Forbes releases 2021 list of highest-paid athletes (See top 10)

Forbes has released its annual list of the top 10 highest-paid athletes of the year.

Forbes reported on Wednesday that Former UFC champion, Conor McGregor, topped sports highest-earners after banking $275 million.

McGregor is ahead of football Icons, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who occupied the third and fourth positions, respectively.

The 32-year-old Irishman lands at the number one position for the first time as he earned a total of $180 million over the last 12 months.

Meanwhile, Messi and Ronaldo earned $130 million and $120 million, respectively.

The Barcelona captain made $97 million on the field and $33 million off the field thanks to sponsorships, a lifetime deal with Adidas and a clothing line with Ginny Hilfiger, while the Juventus forward made $70 million on the field and $50 million off the field with a lifetime deal with Nike and his CR7 business.

The list of the top 10 are presented below:

1. Conor McGregor ($275m)

2. Lionel Messi ($130m)

3. Cristiano Ronaldo ($120m)

4. Dak Prescott ($107.5m)

5. LeBron James ($96.5m)

6. Neymar ($95m)

7. Roger Federer ($90m)

8. Lewis Hamilton ($82m)

9. Tom Brady ($76m)

10. Kevin Durant ($75m)