes in history, with endorsements pushing her total income to over 300 million dollars.

3. Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods revolutionized golf and is one of the highest-paid athletes in history. He has won 15 major championships and has held the world No. 1 ranking for a total of 683 weeks. His influence has led to an estimated career earnings of over 1.5 billion dollars, including endorsements and other business ventures.

4. Usain Bolt
Usain Bolt is considered the fastest man ever, having set world records in the 100 meters (9.58 seconds) and 200 meters (19.19 seconds) during his illustrious career. Bolt has won 8 Olympic gold medals and has made significant earnings through endorsements, totaling an estimated 90 million dollars.

5. Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the biggest names in football. With over 800 career goals and five Ballon d’Or awards, he has consistently been among the top earners in sports. His earnings are estimated to be around 120 million dollars annually, primarily due to lucrative contracts and endorsements.

6. Muhammad Ali
Muhammad Ali, known as “The Greatest,” is a legendary figure in boxing with 56 wins, 37 by knockout. Beyond his boxing prowess, Ali was a cultural icon and social activist. His impact has transcended sports, with his estate still earning millions annually through various business ventures.

7. Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi is often compared to Cristiano Ronaldo in the debate over the greatest footballer of all time. With 7 Ballon d’Or awards and numerous records, he has made substantial earnings through his soccer career and endorsements. His annual income is estimated to exceed 130 million dollars, showcasing his influence both on and off the field.