Successful athletes are healthy and wealthy, some wealthier than others. There are those who stand out not just for having a huge fortune, but for the lifestyle they lead. Some go wild and behave in an off-the-charts manner with their crazy activities as they’ve got a bank account to support that. However, they somehow manage to see through their athletic obligations and maintain their lifestyle. Other athletes are more subtle but definitely enjoy their huge gains with cars, houses, and exotic trips. It’s the norm for people to enjoy their wealth and work hard for it. Let’s take a look at some athletes whose lifestyles seem to outshine that of most A-list celebrities.
Maria Sharapova doesn’t just look good; she’s amazingly talented as well. As the only Russian to win a career Grand Slam, she has been ranked as number one in women’s tennis four times – with enormous earnings to prove it. She often shows herself on Instagram vacationing in exotic locations, posing at red carpet events with celebrities, and relaxing around her massive home. It’s even more admirable when you think of the situation, and realize that she, apart from all this, has to discipline and condition herself constantly to be in top form.
Dennis Rodman – $500K
Dennis Rodman is the NBA star who won five titles with the Detroit Pistons and then with the Chicago Bulls. He is also rather famous for his appearance, his eccentric ear piercings, and his ever-changing hair color. He lives up to a wild image, spending on pro-wrestling and nutty costumes. The retired American Hall of Fame professional basketball player is rather outrageous, and he can afford to be, too. To give you an idea, he once owned a 1996 Hummer H1 that he had covered with revealing photos of women, and it went for $55,500. Wild!
When Derek Jeter exploded onto the baseball scene in the 1990s, he made a huge wave. In 1996, he won Rookie of the Year; and in 1999, he signed a huge contract with the New York Yankees for about $119 million. It was a brand new age for the Yankees’ dynasty, and Jeter was the star, winning five World Series Championships. He was famous for his partying ways and his dating lifestyle as well. Eventually, he married model Hannah Davis, and together, they own a $14.7-million deluxe house in New York.
Two- time MVP Stephen Curry has taken the NBA to a new level of excitement with his fantastic playing. And as a result of his success in this, his lifestyle has been further elevated, and his wealth management adviser must be very busy. Some of the big wigs in Hollywood and music are always singing his praises on the court on Twitter, and this has only been a boost to him, snagging a $4 million mansion in the elite hillside area of San Francisco. His vehicle collection includes Porsches which is really cool!
The San Francisco Giants catcher and first baseman purchased his opulent Lafayette home for $4.6 million in 2013. Spanning 6,038 square feet, the six-bedroom, five-bathroom home features park-style grounds with lush landscape, a pool, patio, stone columns, and a custom white wood electric gate. This is coupled with a collection of sweet rides such as a Bentley Continental, Pagani, Range Rover, and Ferrari. We hear Steph Curry and Mötley Crüe rocker Vince Neil also own pricey properties nearby so the area must be a popular choice among A-listers.
Currently a free agent, the Miami Heat forward played for 13 seasons in the NBA, earning over $20 million a season until 2016 when he suffered a series of blood clots. Bosh admits that despite earning a lot, he knows nothing about finance. To make up for his bad choices when he was younger, Bosh now reportedly sits down with his financial advisor every month to go over everything, line by line. Still, one of the excellent choices he did make is his resort-style mansion in Miami which is now up on the market.
Often described by his friends as laidback, the Golden State Warriors’ shooting guard bought a $2.2-million ocean-view home in Dana Point in 2015 to match his personality but enjoy affluence nonetheless. The Spanish-style ranch house has a courtyard with a pool and spa, two guest casitas, an entertainment wing with a wet bar, pool table, and a lounge area. One interesting trivia dished out by Klay’s teammate Draymond Green is that there are tons of people living in Klay’s palatial home that Dray ended up sleeping on the couch when he crashed at Klay’s place.
Michael Jordan, probably the greatest player to have ever graced the NBA courts, had amassed a fortune by the time he’d reached retirement – and that has only grown. Now, he’s worth $1.65 billion. In just one year, he went from a multi-millionaire to a worldly billionaire. According to Forbes, Jordan has broken into the list of billionaires for the very first time in 2018, by adding $350 million to the fortune he had in 2017. This was largely achieved through Jordan Brand and his being a major owner of the Charlotte Hornets.
If your nickname is “Money,” then it figures that you got it for a reason. Mayweather is one of the few real mega-stars remaining in boxing. He frequently pulls stunts like showing photos of him actually counting piles of bucks on his private aircraft, or featuring his $6.4 million watch collection; or a receipt drawn on his $123 million checking account. He’s known for his extravagant way of life, and for not being afraid to show everyone how wealthy he is at the moment. Ask Instagram fans to predict the opulent vehicle he would drive of his six…
At this time, Cristiano Ronaldo is believed to be the world’s greatest soccer player. The 26 trophies he’s won include five Ballon d’Or awards and five UEFA Championships. Ronaldo’s fame has only grown with time, and it is obvious whenever he plays. His current worth is $450 million due mostly to a massive number of Social Media followers – Ronaldo has 128 million followers on Instagram! The soccer player also owns his own hotel, lines of luxury footwear, a mobile app, a fragrance line, and a phenomenal Lamborghini. We’re not even going to mention his private aircraft and his insane homes!
