Rich List

Top 10 Highest Paid Soccer Players 2015

November 27, 2014 by Khabir Uddin Mughal

Highest Paid Soccer Players 2015

Soccer is one of those sports that, apart from its spirit and thrill, also features among the top paying games in the current time. It is viewed by almost 250 million people around world. The soccer players are in the spotlight, and have their own fan following, too. They not only enjoy popularity, but also a huge pay, and not just from the national teams or clubs they represent. They have big earnings from being the faces of megabrands. Brands like Nike, Adidas, Pepsi, etc. used the recent FIFA World Cup of 2014 as a platform to choose the best players and roped them in into contracts, paying huge compensations. So, let us look at the Top 10 Highest Paid Soccer Players 2015.

Top 10 Highest Paid Soccer Players 2015

1. Cristiano Ronaldo – $73 million

Legendary soccer player of recent days Cristiano Ronaldo aka CR7 plays for the Portuguese national soccer team and also for the Real Madrid in the Spanish Liga BBVA. Ronaldo earns $49 million as the yearly salary from the club and $24 million comes from his endorsements which make a total earning of $73 million per year according to the recent year’s salary statistics. CR7 appears in several ad campaigns all over the world for his major sponsors that include companies such as Nike, Samsung, Fly Emirates, Herbalife and Tag Heuer. He earned a total net worth of $206 million for his 5 years contract with Spanish club Real Madrid. Last year Cristiano launched his own brand of underwear with the CR7 name which also increased his yearly income. Besides being the highest paid soccer player, he is also counted among the highest paid athlete in the world.

Bonus: Cristiano Ronaldo Net Worth 2015

2. Lionel Messi – $65 million

Legendary soccer player of modern days Lionel Andrés Messi aka Leo Messi plays for the Argentina national soccer team and also for the Barcelona in the Spanish Liga BBVA. Messi earns $42 million as the yearly salary from the club and $23 million comes from his endorsements which make a total earning of $65 million per year according to the recent year’s salary statistics. Messi appears in several ad campaigns all over the world for his major sponsors that include companies such as Adidas, Pepsi, Samsung, Herbalife and Turkish Airlines. Messi achieved a record consecutive four times the FIFA Ballon d’Or. Adidas before the recent FIFA World Cup launched his own signature shoe last year. Spanish tax authority ordered him pay $6.5 million last year.

3. Zlatan Ibrahimovic – $34 million

Amazing soccer player of modern days Zlatan Ibrahimovic aka the best bicycle kicker plays for the Swedish national soccer team and also for the Paris Saint-Germain in the French Ligue 1. Ibrahimovic earns $30 million as the yearly salary from the club and $4 million comes from his endorsements which make a total earning of $34 million per year according to the recent year’s salary statistics. Ibrahimovic appears in several ad campaigns all over the world for his major sponsors that include companies such as Volvo and Nike. He became the top scorer of French league with 30 goals which is a record in last 20 years. Irrespective of his efforts on the ground, the Swedish national team was not able to qualify for recent 2014 FIFA World Cup.

4. Neymar Jr – $28 million

Amazing soccer player of modern days Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior aka Neymar Jr. plays for the Brazilian national soccer team and also for the Barcelona in the Spanish Liga BBVA. Neymar Jr. earns $12 million as the yearly salary from the club and $16 million comes from his endorsements which make a total earning of $28 million per year according to the recent year’s salary statistics. Neymar Jr. appears in several ad campaigns all over the world for his major sponsors that include companies such Nike, Panasonic, Castrol, Volkswagen and L’Oreal. He signed a contract with the Spanish club Barcelona for $124 million in 2013. He was also given a total of $13 million signing bonus in his transfer from the Brazilian club Santos.

Bonus: Neymar’s Net Worth 2015

5. Radamel Falcao – $26 million

Amazing soccer star of modern days Radamel Falcao García Zárate aka Falcao García plays for the Colombian national soccer team and also for the Manchester United on loan from AS Monaco in the English Premier League. Falcao García earns $23 million as the yearly salary from the club and $3 million comes from his endorsements which make a total earning of $26 million per year according to the recent year’s salary statistics. Falcao García appears in several ad campaigns all over the world for his major sponsors that include companies such Gillette, Puma and Samsung. After he scored 34 goals in 41 caps during his days with Atletico Madrid, he was also nicknamed El Tigre. French team AS Monaco signed him in a 5 years contract.

