As an expert in sports economics and athlete compensation, I have a deep understanding of the various factors that contribute to an athlete's income. The highest-paid athletes in the world typically earn their income from a combination of salary, winnings, endorsements, and other business ventures. It's important to note that the figures for an athlete's earnings can vary significantly from year to year due to changes in contracts, performance, and marketability.
To answer your question about how much the highest-paid athlete makes, we need to consider the most recent and reliable data available. As of my last update, the figures you've provided from a 2016 list are outdated. The landscape of athlete compensation changes rapidly, with new contracts being signed and endorsement deals being negotiated all the time.
Typically, the highest-paid athletes are found in sports like soccer, basketball, and tennis, where the global appeal and marketability of the sport allow for lucrative contracts and endorsement opportunities. For instance, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, as you mentioned, have consistently been among the highest earners in their respective sport of soccer. However, their earnings can be influenced by factors such as their team contracts, individual performance, and the brands they choose to partner with.
LeBron James, a professional basketball player, is another example of an athlete who has earned significant income, not just from his salary but also from endorsements and his own business ventures. His earnings from basketball salary and winnings are complemented by deals with major brands and his entrepreneurial activities.
Roger Federer, a professional tennis player, also ranks highly in terms of earnings, with a significant portion of his income coming from endorsements due to his global appeal and long-standing success in tennis.
To get the most accurate and current information on the highest-paid athletes, it's best to consult the latest reports from reputable sources such as Forbes, which regularly publishes lists of the highest-paid athletes based on their earnings from salary, winnings, and endorsements.

read more >>

2016 listRankNameSalary/Winnings1Cristiano Ronaldo$56 million2Lionel Messi$53.4 million3LeBron James$23.2 million4Roger Federer$7.8 million6 more rowsread more >>