The Houston Astros’ starting pitcher and Kate Upton’s husband ranked 40th on the Forbes list of highest-paid athletes in 2017. With his sizable bank account, it’s no surprise that Justin can afford a $5.25-million estate in Beverly Crest, Los Angeles, as well as an expensive hobby of collecting exotic rides like his Lamborghini Aventador Roadster. But it doesn’t stop there! He is also the proud owner of a 1967 Ford Mustang Fastback Eleanor, the only officially licensed replica of the star vehicle from the film Gone in 60 Seconds. That’s what you get for being a millionaire!
Top tennis player Roger Federer has won twenty Grand Slam singles titles, which is the highest for any player in history. As you might expect, it translated to a large bank account balance. So it’s no surprise that his Swiss home is a sight to behold. Reminiscent of a James Bond movie structure, it’s located by Lake Zurich. Then there’s his Dubai penthouse. He’s often sharing Instagram photos of him partying in that country. But then, making around $80 million per year as the highest paid tennis star puts him a cut above rich athletes.
The first Indian woman to win an Olympic silver medal in badminton, Sindhu is seventh on the Forbes list of the world’s highest-earning female athletes. After winning the Olympic silver, she was gifted with a two-acre land and a BMW by two different associations in India, plus cash prizes from various state governments and government institutions. Since then, she has partnered with several top companies but the one thing she would never endorse is soda. She could have closed a big deal with a soda brand but, honestly, she already has huge earnings.
Rafael Nadal – $160 Million
Rafael Nadal is the owner of a beautifully decorated luxurious home that he bought in 2012. He is the greatest clay court player of his generation, and he’s proud to have broken a three-year Grand Slam title slump. He raked in $6 million for his U.S. Open and French Open wins. Over the past year, he’s amassed about $14.4 million. That’s certainly no small change! He splurges on a private luxury car collection and whizzes about in style off the courts. He is also known to spoil himself with traveling and lavish holiday resorts.
Anna Kournikova’s showed great promise as a tennis star in her early years. But she wasn’t able to come through in the big tournaments or events, and on top of this, injuries shortened her career. But what she had going for her, was her incredible good looks, shape, and appeal. They made her very marketable, bringing tons of endorsements and magazine shoots that opened up the way for riches to follow. To prove our point, she sold her Miami mansion for $7.4 million, and her current net worth is $60 million.
David Beckham is known as the handsome Manchester United player who became really famous and wealthy, and of course, British tabloids fodder. The level of his fame was seen in the movie, Bend It Like Beckham, to show his fame. He married Spice Girls‘ Victoria Adams, or “Posh Spice” as she was popularly known then. Today, their company, Beckham Brand Holdings, also manages David’s imaging rights, from which earnings run into the thousands from endorsements. He and Victoria live a very luxurious lifestyle with their four children, who have already made their first steps towards stardom as well.
Tom Brady turned New England into a dynasty, but it took six rounds of the 2000 NFL draft for them to pick him. But once he took over, he began a record that speaks for itself. He’s had eight Super Bowls, and five of them were victories. Brady has been a three-time MVP and a Hall of Famer, too. Naturally, his personal finances have ballooned and now is at $180 million, with the help of endorsements. His home in Boston is like an English estate, and his mansion in L.A. has a solar-powered generator.
Being a successful hockey player certainly has its perks! Jeff Carter, who currently plays for the Los Angeles Kings, is without a doubt one of the best hockey players and, considering the big paychecks that come with this, it is no wonder that he can afford the things he dreams about. For example, he has been quite open about his love for the 1969 Chevrolet Camaro that he has in his garage and is one of his most valued possessions. Although he had a rough season in 2018, he declared in April 2019 that he had no intentions of retiring any time soon.
Sidney Crosby is one of the best hockey players in history and he has been an incredible asset for the Pittsburgh Penguins over the last years. Despite how rich Sidney is, he keeps it simple with a luxury SUV that, while not as eye-catching, is still an awesome car to have, and a comfortable but relatively modest home. Sidney, who is the Penguins captain, is one of 2019’s Hart Trophy finalists, which he has won in two different times after being nominated seven times. The winner for 2019 will be announced on June 19.
Stafford recently signed the sweetest contract in NFL history. It’s a five-year deal worth $135 million with $60.5 million guaranteed. It had a $50-million signing bonus, giving $34 million at the time of signing, and $16 million at the beginning of 2018. His credit score must be on an all-time high! Stafford was number one in the NFC for passing yards and made an NFL record as the quickest to 3,000 completions for his career. He has endorsement deals with Nike, Fanatics, PepsiCo, and Blue Cross/Blue Shield, among others.
Kyrie Irving – $50 Million
Kyrie Irving went from the Cleveland Cavaliers to the Boston Celtics in a blockbuster trade. A knee injury put a damper on his season, but he has other ventures keeping him going. His signature Nike shoe ranked second in best-selling items of the season among the NBA players (LeBron James took first). Irving has actually even recorded a song for a movie he starred in, an Uncle Drew feature film. He spent a chunk of his money on a home near Cleveland costing $800K. His car collection includes a Ferrari 458, a black Lamborghini, a black Audi R8, and a Jeep Wrangler, among others.
