Athletes have seen an unprecedented level of success in recent years, with the global sports landscape undergoing drastic changes. With the advent of technology and media, athletes are getting more exposure and recognition than ever before. The chart below displays the estimated value of the top 10 global athletes of 2020, according to Forbes.
| Athlete | Estimated Value (in millions) |
| -------------------- | --------------------------- |
| Lionel Messi | 126 |
| Cristiano Ronaldo | 117 |
| Neymar Jr. | 96 |
| LeBron James | 92 |
| Roger Federer | 91 |
| Kevin Durant | 65 |
| Tiger Woods | 62 |
| Lewis Hamilton | 54 |
| Stephen Curry | 53 |
| Kirk Cousins | 53 |
Though this chart is certainly impressive, it’s important to remember that the success of any athlete is not measured solely in monetary terms. Rather, the value of an athlete lies in their work ethic, dedication to their craft, and the impact they have on their sport as well as their fans.