6. Gareth Bale – $15 million

One of the most prolific soccer stars of modern days Gareth Frank Bale or just Gareth Bale plays for the Wales’s national soccer team and also for the Real Madrid in the Spanish Liga BBVA. Gareth Bale earns $15 million as the yearly salary from the club and $9 million comes from his endorsements which make a total earning of $24 million per year according to the recent year’s salary statistics. Gareth Bale appears in several ad campaigns all over the world for his major sponsors that include companies such Adidas, Lucozade and EA Sports. He earns up to $456,000 in weekly wages for his recent contract with Spanish club Real Madrid in 2013. He was transferred to Real Madrid from English Premier League Tottenham Hotspur with a transfer fee worth of $118 million.

7. Wayne Rooney – $22 million

One of the most amazing soccer stars of modern days Wayne Mark Rooney or just Wayne Rooney plays for the English national soccer team and also for the Manchester United in the English Premier League. Wayne Rooney earns $18 million as the yearly salary from the club and $4 million comes from his endorsements which make a total earning of $22 million per year according to the recent year’s salary statistics. Wayne Rooney appears in several ad campaigns all over the world for his major sponsors that include companies such as Samsung, Harper Collins and Nike. After playing for the Manchester United for last 10 years, he was recently resigned for the team in 2013 for a contract fee of $104 million. His marketability also made him the fan favorite in terms of jersey sales.

8. Sergio Aguero – $21 million

One of the most amazing soccer stars of modern days Sergio Leonel Agüero Del Castillo or just Sergio Aguero plays for the Argentine national soccer team and also for the Manchester City in the English Premier League. Sergio Aguero earns $17 million as the yearly salary from the club and $4 million comes from his endorsements which make a total earning of $21 million per year according to the recent year’s salary statistics. Sergio Aguero appears in several ad campaigns all over the world for his major sponsors that include companies such as Pepsi, Puma and Gillette. He signed an extension till the 2017 football season with the club. Puma signed an endorsement deal in 2011 with him which made him their highest paid soccer player.

9. Yaya Toure – $21 million

One of the most prolific soccer stars of modern days Gnégnéri Yaya Touré or just Yaya Touré plays for the Ivory Coast national soccer team and also for the Manchester City in the English Premier League. Yaya Touré earns $18 million as the yearly salary from the club and $3 million comes from his endorsements which make a total earning of $21 million per year according to the recent year’s salary statistics. Yaya Touré appears in several ad campaigns all over the world for his major Puma. As a charitable component of his long-term deal with Puma, shoes and clothing to underprivileged in West Africa will be donated as a charitable component. He earns a total of $334,000 weekly salary after the recent contract extension with the Manchester City.

10. Fernando Torres – $20 million

One of the most prolific soccer stars of modern days Fernando José Torres Sanz or just Fernando Torres plays for the Spanish national soccer team and also for the A.C. Milan in the Italian Serie A on loan from the English club Chelsea F.C. Fernando Torres earns $17 million as the yearly salary from the club and $3 million comes from his endorsements which make a total earning of $20 million per year according to the recent year’s salary statistics. Fernando Torres appears in several ad campaigns all over the world for his major sponsors which include Adidas, Pepsi. He switched his boot sponsors to Adidas from Nike and became a brand face of the company in 2013. He was also the front face of the Adidas campaign for the recent FIFA 2014 World Cup.

Several other players are also in the list of the highest paid soccer players. For instance, the legendary Dutchman Robin Van Persie currently bags a whopping $16 million from Manchester United and another $3 million from his endorsements. On the other hand, third runner-up for the 2013 Ballon d’Or Franck Ribery draws a handsome salary of whopping $7 million from Bayern Munich, and another $1 million from endorsements.

Top 10 Highest Paid Tennis Players 2015

November 27, 2014 by Khabir Uddin Mughal

Highest Paid Tennis Players 2015

Tennis happens to be one of those games that pays big to the players, especially those who play at a professional level. Be it the rising stars such as Andy Murray, or the legends of contemporary tennis world like Roger Federer, even the king of clay court Rafael Nadal, the players who are considered the superstars of the game are known for their high income, besides their skilled hands with the tennis racquet. The amazing players get rewarded for their skills with the prize money they obtain from their ATP and WTA tours, and become even bigger names when the megabrands like Rolex, Nike, Mercedes-Benz, etc. boost their income with sponsorships and sign big cheques for the brand ambassadors. These players enjoy similar stature and popularity as the Hollywood celebrities, through the endorsements. Let us look at the Top 10 Highest Paid Tennis Players 2015.

