Forbes have released a mega rich list detailing the top ten highest-paid athletes of the decade from 2010-2019.

The ranking totals up all earnings from the world’s biggest sports stars over the past ten years and it’s no surprise to see Floyd Mayweather topped the list after netting a staggering $915 million.

The former five-weight world champion boxer only had 10 bouts in that period, but earned almost £90m more than runner-up Cristiano Ronaldo ($800m) and Lionel Messi ($750m) who feature not too far behind Mayweather.

There are also stars from the worlds of golf, tennis, basketball and Formula 1 further down the ranking.

One of Mayweather’s biggest paydays came against UFC star Conor McGregor in their 2017 superfight – which saw him pick up over a third of his total figure for the decade.

LeBron James ($680m) and Roger Federer ($640m) also made up the top five.

Mayweather responded to the news by sending a message to his fellow athletes.

“Congratulations to every athlete on this list!” he wrote on Twitter.

He added:

“First I want to congratulate every other athlete on this list and second I am honored to have accomplished such record breaking numbers.

“No disrespect to anyone but I did these numbers really in 5 years due to a couple of layoffs and with NO endorsements. I never wanted an endorsement deal from anyone because my vision was always to be my own boss and have no obligations to anyone.

“So I started my own promotion company and own brand (TMT) in which we are continuing to grow and soon will be the endorsers. You can say what you want about Floyd Mayweather but the numbers and accolades don’t lie.

“This is truly about hard work and dedication and knowing your worth.”

And he could start the new decade in similarly prosperous fashion, after confirming he will be making a comeback.

Mayweather has teased an appearance in UFC after the success of McGregor’s crossover to boxing, but his recent comments suggest he will not step into competitive action.

His most recent bout at the end of last year was a boxing exhibition with Japanese kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa, which saw him win comfortably inside the first round and pocket £7 million.

Mayweather’s rival Manny Pacquiao ranked eighth in the list

“I’ve got calls to get back into the ring, but my health is my wealth,” Mayweather told Reuters.

 

See other athletes who made top 10:

10. Lewis Hamilton – $400m

9. Kevin Durant – $425m