Tiger Woods at 42 had a fortune of about $740 million in 2016. This put him at 12th among the highest-paid athletes in the world. He’s considered one of the best players in the history of gold, and most of his income comes from endorsements from high profile brands while only ten percent of his paycheck comes from prize money. His big bucks exceed what most NFL teams make in ten years! While working on his golfing comeback in 2018, he’s enjoying his 10-acre $55-million mansion with its own golf course that he built from scratch, and a 155-foot, $25-million yacht.
Bryce Harper – $50 Million
Bryce Harper is an MLB right fielder currently playing for the Philadelphia Phillies, while prior to that he was a player of the Washington Nationals (2012-2018). He won the Golden Spikes Award in 2010 at College of Southern Nevada and was drafted the same year as a first overall pick. His professional debut was in 2012 wearing the Nationals jersey when he was only 19. In the 2018-19 offseason, Bryce signed a $330M worth contract with Philadelphia Phillies, the single largest contract in the entire history of baseball. The photo above shows Bryce’s house located near Las Vegas reportedly worth $2.7M, while below we see his customized Mercedes-Benz AMG.
Jon Bones – $10 Million
Jon Bones is an MMA fighter signed to the UFC and is a two-time undisputed Light Heavyweight Champion, as of 2019. Jon’s MMA record shows twenty-six total fights and twenty-four wins, ten of which were by KO, six by submission, and eight by decision. He was disqualified once, had a no contest once, and suffered only one loss. Bones’ net worth in 2019 is set at $10M, while his house was listed in 2017 at $750K. He owns this 2012 Bentley Continental GT worth $190K at the time he reportedly bought it, in 2011.
Drew Brees – About $100 Million
In March, Brees signed a $50 million contract extension with the New Orleans Saints. Since joining the team in 2006, Brees has landed the Super Bowl title and even 10 Pro Bowl selections. Brees ranks third for all-time passing yardage and for passing touchdowns. Upon entering the 2018 season, he is just 51 touchdown passes and 1,500 yards away from ranking first on both! Brees is undoubtedly one of NFL’s best, and his savings account probably does a good job of reflecting that. Just look at his four-bedroom 4,944-square foot home in New Orleans to confirm it!
During his twenty years with the Lakers, Kobe Bryant was a two-time Finals MVP, won five NBA Championships, and set a number of on-court records. He was the face of the Lakers and a major attraction. He’d attend the major Los Angeles event, and everyone knew he had a phenomenal lifestyle. A part of this is a cool mansion, an awesome car collection, plus a company for the sporting brand that he owned. Moving into new things in 2018, he helped bring into being, Dear Basketball, an Oscar-winning animated short.
Fans of the Texas Rangers still grieve at how the team just gave the Yankees Alex Rodriguez. For once he got to New York, A-Rod blew up in a big way. He became a three-time MVP, a multiple All-Star, and led the Yankees to their 2009 World Series win. And the New York media fell in love with him until he decided to cash in on his retirement investment. Finally, he retired, but he’s now a sports analyst for FOX and starring on the reality show, Back in the Game.
Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior has played for his nation, Brazil, in both the World Cup and the Olympics where they won a Gold Medal. He also plays for Real Madrid in Spain. Neymar earns big money for his efforts, allowing him to have properties in both countries, and own a helicopter and a fleet of cars. He parties at the best hot spots in Brazil and Spain, with some of the biggest stars in each. He sometimes throws a party, and anyone in the neighborhood would be invited.
Durant signed a discounted two-year contract paying him $25 million in year one with the Warriors. It was $10 million less than the maximum salary he could have gotten. He could do this because of the more than $30 million he earns annually in concessions. Some of such partners are Nike, American Family Insurance, and Alaska Airlines. Durant co-founded the Durant Company in 2016. The company has an excess of 30 investments in entities such as micro-investing app Acorns, and delivery service, Postmates.
Blake Griffin – $60 Million
It sure came as a surprise when Griffin was traded by the Los Angeles Clippers to the Pistons in January since Griffin had signed with the former for five years in a $171 million extension—dubbing him a “Clipper for life”. Well, either way, he’s got plenty of endorsements to keep his accounts growing. It’s a good thing too because he has a luxurious lifestyle to lead! Take a look at his home that features ample space and amenities like a master retreat, a private terrace, and heated floors in the bathroom. Rather fancy!
Von Miller – $40 Million
Von Miller was the Super Bowl MVP in 2016. In 2018, he had almost his entire base salary converted into a bonus of $16 million, to create salary cap room for the team. Miller was paid upfront and, at the moment, he is actually in the middle of a six-year contract. So, his short-term future is secure and he has plenty of money to mess around with, right? Well, he went and splurged on a spectacular house with an awesome basement, a 300-gallon saltwater aquarium, and a Vegas-themed hotel suite style bedroom. Living it up!
Anthony Davis – $13 Million
Anthony Davis has been selected as one of NBA’s top-five three times already! He is now eligible for a special supermax contract in 2019, so he has some good stuff awaiting him in time to come! It sure is no wonder, then, that he has this deluxe house with a private bar, outdoor kitchen, home theatre, gym, and of course, an indoor basketball court so he can shoot some hoops and hone his skills!