Top 10 Highest Paid Tennis Players 2015

1. Roger Federer

According to the recent ranking by the Association of Tennis Professionals as of 3 November 2014, Swiss professional tennis player Roger Federer is currently holding the world No. 2 place. This year he earns a total of $56.2 million which includes $52 million in endorsements from various companies and $4.2 million worth of prize money. Till now, he has achieved a total of $84 million worth of prize money from his active tennis career. Roger Federer appeared in various campaigns and TV commercials for several of his major sponsors which include megabrands like Nike, Rolex and Credit Suisse. He holds the position of the third highest in the Open Era with his 82 career titles. He has so far won seven Wimbledon titles and also five US Opens.

2. Rafael Nadal

According to the recent ranking by the Association of Tennis Professionals as of 3 November 2014, Spanish professional tennis player Rafael Nadal is currently holding the world No. 3 place. This year he earns a total of $44.5 million which includes $30 million in endorsements from various companies and $14.5 million worth of prize money. Till now, he has achieved a total of $70 million worth of prize money from his active tennis career. Rafael Nadal appeared in various campaigns and TV commercials for several of his major sponsors which include megabrands like Gillette, Rolex, Mercedes-Benz, Lindt and Moët & Chandon. He occupies the position of fifth highest in the Open Era with his 64 career titles. He has so far won a record nine French Open titles and also the Wimbledon title twice.

3. Novak Djokovic

According to the recent ranking by the Association of Tennis Professionals as of 3 November 2014, Serbian professional tennis player Novak Djokovic is currently holding the world No. 1 place. This year he earns a total of $33.1 million which includes $21 million in endorsements from various companies and $12.1 million worth of prize money. Till now, he has achieved a total of $67 million worth of prize money from his active tennis career. Novak Djokovic appeared in various campaigns and TV commercials for several of his major sponsors which include megabrands like Mercedes-Benz, Audemars Piguet, Sergio Tacchini, FitLine and Srbija. He holds the current world’s best position with his 47 career titles. So far, he has won four Australian Open title titles and also the Wimbledon title twice.

4. Maria Sharapova

According to the recent ranking by the Women’s Tennis Association as of 3 November 2014, Russian professional tennis player Maria Sharapova is currently holding the world No. 2 place. This year she earned a total of $24.4 million which includes $22 million in endorsements from various companies and $2.4 million worth of prize money. Till now, she has achieved a total of $31 million worth of prize money from her active tennis career. Maria Sharapova appeared in various campaigns and TV commercials for several of her major sponsors which include megabrands like Nike, Evian, Head, Samsung, Tag Heuer, Motarola, Tiffany and Land Rover. In her active career, so far, she has won 33 WTA titles and 4 ITF Titles. She earned the French Open twice and also the Wimbledon in 2004.

5. Li Na

According to the recent ranking by the Women’s Tennis Association as of 3 November 2014, Chinese professional tennis player Li Na is currently holding the world No. 9 place. This year she earned a total of $23.6 million which includes $18 million in endorsements from various companies and $5.6 million worth of prize money. Till now, she achieved a total of $16 million worth of prize money from her active tennis career. Li Na appeared in various campaigns and TV commercials for several of her major sponsors which include megabrands like Häagen-Dazs, Visa, Nike, Rolex, Samsung, Mercedes-Benz and Babolat. In her active career so far, she has won 2 WTA titles and 16 ITF Titles. She athechieved the French Open in 2011 and also the Australian Open in 2014.

6. Serena Williams

According to the recent ranking by the Women’s Tennis Association as of 3 November 2014, American professional tennis player Serena Williams is currently holding the world No. 1 place. This year she earned a total of $22 million which includes $11 million in endorsements from various companies and $11 million worth of prize money. Till now, she has achieved a total of $63 million worth of prize money from her active tennis career. Serena Williams appeared in various campaigns and TV commercials for several of her major sponsors which include megabrands like Nike, Wilson, Gatorade, OPI, Tampax, Hewlett-Packard, Kraft and Puma. She occupies the position of seventh overall highest in the Open Era with her 64 WTA tour titles. So far, she won five Wimbledon titles and also six US Opens.

7. Andy Murray

According to the recent ranking by the Association of Tennis Professionals as of 3 November 2014, British professional tennis player Andy Murray is currently holding the world No. 6 place. This year he earns a total of $19.1 million which includes $15 million in endorsements from various companies and $4.1 million worth of prize money. Till now, he has achieved a total of $33 million worth of prize money from his active tennis career. Andy Murray appeared in various campaigns and TV commercials for several of his major sponsors which include megabrands like Adidas, Head rackets, Royal Bank of Scotland, Highland Spring, Jaguar, Rado watches and Fred Perry. In his active career so far, he has won 31 Career Titles. He won the Wimbledon in 2013 and also the US Open title in 2012.

