As an expert in sports analytics, I have a deep understanding of the financial aspects of professional sports. When it comes to the highest paid athlete of all time, it's important to consider both earnings from salaries and endorsements.
Based on available data and various sources, the title of the highest paid athlete of all time is often attributed to
Michael Jordan. His earnings from his NBA career, endorsements, and post-retirement ventures have been significant. Jordan's deals with Nike, in particular, have been a major source of his wealth, with the Air Jordan brand continuing to be a top-seller even years after his retirement.
However, it's worth noting that the landscape of sports earnings is constantly changing, and other athletes like
Floyd Mayweather Jr.,
Cristiano Ronaldo, and
Lionel Messi have also made substantial earnings from their sports careers and endorsements.
To provide a comprehensive answer, we would need to consider the total earnings from all sources, including salaries, endorsements, and business ventures, and adjust for inflation to compare athletes from different eras accurately.
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