Three-time Major League Baseball MVP Alex Rodriguez twice signed what was at the time the largest contract in the history of the sport.
After spending parts of seven seasons with the Seattle Mariners, Rodriguez bolted for the division-rival Texas Rangers ahead of the 2001 campaign, signing a 10-year/$250 million pact.
Rodriguez's deal with the Rangers included a player opt-out after the seventh year of his deal, one that he exercised after homering 54 times and driving in 156 runs in 2007. Rodriguez's decision to opt out of his first deal ultimately worked out well, as the perennial All-Star returned to the Yankees on a new 10-year/$275 million deal.
In 22 seasons in baseball, Spotrac estimates that Rodriguez earned north of $455 million. Celebrity Net Worth says that Rodriguez -- now an analyst for both ESPN and FOX, among other post-playing career gigs -- is worth $350 million, which made him the richest MLB current or former MLB players of 2021.
And yet, Rodriguez doesn't crack our list of the 10 wealthiest athletes across all sports in 2021, giving you an idea of just how exclusive this club is:
10. Shaquille O'Neal Net Worth: $400 Million
Shaquille O'Neal is one of the best big men in NBA history.
(Jamie Squire /Allsport)
There's a decent chance if you asked Shaq to film a commercial with you in your basement, he'd come, so long as he left with a worthwhile amount of money. One of the most dominant big men in NBA history, O'Neal made more than $285 million as a player, and has found quite a bit of post-career success. Shaq can currently be seen on ads for The General and Goldbond, but has also been part of endorsements with Burger King, Pepsi and Reebok, among others. It's also fair to assume that O'Neal commands a pretty hefty salary for his work on TBS' "Inside the NBA."
9. David Beckham Net Worth: $450 Million
David Beckham had a storied soccer career.
(Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
Beckham is a mogul in the sport, having won 10 domestic league championships during his 19-year playing career. Beckham is part of the ownership group and currently serves as the president of soccer operations for Inter Miami CF, who joined the MLS in 2020. For good measure, his wife, Victoria, is also estimated to be worth $450 million.
7 (tie). LeBron James Net Worth: $500 Million
LeBron James is one of the greatest basketball players of all-time.
(Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
It's only a matter of time before James is a billionaire. LeBron entered the NBA at age 18, and has made over $387 million in his career to this point. He's under contract through the 2022-23 season with the Los Angeles Lakers, and has a shoe deal believed to be worth over $1 billion with Nike. The four-time NBA MVP collected $30 million from Apple when they purchased Beats By Dre in 2014, a company in which James had a 1% stake in. James is currently estimated to make $100 million per calendar year when you combine his NBA salary and other endorsements/investments, which means he figures to continue to rise on this list.
7 (tie). Cristiano Ronaldo Net Worth: $500 Million
Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the greatest soccer players ever.
(Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Having previously played for Sporting CP, Manchester United and Real Madrid, the 36-year-old is entering his fourth season with Juventus. Ronaldo is believed to make between $100 and $150 million in a given year when you combine his playing salary and endorsement deals, per Celebrity Net Worth.
3. (tie). Junior Bridgeman Net Worth - $600 Million
Bridgeman averaged 13.6 points per game during his 12-year NBA career, but the majority of his earnings came after he stopped playing. As noted above, Bridgeman acquired much of his wealth through owning local Wendys and Chilis, which he sold in 2016. He's since also become a bottler for Coca-Cola and bought the magazine Ebony, so the 67-year-old continues to seek out new challenges in the business world.
3 (tie). Roger Staubach Net Worth: $600 Million
Roger Staubauch was one of the early faces of the NFL.
(Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)
Staubach tops Peyton Manning, Tom Brady and all current or former NFL quarterbacks in terms of wealth, but it comes with a caveat - his post-career earnings trounce what he made as the quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys in the 1970s. After founding his own real estate company late in his playing career, Staubach sold it for more than $600 million in 2008. Now 78, Staubach is believed to be the wealthiest current or former NFL player of all time.
3 (tie). Lionel Messi Net Worth: $600 Million
Lionel Messi is one of the greatest soccer players ever.
(Sebastien Muylaert/Getty Images)
As part of his new contract with Paris Saint-Germain, ESPN reported that Messi will earn "between $35 and $41 million" per year on a two-year pact that includes an option for a third year. This comes after the Argentinian star scored 474 goals and added in 193 assists in 17 seasons with Barcelona. Messi also has an endorsement deal with Addidas.
3 (tie). Magic Johnson Net Worth - $600 Million
Magic Johnson is one of the greatest players in NBA history.
(Getty Images)
It's crazy to think about, but Johnson made less than $40 million during one of the most dominant playing careers ever. No problem, Johnson has used his incredible personal skills and smarts to find a ton of business success. Celebrity Net Worth says that Magic Johnson Enterprises is worth more than $1 billion, and he's part of the ownership group for the defending World Series Champion Los Angeles Dodgers. Johnson has sold equity in the Lakers, along with quite a large investment in Starbucks. Johnson has had one of the more interesting lives you can imagine, and has made his fair share of money in the process.
2. Michael Jordan Net Worth: $2.2 Billion
Michael Jordan is perhaps the greatest player in NBA history.
(Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
Viewed by many as the greatest player in NBA history, Jordan has turned his basketball acumen into a multi-billion dollar enterprise. The six-time NBA Champion made over $90 million as a player and makes $130 million a year from Nike, as part of his iconic "Air Jordan" brand. Not only does Jordan own his hometown Charlotte Hornets, but 23XI racing with NASCAR star Denny Hamlin.
1. Faiq Bolkiah Net Worth: $20 Billion
Here's a wild card. It turns out that the richest athlete in the world is a footballer, but not Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, neither of whom come from royal families. Bolkiah, 23, currently plays for Marítimo in Portugal.
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