Sebastian Vettel – $55 Million
Speed is what gets Sebastian Vettel’s juices flowing, being a top performing racecar driver. He has won at least four titles and 49 career wins and is one of four drivers to have achieved it! However, he is humble, down-to-earth, and quite a cool-headed guy. He is notoriously private, so finding out where he spends his cash is pretty difficult! What we do know is that this ultimate family man lives in a medieval-style Switzerland farmhouse. He has mammoth earnings from Ferrari, which affords him a couple of holiday homes—two that we know of are in Switzerland and in Oxford.
Jordan Spieth – $41.2 Million
Jordan Spieth collected his win for his third career major in the 2017 British Open. He got $1.85 million in his pocket for the win, and he’s the first golfer to have won three majors before the age of 24 since Jack Nicklaus back in 1963. He has 10 endorsement partners, so he sure isn’t short of a penny! He kicks back in a 16,665-square foot, 5-bedroom, 8-bathroom home and has access to not one, but two private jet airports if he feels like popping out anywhere in the world!
Earlier this year, Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr signed a five-year extension contract worth $125 million, making him the highest paid player in the National Football League. Though his luxury rides – a Porsche, Audi, and a Mercedes – had cost $1.5 million in total, he is more involved in charity. When asked how we would be spending the $125 million, he said he would splurge on Chick-fil-A, something nice for his wife, and pay a tithe (a 10 percent donation of the entire value to the church).
Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba has upgraded his ride from an Audi RS6-R to a Rolls-Royce Wraith worth £250K. Not shy about flaunting his extravagance, he also posted on Instagram his custom-designed pool table at his Cheshire mansion. The £2.9-million house has a heated indoor pool, a game room, a kitchen and dining area fit for a big French dinner, and an en-suite bathroom in all five bedrooms. Before moving into his new home, Pogba had lived in the Lowry Hotel for six months.
Kansas City quarterback Alex Smith was first drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in 2005 but had to be traded with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2013. Being the tactical player that he is, he has made private investments amounting to $8 million, with an annual profit of at least $500K. One of his first purchases in 2013 was his $2-million house in a swanky neighborhood. His fleet of cars costs $3 million and includes noted brands like Jaguar, Ferrari, Cadillac, Audi, and Aston Martin.
Emmitt Smith – $18 Million
Former Dallas Cowboys running back Emmitt Smith retired with a nice $18 million net worth. That’s more than enough for a luxurious lifestyle with his wife, beauty queen Patricia Southall, and their kids. The couple, who got married in 2000, lives in a stunning mansion in Dallas, Texas, that Smith built back in 1995. In an interview, Smith opened up that his first big purchase was when he spent $100K on a car back when he was 20 years old. He can do that anytime now without worrying about money!
Lance Armstrong – $50 Million
The 47-year-old former professional road racing cyclist, Lance Armstrong, doesn’t have to worry about his future since his fortune is estimated at $50 million. Lance, who is known for the biggest doping scandal in the history of cycling, has other sources of income now. In an interview, Lance admitted that an early investment in Uber saved his family. He reportedly invested about $100K in the company back in 2009. And since the company is now worth more than $100 billion, well, you do the math. In 2018, Armstrong agreed to pay $5 million as a result of a lawsuit filed against him by Floyd Landis.
Nigerian-British professional boxer and unified world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua earned $19 million when he beat Wladimir Klitschko in the world title in 2017 and another $19 million for his fight with Carlos Takam in the same year. He shared that he would be spending some of the money on a new pad. Sources say that through sponsorship deals with top brands, Anthony can live like a millionaire without shelling out a single penny. He can drive around in nice wheels, wear expensive watches, and fly on jets all for free because of his endorsements.
The San Antonio Spurs shooting guard has quite a few of the best luxury rides in the world. Part of his collection is a Range Rover, Mercedes Benz AMG G-Wagon, and a Ford Mustang. Also worth mentioning is his $3.75-million mansion in Los Angeles. The Mediterranean-style property boasts expansive lawns, a full basketball court, a grand foyer with a double staircase, seven bedrooms, and eight bathrooms. The pool area has a separate patio, a spa, and a waterslide.
His stellar performance on the court as the Houston Rockets’ point guard has made him the high-value athlete that he is today. One of his income streams is his global brand endorsements estimated at $4.5 million per year. With that fortune, buying a home must come easy. His massive $8-million estate in The Woodlands, Texas sits on a 1.67-acre lot. Indoor recreational amenities include a mini theater, a golf simulation room, and a family room that overlooks the pool and golf course.
As an MMA fighter, Ronda Rousey single-handedly brought credibility and popularity to the women’s side of the UFC. The Olympic judo medalist reportedly received $3 million in 2016 just to show up for her final UFC fight! She’s now with the WWE. Forbes reported that Rousey was in 2015’s top ten (number 8) highest-paid female athletes, with earnings of $3.5 million in endorsements alone. The value of her fortune is estimated to be $12 million, recently boosted by her appearances in hit films like Furious 7 and The Expendables.