8. Victoria Azarenka

According to the recent ranking by the Women’s Tennis Association as of 3 November 2014, Belarusian professional tennis player Victoria Azarenka is currently holding the world No. 32 place. This year she earned a total of $11.1 million which includes $7.5 million in endorsements from various companies and $3.6 million worth of prize money. Till now, she has achieved a total of $24 million worth of prize money from her active tennis career. Victoria Azarenka appeared in various campaigns and TV commercials for several of her major sponsors which include megabrands like Nike, Esurance, Wilson, Red Bull and watchmaker Citizen. In her active career so far, she has won 17 WTA titles and 1 ITF Titles. She othebtained the Australian Open twice consecutively in 2012 and 2013.

9. Kei Nishikori

According to the recent ranking by the Association of Tennis Professionals as of 3 November 2014, Japanese professional tennis player Kei Nishikori is currently holding the world No. 5 place. This year he earns a total of $11 million which includes $9 million in endorsements from various companies and $2 million worth of prize money. Till now, he has achieved a total of $7 million worth of prize money from his active tennis career. Kei Nishikori appeared in various campaigns and TV commercials for several of his major sponsors which include megabrands like Uniqlo, Wilson, Adidas, Delta Airlines, Weider and Tag Heuer. In his active playing career so far, he has achieved 7 career titles. He is also the recent year’s finalist at the 2014 US Open.

10. Caroline Wozniacki

According to the recent ranking by the Women’s Tennis Association as of 3 November 2014, Danish professional tennis player Caroline Wozniacki is currently holding the world No. 8 place. This year she earned a total of $10.8 million which includes $9.5 million in endorsements from various companies and $1.3 million worth of prize money. Till now, she has achieved a total of $19 million worth of prize money from her active tennis career. Caroline Wozniacki appeared in various campaigns and TV commercials for several of her major sponsors which include megabrands like Adidas, Yonex, Proactiv, Rolex and Sony Ericsson. In her active playing career so far, she has achieved 22 WTA career titles and 4 ITF titles. She participated in the finals of the US Open Championships twice.

It is expected that there will be changes in the above list, as the new prize amounts, endorsements and cumulative income of the players will not only rise but will possibly affect the rankings of the players. But, for now, all we can say is that be it the new-comers or the big fishes, the prominent names in the world or tennis are satisfied to feature among the 10 richest tennis players, what with the flood of income, along with their impressive career statistics.

Top 10 Highest Paid Basketball Players 2015

November 27, 2014 by Khabir Uddin Mughal

Highest Paid Basketball Players 2015

One of the highest paying sports in the world is basketball. The basketball players are among the richest of athletes. Starting from the salary that is paid to the players from the teams they play for in the National Basketball League to the fees they receive for endorsing world-renowned brands: cumulatively, their yearly income is at par with that of the players associated with other sports. Basketball players enjoy being at the center of attraction, as they endorse several big brands, and their popularity shoots up, not only within their own fan base but also amongst all the youngsters who love sports. At one point of time, basketball legends like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar or Michael Jordan became the brand ambassadors for big companies all over the world, and in turn received a steady income of large sums, besides their annual salary from their teams. Many of the superstars of basketball in current times like LeBron James or Kobe Bryant earn huge amounts of salary from their teams as well as from the companies they represent. So, let us have a look at the Top 10 Highest Paid Basketball Players 2015.

Top 10 Highest Paid Basketball Players 2015

1. Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant is now playing for the Los Angeles Lakers team as a shooting guard in the National Basketball Association. He was drafted in the 1996 NBA Draft as the 1st round 13th overall pick by the Charlotte Hornets. He is currently having 6 feet 6 inches NBA listed height and 212 lbs. listed weight. Kobe Bryant in the 2013-14 season of National Basketball earned a total of $64.5 million out of which he got $30.5 million salary from the team and $34 million from various endorsements of reputed companies. He is reserved by the team for the current season with the Bird Rights. Kobe Bryant is signed for a $23,500,000 yearly salary from the team in the 2014-15 NBA season and will also get $25,000,000 yearly salary from the team in 2015-16 NBA season. His cumulative guaranteed income in the next seasons is $48,500,000.

