With an earning of £70m , Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo emerges as highest paid athlete of 2016

Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid and Portuguese striker, has emerged the highest- earning sports person for 2016 after banking £70m. The Real Madrid star had a remarkable season in 2016, by winning the Champions League and Euro tournament which led him to win the covetous Ballon d'Or and the Best FIFA Men's Player.

He was named ahead of his rival, Lionel Messi who sits second, having made £65M while NBA star, LeBron James completed the top three with £61.9M.
Tennis legend, Roger Federer made £54.4M and Golden State Warriors's Kevin Durant scooped £45.1M to make the top five.

This is the first time the football star tops the list.