AJ Lee – $5 Million
She might be spending her time in retirement by being an author, yet all the glory from her days as a professional wrestler is still going strong for AJ Lee! AJ is sitting on a whopping fortune of $5 million and enjoys life along with her husband, retired wrestler CM Punk, in their luxurious house in Chicago. Because of their (still) heavy schedules, though, the couple often splits their time between Chicago and Milwaukee. A poll launched by WWE earlier during the summer of 2018 shows that AJ Lee’s fans are eager to see her back at Evolution!
When Seattle Mariners relief pitcher Felix Hernandez talked about his car collection in an interview, he admitted how it has grown to a point where he’s almost out of space in his garage. Part of the fleet is a Nissan GT-R which he has driven up to 160 mph. Other brands include a Lamborghini, Mercedes Benz, Rolls-Royce, and Ferrari. Of course, his $3.8 -million residence is proof that real estate investing is also a top priority.
For the Toronto Raptors point guard, winning big doesn’t only happen in the court. His current deluxe house which he bought for $2.65 million was initially listed for $6.5 million. Whoever said only poor people love discounts has got another thinking coming. The English manor has 9,298 square feet of living space, six bedrooms, eight bathrooms, a media room, wine cellar, gym, a large swimming pool, an outdoor kitchen, and a six-car garage for his fleet of BMWs and Range Rovers.
If you know Dwayne Johnson as The Rock, then you are a true wrestling fan. Johnson became a hit in the WWE (formerly the WWF) back in 1996 and his success continued up until the 2000s. For his first ever lead role on The Scorpion King, he received a record-breaking debut salary of $5.5 million. Johnson’s current wealth allows him to live in a $3.4-million mansion and he also gets to fly privately in a $65-million plane. Despite living lavishly, he also gives back through the Dwayne Johnson Rock Foundation. Johnson will star in an upcoming film titled, Hobbs & Shaw.
During the 1980s, “Iron Mike” Mike Tyson would defeat opponents in minutes. He had some crazy behavior though, like when he was arrested and did some jail time. He also bit off a large chunk of boxer Evander Holyfield’s ear! Although he had some big bucks during his heyday, he then went bankrupt. However, Tyson has a new approach to life now with a cartoon show, making fun of his image in movies, and a one-man Broadway production. Again, he’s a millionaire and maintains a $2.6-million Vegas home that’s essentially a mini-resort.
Growing up, the OKC Thunder forward had always wanted a house on a lake. That dream became a reality when he bought his $2.2.-million home in Diamonde Point, Indiana. Not only is it by a lake, but it also has a swimming pool, a Jacuzzi, and a sauna. And who could forget that time in 2014 when he bought himself a Ferrari 458 Italia after a severe injury he got from a game? And did we mention he has a yacht, too? Yep, that’s how the one percent lives. Does that seem fair to you?
With his paycheck, this center fielder for the Los Angeles Angels could purchase any multi-million-dollar mansion at any given time. But the down-to-earth Mike Trout is more than happy with his $270K home on a New Jersey ranch. With 1,404 square feet of living space, it features a large deck, two sheds for animals, and a game room. If there’s anything Mike loves more than baseball and his family and friends, it’s fishing and hunting so this rural estate couldn’t be more perfect for him.
The first baseman for the Detroit Tigers is regarded as one of the greatest players of his time. So where does part of his salary go? Cabrera splurged $3.2 million on an 18-room Grosse Point Farms, Michigan mansion which sits on a 2.43-acre lot along Lake St. Claire’s banks. The 11,176-square-foot estate boasts six bedrooms, seven full bathrooms, four half baths, a master suite, heated sunroom, putting green, an eight-car garage, a Jacuzzi, and a pool. As if that’s not enough, he was also seen driving a custom golf cart with chrome wheels.
UFC multiple champion Conor McGregor has been very successful. His boxing match with Floyd Mayweather in 2017 earned him almost $100 million. Between June 2017 and June 2018, he earned $99 million, of which $14 million came from endorsements. McGregor’s lifestyle is lavish, and described by an Irish newspaper as “the Irish gangsta stereotype.” His answer to this was to post photos of his luxury items like his fleet of cars, his private jet, and yacht, expensive watches, and expensive home décor.
Conor McGregor’s Marbella Villa – 1.6M$
Conor McGregor, the outrageous Irish boxer, martial artist and MMA fighter has a luxury villa in Marbella. He bought it in 2017. The villa’s facilities include a gym, a wine room, a home spa, a lift and pool access from rooms. It’s near a beautiful golf course seen from the villa’s pool. It’s a smart home with systems that control lighting, temperature and entertainment. There’s a glass window in the kitchen’s floor so it will be possible to look at the underground wine cellar from there (Absolutely impossible to live without it).
The Boston Celtics forward was named an NBA All-Star for the first time in 2017. One of his more notable purchases was a tennis court estate in Rancho Sante Fe, California which he got for $3.5 million in 2015. The main house has six bedrooms and eight bathrooms. Forming part of the two-acre lot are a swimming pool, a spa, a detached guest house, and a servants’ quarters. As Hayward is a gaming enthusiast, he hatched a business plan which involved e-sports. This came to fruition when he inked a deal with HyperX.