2. LeBron James

LeBron James is now playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers team as a forward in the National Basketball Association. He was drafted in the 2003 NBA Draft as the 1st round 1st overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers. He is currently having 6 feet 8 inch NBA listed height and 250 lbs. listed weight. LeBron James in the 2013-14 season of National Basketball earned a total of $61.1 million out of which he got $19.1 million salary from the team and $42 million from various endorsements of reputed companies. He is reserved by the team for the current season with the Cap Space. LeBron James is signed for a $20,644,400 yearly salary from the team in the 2014-15 NBA season and will also get $21,573,398 yearly salary from the team in 2015-16 NBA season. His cumulative guaranteed income in the subsequent seasons is $20,644,400.

3. Derrick Rose

Derrick Rose is now playing for the Chicago Bulls team as a forward in the National Basketball Association. He was drafted in the 2008 NBA Draft as the 1st round 1st overall pick by the Chicago Bulls. He is currently having 6 feet 3 inch NBA listed height and 190 lbs. listed weight. Derrick Rose in the 2013-14 season of National Basketball earned a total of $38.6 million out of which he got $17.6 million salary from the team and $21 million from various endorsements of reputed companies. He is reserved by the team for current season with the Bird Rights. Derrick Rose is signed for a $18,862,875 yearly salary from the team in the 2014-15 NBA season and will also get $20,093,063 yearly salary from the team in 2015-16 NBA season. His cumulative guaranteed income in the ensuing seasons is $60,279,188.

4. Kevin Durant

Kevin Durant is now playing for the Oklahoma City Thunder team as a forward in the National Basketball Association. He was drafted in the 2007 NBA Draft as the 1st round 2nd overall pick by the Seattle SuperSonics. He is currently having 6 feet 11 inches NBA listed height and 220 lbs. listed weight. Kevin Durant in the 2013-14 season of National Basketball earned a total of $31.8 million out of which he got $17.8 million salary from the team and $14 million from various endorsements of reputed companies. He is reserved by the team for the current season with the Bird Rights. Kevin Durant is signed for a $18,995,624 yearly salary from the team in the 2014-15 NBA season and will also get $20,158,622 yearly salary from the team in 2015-16 NBA season. His cumulative guaranteed income in the succeeding seasons is $39,154,246.

5. Dwyane Wade

Dwyane Wade is now playing for the Miami Heat team as a guard in the National Basketball Association. He was drafted in the 2003 NBA Draft as the 1st round 5th overall pick by the Miami Heat. He is currently having 6 feet 4 inches NBA listed height and 220 lbs. listed weight. Dwyane Wade in the 2013-14 season of National Basketball earned a total of $30.7 million out of which he got $18.7 million salary from the team and $12 million from various endorsements of reputed companies. He is reserved by the team for current season with the Bird Rights. Dwyane Wade is signed for a $15,000,000 yearly salary from the team in the 2014-15 NBA season and will also get $16,125,000 yearly salary from the team in 2015-16 NBA season. His cumulative guaranteed income in the subsequent seasons is $31,125,000.

6. Carmelo Anthony

Carmelo Anthony is now playing for the New York Knicks team as a power forward in the National Basketball Association. He was drafted in the 2003 NBA Draft as the 1st round 3rd overall pick by the Denver Nuggets. He is currently having 6 feet 8 inches NBA listed height and 240 lbs. listed weight. Carmelo Anthony in the 2013-14 season of National Basketball earned a total of $30.4 million out of which he got $21.4 million salary from the team and $9 million from various endorsements of reputed companies. He is reserved by the team for the current season with the Bird Rights. Carmelo Anthony is signed for a $22,458,000 yearly salary from the team in the 2014-15 NBA season and will also get $22,875,000 yearly salary from the team in 2015-16 NBA season. His cumulative guaranteed income in the next seasons is $96,136,140.

7. Amar’e Stoudemire

Amar’e Stoudemire is now playing for the New York Knicks team as a power forward in the National Basketball Association. He was drafted in the 2002 NBA Draft as the 1st round 9th overall pick by the Phoenix Suns. He is currently having 6 feet 10 inch NBA listed height and 245 lbs. listed weight. Amar’e Stoudemire in the 2013-14 season of National Basketball earned a total of $28.2 million out of which he got $21.7 million salary from the team and $6.5 million from various endorsements of reputed companies. He is reserved by the team for the current season with the Bird Rights. Amar’e Stoudemire is signed for a $23,410,988 yearly salary from the team in the 2014-15 NBA season. His cumulative guaranteed income in the succeeding seasons is $23,410,988.

8. Dwight Howard

Dwight Howard is now playing for the Houston Rockets team as a center in the National Basketball Association. He was drafted in the 2004 NBA Draft as the 1st round 1st overall pick by the Orlando Magic. He is currently having 6 feet 11 inches NBA listed height and 265 lbs. listed weight. Dwight Howard in the 2013-14 season of National Basketball earned a total of $26.5 million out of which he got $20.5 million salary from the team and $6 million from various endorsements of reputed companies. He is reserved by the team for the current season with the Cap Space. Dwight Howard is signed for a $21,436,271 yearly salary from the team in the 2014-15 NBA season and will also get $22,359,364 yearly salary from the team in 2015-16 NBA season. His cumulative guaranteed income in the following seasons is $43,795,635.

9. Dirk Nowitzki

Dirk Nowitzki is now playing for the Dallas Mavericks team as a power forward in the National Basketball Association. He was drafted in the 1998 NBA Draft as the 1st round 9th overall pick by the Milwaukee Bucks. He is currently having 7 feet 0 inch NBA listed height and 245 lbs. listed weight. Dirk Nowitzki in the 2013-14 season of National Basketball earned a total of $23.2 million out of which he got $22.7 million salary from the team and $500,000 from various endorsements of reputed companies. He is reserved by the team for the current season with the Bird Rights. Dirk Nowitzki is signed for a $7,974,482 yearly salary from the team in the 2014-15 NBA season and will also get $8,333,334 yearly salary from the team in 2015-16 NBA season. His cumulative guaranteed income in the coming seasons is $16,307,816.

10. Chris Paul

Chris Paul is now playing for the Los Angeles Clippers team as a point guard in the National Basketball Association. He was drafted in the 2005 NBA Draft as the 1st round 4th overall pick by the New Orleans Hornets. He is currently having 6 feet 0 inch NBA listed height and 175 lbs. listed weight. Chris Paul in the 2013-14 season of National Basketball earned a total of $22.7 million out of which he got $18.7 million salary from the team and $4 million from various endorsements of reputed companies. He is reserved by the team for the current season with the Bird Rights. Chris Paul is signed for a $20,068,563 yearly salary from the team in the 2014-15 NBA season and will also get $21,468,696 yearly salary from the team in 2015-16 NBA season. His cumulative guaranteed income in the succeeding seasons is $64,406,087.

Players like Joe Johnson and Chris Bosh are some of the other famous basketball players who deserve to be mentioned while discussing the highest paid basketball players of 2015. Joe Johnson has received a yearly salary of $23,180,790 for the NBA season of 2014-15, with a guaranteed income of $48,075,653 in hand.

Top 10 Highest Paid Ice Hockey Players 2015

November 27, 2014 by Khabir Uddin Mughal

Highest Paid Ice Hockey Players 2015

Ice hockey is considered one of the most important sports in the cold countries of the world, like the nations in the northern parts of the US, and Canada, as well as Russia and Sweden and comparable European countries. Like the other high profile games like baseball or basketball, ice hockey, too, has a huge viewership, especially in America. In the current scenario of ice hockey, a number of players have received enormous height of success through the magic that they can create with the ice hockey sticks. These ice hockey players earn a good salary from the clubs they play for in the National Hockey League. Besides, they also receive their personal endorsements of mega brands. Some of the most well-known players, such as Shea Weber or Sidney Crosby, earn amounts from their endorsements and salary which is at par with that of athletes of other sports. So let us have a look at the Top 10 Highest Paid Ice Hockey Players 2015.

Top 10 Highest Paid Ice Hockey Players 2015

1. Shea Weber

Shea Weber is now playing for the Nashville Predators in the defense position at the National Hockey League. He is listed in the NHL with 6 feet 4 inches height and 233 lb. weight. He was drafted as the 49th overall by the Nashville Predators in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. Besides his active career with the Nashville Predators, Shea Weber also plays for Canada national ice hockey team. He recently signed a 14 years contract with the team and in 2026 will be a free agent. His recent contract is a total worth of $110,000,000 including a total of $68,000,000 as the signing bonus. Shea Weber will get an average yearly salary of $7,857,143 and also has a guaranteed income of $110,000,000 till the contract ends. He now earns a base salary of $14,000,000 with $7,857,143 cap hit in the 2014-15 season of the NHL.