Rob Gronkowski – $40 Million
They say that NFL star Rob Gronkowski is very smart when it comes to spending money. In an interview, Gronkowski revealed that he did not touch any of his NFL money. He actually only spends his earnings from endorsement deals, which is probably why he has piled up a $40 million fortune. In March 2019, the 29-year-old tight end of the New England Patriots announced his intention to retire on his Instagram account. He has worked hard and now has his entire life in front of him to enjoy spending all the cash if he wants.
This Romanian tennis player currently holds the top spot on the WTA Tour. She won her first major tournament at the 2018 French Open. She revealed in an interview that her breast reduction (she went from a 34DD to a 34C) helped her move up in the rankings. When she’s not killing it in the court, she flies to destinations most of us could only visit in our sleep. With her earnings, she was able to score a $1-million mansion in Constanta, Romania, as well as a Mercedes Benz and a Range Rover.
Damian Lillard – $30 Million
Damien Lillard signed a monster contract with Portland—a $140 million deal that he has three seasons left of. This star NBA player sure has it going—he’s got Adidas releasing several signature shoes in his name and a best-selling apparel line. He gets a 10 figure annual salary to pitch their wares. On the side, Lillard is a rapper in the making, with two full-length albums in his music portfolio already. He spent $2.8 million on a luxury West Linn home a few years back.
Rory McIlroy – $130 Million
Northern Irish professional golfer Rory McIlroy had a stroke of bad luck when it came to his career in 2017, as his injuries left him limited to just 14 PGA Tour stars for that year. He also failed to finish in the top three for all of them. In March, he broke an 18-month long winless streak with the Arnold Palmer Invitational. In spite of his cloud of trouble, he is a marketable star. Though, he has put his Palm Beach Gardens property on the market for $12.9 million. The 10,577-square foot home has two pools and its own putting green! He recently purchased Ernie El’s nearby Jupiter pad.
Ryan Tannehill – $17 Million
Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill purchased his $4.3 million Fort Lauderdale waterfront home a year after signing a contract extension. It sports 100 feet of water frontage and the backyard is home to hulking oak trees. Quite a retreat, really! When he isn’t on vacation or kicking back in his 5,481-square foot home, he’s out on the football field doing what he does best! He isn’t all brawn, though. He graduated from Texas A & M University with a biology degree, too.
Clayton Kershaw – $25 Million
Clayton Kershaw has spent the entirety of his major league career with the L.A. Dodgers. In 2014, he signed a record-breaking seven-year contract of $215 million! In 2017, the three-time Cy Young Award winner’s earnings are the highest in baseball! It seats at a neat $33 million and that’s excluding endorsements! A back injury forced him to miss out on a dozen starts in 2016, but he picked up where he left off by 2017. In fact, he had the fourth best-selling jersey in 2017. He relaxes in a 5,988-square foot mansion in California worth $4 million. Surprisingly, he drives a humble Acura MDX and describes it as the best car he’s ever driven.
Chase Elliott – $2 Million
Chase Elliott rose to fame as one of the best current NASCAR drivers when he won the Nationwide Series competition in 2014 as a rookie. He has built his impressive net worth thanks to his NASCAR victories as well as numerous endorsements. Furthermore, he receives generous payments from the series where he’s competing at the moment—the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series. He encountered some mechanical issues in his last competition on April 7, 2019, but he keeps a good attitude regarding his chances and has no intentions of slowing down.
Giannis Antetokounmpo – $40 Million
Antetokounmpo found the figures entering his bank account up by almost 500% owing to a new deal with the Bucks and also from the contract extension with Nike. His first signature shoe with Nike is set to be released in 2019, and he can expect even more cash by then. The Greek NBA star has several other deals as well. However, he says on several occasions that ‘flashy’ cities are not for him. Thus, we can expect him to stay put with the Bucks, and not go to L.A or Miami. By the looks of things, he likes flashy rides and a flashy home, too! But to be honest, he is quite the minimalist when it comes to home décor style so we believe him. Humble guy!
Dwyane Wade – $200 Million
When Dwayne Wade wed actress Gabrielle Union, it was an opulent and splendid affair which was rather expected considering they are both stars in their own right. But boy, were we surprised by their luxurious and outrageous wedding location! It was an $11 million castle built by architect Charles Sieger with a landlocked moat, a gatehouse, and amazingly unique gardens. Their Miami fairy-tale event took place with a price tag of $5 million. Well, we should have seen it coming when a 12-time NBA All-star and a big-time Hollywood star come together!
Fernando Alonso – $220 Million
Accomplished F1 driver Fernando Alonso likes his privacy, but he enjoys the high-life too. He competed for annual titles during the first decade of his career and he finished as a winner twice. Since his move to McLaren, he hasn’t beaten tenth ranking in final standings but he recently signed an extension of his contract. He has other ventures, like the eSports team he started and his investment in Kimoa, a fashion lifestyle brand.
Kei Nishikori -$9 Million
Kei Nishikori has the status of being the most successful tennis player in Japanese history. But did you know that the Tokyo-born star doesn’t own a home in his native country? He lives in Florida and spends no more than three weeks in Japan, explaining that the adulation is too intense for him. He may not be able to handle the heat, but he sure can handle the money! He adores living a lifestyle of affluence, it seems. He has even been given the honor of being immortalized by Jaguar with the F-Type Kei Nishikori Edition, in coupes and convertibles. Unfortunately, he had the bad luck of sustaining small injuries frequently.
Gareth Bale – $165 Million
Bale is a star football player, but he is also a passionate golf player! You may be surprised to know that Bale’s passion for golf is so great that he went so far as to actually design and build a golf course in his own backyard—inspired by all his favorites and the greatest holes in the world. To play golf, he doesn’t have to look further than his Glamorgan home in South Wales. He’s also been given advice by Ryan Giggs to steer clear of the sports cars he so loves, and opt for a Range Rover to protect his hamstrings. Well, what will it be, Bale? Luxury or career?
Albert Pujols – $110 Million
Albert Pujols signed a hefty $240 million contract with the Angels just before the 2012 season, and the deal has an interesting structure. It started at $12 million for the year, then climbed $1 million every year to peak in 2021 at $30 million. However, it also has several milestone bonuses written into it. Well, the bottom line is that Pujols’ earnings are grand and only getting better. No wonder he has a $7.75 million 6.5-bedroom mansion equipped with a curved swimming pool! Let’s not even get started with his car collection (but we’ll just say they include six passenger cars and four ATVs)!
Carmelo Anthony – $90 Million
Carmelo Anthony is one of only three NBA stars who have a no-trade clause—he waived his rights. He launched his own capital firm venture called M7 Tech Partners, which took off in 2014. Nike ended his signature shoe line after 13 models, which actually is the second most number of models among active players (first goes to LeBron James, yet again topping the rankings). Anthony’s home includes an indoor basketball court, a batting cage, an arcade room, and not to mention an insane amount of space.
D.C. United forward and his wife have an expensive taste which is evident in their homes strewn across the globe and their extensive car collection. With a net worth like his, that is pretty understandable. Apart from a $7.5-million mansion in Prestbury (the most expensive road in North England), they also have a $530K apartment in Florida and an $8.4-million villa in Barbados. Rooney owns three racehorses as well as a Mini Cooper, an Audi RS6, Bentley Continental, Astin Martin Vanquish, and a Lamborghini Gallardo.
Motorcar racing has traditionally been dominated by men, but Danica Patrick stepped in and changed that. She didn’t get the major wins she was after, but just being able to break out as a NASCAR star is in itself amazing. She’s known for her intensity in taking charge of a race and in trashing rivals. She’s also famous for her gorgeous looks – and thanks to it, she’s gotten a number of endorsement deals. Patrick retired in 2018 and is into financing a business now – a clothing line and wine manufacturing.
During the summer of 2016, Westbrook renegotiated his contract with the Thunders that saw $9 million added to his 2016-17 salary. The three-year deal is worth $85.6 million. His off-court earnings were increased last year, thanks to a new extension of his contract with Nike‘s Jordan Brand by ten years. In the past, Nike released lifestyle signature shoes for the player, but the Why Not ZERO.1 was the first performance signature shoe for Westbrook from Jordan. It was released in January 2018.
James Harden’s individual style and strength of play have caused him to be one of the NBA’s most marketable players. He has more than six endorsers like Electronic Arts, Beats, and Foot Locker. The Rockets signed a contract extension in 2016 with Harden, which translates to $169 million in the bank for over four years. It starts in 2019 and would add $20 million to his finances in 2016-17 and the final season. Adidas selected Harden to be one of the faces for its NBA campaign, based on a 13-year deal in 2005. It pays as high as $200 million.
Mickelson won his first tournament in five years recently at the WGC-Mexico Championship. Even though it had been a while since he has won anything, he’s been adding endorsement deals just the same. One recent one was with the merchant bank Intrepid Financial Partners, and Workday, a human resources firm. He’s now an equity holder in the company Mizzen+Main, that has a performance menswear line. Mickelson has had 43 PGA victories, earning $87 million in career prize money.
Troy Aikman – $25 Million
Former NFL star Troy Aikman is enjoying his retirement with a $25 million fortune. He lives in his awesome Dallas home estimated to be worth about $5.4 million. The house features a large walk-in closet, a superb master bedroom, a very elegant living room, and other amenities. The 52-year-old Aikman currently earns a lot working as a television sportscaster for Fox network. He used to be a part-owner of the San Diego Padres baseball team and was a joint owner of the Hall of Fame Racing (NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Team).
During his career, Usain Bolt smashed virtually every running record. The eight-time Olympic Gold medalist has a number of other championship medals accompanying them, and shoe companies trip over their feet in their scurry to secure his endorsements. Bolt retired after the 2016 World Championships but his athletic successes have granted him a life of affluence. His home in Jamaica is next to rapper Sean Paul and the two often team up to host big parties. Then there is his fleet of cars proving that speed is in his blood.
Recently, the NFL made Ryan its first $30-million-per-year player when the Falcons signed him through to 2023. It guaranteed him some $100 million, a signing bonus of $46.5 million, and more cash for shopping. Ryan won the 2016 NFL MVP, getting the Falcons to the Super Bowl. Getting an MVP award along with the Super Bowl made him more marketable, boosting his endorsements to include big brands like Nike, IBM, Gatorade, Mercedes Benz, Delta Airlines, and Banana Republic.