2. Sidney Crosby

Sidney Crosby is now playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins in the centre position at the National Hockey League. He is listed in the NHL with 5 feet 11 inches height and 200 lb. weight. He was drafted as the 1st overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft. Besides his active career with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Sidney Crosby also plays for Canada national ice hockey team. He recently signed a 12 years contract with the team and in 2025 will be a free agent. His fresh contract with the team is a total worth of $104,400,000. Sidney Crosby will get an average yearly salary of $8,700,000 and also has a guaranteed income of $104,400,000 till the contract ends. He now makes a base salary of $12,000,000 with $8,700,000 cap hit in the 2014-15 season of the NHL.

3. Ryan Suter

Ryan Suter is now playing for the Minnesota Wild in the defense position at the National Hockey League. He is listed in the NHL with 6 feet 1 inches height and 195 lb. weights. He was drafted as the 7th overall by the Nashville Predators in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. Besides his active career with the Minnesota Wild, Ryan Suter also plays for the United States national ice hockey team. He recently signed a 13 years contract with the team and in 2025 will be a free agent. His recent contract is a total worth of $98,000,000 including a total of $25,000,000 as the signing bonus. Ryan Suter will get an average yearly salary of $7,538,462 and also has a guaranteed income of $98,000,000 till the contract ends. He now earns a base salary of $11,000,000 with $7,538,462 cap hit in the 2014-15 season of the NHL.

4. Henrik Lundqvist

Henrik Lundqvist is now playing for the New York Rangers in the goaltender position at the National Hockey League. He is listed in the NHL with 6 feet 1 inches height and 185 lb. weights. He was drafted as the 205th overall by the New York Rangers in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft. Besides his active career with the New York Rangers, Henrik Lundqvist also plays for Sweden national ice hockey team. He recently signed a 7 years contract with the team and in 2021 will be a free agent. His recent contract is a total worth of $59,500,000 including a total of $14,000,000 as the signing bonus. Henrik Lundqvist will get an average yearly salary of $8,500,000 and also has a guaranteed income of $59,500,000 till the contract ends. He now makes a base salary of $11,000,000 with $8,500,000 cap hit in the 2014-15 season of the NHL.

5. Alex Ovechkin

Alex Ovechkin is now playing for the Washington Capitals in the Left Wing position at the National Hockey League. He is listed in the NHL with 6 feet 3 inches height and 230 lb. weight. He was drafted as the 1st overall by the Washington Capitals in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. Besides his active career with the Washington Capitals, Alex Ovechkin also plays for the Russian national ice hockey team. He recently signed a 13 years contract with the team and in 2021 will be a free agent. His recent contract with the team is a total worth of $124,000,000. Alex Ovechkin will get an average yearly salary of $9,538,462 and also has a guaranteed income of $124,000,000 till the contract ends. He now earns a base salary of $10,000,000 with $9,538,462 cap hit in the 2014-15 season of the NHL.

6. Pavel Datsyuk

Pavel Datsyuk is now playing for the Detroit Red Wings in the forward position at the National Hockey League. He is listed in the NHL with 5 feet 11 inches height and 198 lb. weight. He was drafted as the 171st overall by the Detroit Red Wings in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft. Besides his active career with the Detroit Red Wings, Pavel Datsyuk also plays for the Russian national ice hockey team. He recently signed a 3 years contract with the team and in 2017 will be a free agent. His recent contract with the team is a total worth of $22,500,000. Pavel Datsyuk will get an average yearly salary of $7,500,000 and also has a guaranteed income of $22,500,000 till the contract ends. He now makes a base salary of $10,000,000 with $7,500,000 cap hit in the 2014-15 season of the NHL.

7. Claude Giroux

Claude Giroux is now playing for the Philadelphia Flyers in the Right Wing position at the National Hockey League. He is listed in the NHL with 5 feet 11 inches height and 172 lb. weights. He was drafted as the 22nd overall by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. Besides his active career with the Philadelphia Flyers, Claude Giroux also plays for Canada national ice hockey team. He recently signed a 8 years contract with the team and in 2022 will be a free agent. His recent contract is a total worth of $66,200,000 including a total of $9,000,000 as the signing bonus. Claude Giroux will get an average yearly salary of $8,275,000 and also has a guaranteed income of $66,200,000 till the contract ends. He now earns a base salary of $10,000,000 with $8,275,000 cap hit in the 2014-15 season of the NHL.