John Cena’s a champion, and he’s proven his ability to carry the company on his shoulders. Even his opponents have such respect for him. They’ve also accepted that Cena was able to make a comeback from his injuries, that would have others out for months. Cena also gets respect for charity work and is the record-holder for the most Make-A-Wish visits of any star. Of course, he too enjoys showing off his money – like his prized collection of muscle cars and mansion.
In 2017, Hamilton won his fourth F1 title. The British race-car driver is in the last year of a three-year contract extension that started in 2016. It should pay out more than $120 million with bonuses. And Mercedes and Hamilton should close another three-year deal with Hamilton. He is the most marketable driver in the sport, having a number of endorsements deals with brands like Mercedes-Benz, Tommy Hilfiger, Monster Energy, Puma, and Bombardier. In 2018, Tommy Hilfiger made him his brand ambassador. Does he get to keep the clothes?
Boxing’s biggest pay-per-view star is now Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. His fights in 2017 against Gennady Golovkin and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. both brought more than one million pay-per-view buys, hence huge bucks. Canelo and GGG fought to a draw, and Canelo’s checking account received about $42 million for the fight. It’s a huge milk cow for sponsors like Under Armour, Hennessy, Tecate, and Everlast – brands that have helped Canelo earn seven-figures outside of what he earns in the ring.
Messi ended the 2017-18 season as the number one scoring player in the Top 5 European Leagues. He extended his contract with Barcelona to play with the club in 2020-21, and with an annual salary plus bonus of more than $80 million. This makes Messi the highest-paid footballer. Topping up this figure is a lifelong endorsement agreement with Adidas, in addition to other deals with Gatorade, Huawei, Pepsi, Ooredoo, and Hawkers. Meanwhile, in Nanjing, China, a theme park based on him called Messi Experience Park, is slated for opening, in 2020.
Soccer star Diego Maradona is known for various things. The first is for being one of the best players in soccer’s history. The second is his infamous move that won the 1986 World Cup for Argentina, called “Hand of God.” The third is his verbal raving about social matters. For years, he’s had wild rantings against players – both teammates and rivals, politicians, the media, politicians, etc. Finally, Maradona is known for living in a huge mansion, having a fleet of cars, and hanging out with famous celebrities.
It’s indisputable that LeBron James is the reigning king of basketball at this time. So much is made of whatever he does. Just look at how his decision to move to Miami from Cleveland became a prime-time special. James, of course, proved his detractors wrong by winning two championships with the new team. Afterward, he returned to Cleveland for it to finally get its title in 2016. LeBron owns almost a dozen luxury cars and a 12,000-square-foot Miami mansion.
There is no denying that skier Lindsey Vonn is a huge athletic star. She’s won four World Cup championships as well as an Olympic gold medal. She’s often lauded for her incredible speed and skill on the slopes. She had simple beginnings in life, but Vonn has latched on to the fruits of her success, with, among other things, a multi-million dollar house, luxury cars, and a relationship with celebrity golfer Tiger Woods.
It might be hard to believe, but the Serbian tennis player is not that much of a spender despite numerous endorsement deals and the fortune his winnings have brought him. He did, however, buy an apartment with two-bedrooms in Monte Carlo, (which is touted to be one of the world’s most pricey real estate markets), a $2.5-million yacht, and a $75K pressure chamber that increases muscle tone, decreases lactic acid, and aids stem cell production. How’s that for health and wealth?
Nia Jax is a wrestler who made her debut in the NXT and by 2016, she was able to make it into the main roster of the WWE. The first major highlight in her career was when she bagged the Raw Women’s Championship during WrestleMania 34 in April 2018. Before becoming a wrestler, though, Jax was making money through her work as a plus-sized model. Jax sure gets to enjoy so many luxuries in life but she never really shared how much she had spent on her house and cars. One thing you might not have known about Jax is that The Rock is actually her cousin.
Alexa Bliss first started appearing on the WWE SmackDown in 2016 and by December that year, she was named the new SmackDown Women’s Champion. She started appearing on Raw in April 2017 and she immediately bagged the Raw Women’s Championship. Alexa is only 27 today but her wealth sits at $2.3 million, according to sources. Bliss has remained quite private with her personal finances but her Nintendo Switch is apparently her favorite gadget. She doesn’t have a pet dog or cat but she has Larry-Steve who is her deaf pet pig. In June 2018, Bliss won the Money in the Bank ladder match and later became a five-time Women’s Champion.
Simone Biles is an American artistic gymnast and gold medalist. She was extremely successful at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. She also won the world championship 4 times. She won total amount of 26 Olympic and World Championship medals, making her the most decorated American gymnast. Her childhood home was recently sold for around $285,000. It took two months for the house to sell. In October, she announced on twitter that she’s selling her childhood home. In December the money she asked for was already in her bank account.
Serena Williams holds 39 titles and 23 Grand Slams – and that’s the most of any player in the Open era! She accomplished her last one while with child, and that was an unimaginable feat, to say the least. Serena keeps it together with red carpet appearances, numerous magazine shoots, and being in a slew of charity events. The lady also does her shopping at the best boutiques out there and stays in a lovely home.