8. Philip Kessel

Philip Kessel is now playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs in the Right Wing position at the National Hockey League. He is listed in the NHL with 6 feet height and 202 lb. weights. He was drafted as the 5th overall by the Boston Bruins in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. Besides his active career with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Philip Kessel also plays for the United States national ice hockey team. He recently signed a 8 years contract with the team and in 2022 will be a free agent. His recent contract is a total worth of $64,000,000 including a total of $22,500,000 as the signing bonus. Philip Kessel will get an average yearly salary of $8,000,000 and also has a guaranteed income of $64,000,000 till the contract ends. He now makes a base salary of $10,000,000 with $8,000,000 cap hit in the 2014-15 season of the NHL.

9. Evgeni Malkin

Evgeni Malkin is now playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins in the centre position at the National Hockey League. He is listed in the NHL with 6 feet 3 inches height and 195 lb. weight. He was drafted as the 2nd overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. Besides his active career with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Evgeni Malkin also plays for the Russian national ice hockey team. He recently signed a 8 years contract with the team and in 2022 will be a free agent. His recent contract with the team is a total worth of $76,000,000. Evgeni Malkin will get an average yearly salary of $9,500,000 and also has a guaranteed income of $76,000,000 till the contract ends. He now earns a base salary of $9,500,000 with $9,500,000 cap hit in the 2014-15 season of the NHL.

10. Eric Staal

Eric Staal is now playing for the Carolina Hurricanes in the centre position at the National Hockey League. He is listed in the NHL with 6 feet 4 inches height and 205 lb. weight. He was drafted as the 2nd overall by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. Besides his active career with the Carolina Hurricanes, Eric Staal also plays for Canada national ice hockey team. He recently signed a 7 years contract with the team and in 2016 will be a free agent. His recent contract with the team is a total worth of $57,750,000. Eric Staal will get an average yearly salary of $8,250,000 and also has a guaranteed income of $57,750,000 till the contract ends. He now makes a base salary of $9,250,000 with $8,250,000 cap hit in the 2014-15 season of the NHL.

Apart the huge salary that the players draw from the clubs they represent, they draw a pretty handsome amount from their personal sponsors. Sidney Crosby obtains $4.5 million from his endorsements which include some of the big names like Reebok, Gatorade, Bell and Tim Hortons. Alex Ovechkin, another name that deserves a mention while discussing highest paid ice hockey players 2015, earns a neat amount of $3.5 million from his endorsements including Gillette, Coca-Cola, Nike, Bauer and Kraft Canada.

Top 10 Highest Paid American Football Players 2015

November 27, 2014 by Khabir Uddin Mughal

Highest Paid American Football Players 2015

American football, one of the most popular sports in the United States, originates from the game of rugby. In the US, it is recognized as just football, and in countries like Canada, it is called gridiron. The first American football match was played between the college teams of Princeton and Rutgers on 6th November, 1869. Professional football and college football are the most popular of American football games in the US. Approximately 70,000 college athletes, and another 1.1 million high school athletes annually partake in the game in the US alone, as per a 2012 study. The National Football League is the most popular American football championship, holding a record of the highest average attendance of any league around the world. The annual income of the NFL is about $10 billion. The players of the American football, especially those who participate in the NFL, are considered among the highest paid athletes. Let us take a look at the Top 10 Highest Paid American Football Players 2015.

Top 10 Highest Paid American Football Players 2015

1. Jay Cutler

Jay Cutler now plays for the Chicago Bears in the National Football League as a quarterback. He played college football for the Vanderbilt. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos as a 1St Round 11th overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft. Jay Cutler presently has 6 feet 3 inches listed height and 220 lb. listed weight in the NFL. He is now in a contract of 7 years with his team Chicago Bears and in 2021 he will be a free agent. He has a total of $126,700,000 contract value with his team. He now earns $18,100,000 yearly average salary and has a total of $54,000,000 guaranteed income for his contract. Jay Cutler earns a total cap hit of $18,500,000 including $17,500,000 basic salary and $1,000,000 Restructure bonus in the 2014-15 season of NFL. His current Career Earnings are $58.2 million till date, the release value being $38,000,000 in the current season.

2. Gerald McCoy

Gerald McCoy now plays for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the National Football League as a defensive tackle. He played college football for the Oklahoma. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a 1St Round 3rd overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft. Gerald McCoy presently has 6 feet 4 inches listed height and 300 lb. listed weight in the NFL. He is currently in a contract of 6 years with his team Tampa Bay Buccaneers and in 2022 he will be a free agent. He has a total of $95,200,000 contract value with his team which includes $2,500,000 signing bonus. He now earns $15,866,667 yearly average salary and has a total of $51,500,000 guaranteed income for his contract. Gerald McCoy earns a total cap hit of $20,895,000 including $17,500,000 basic salary and $1,100,000 signing bonus in the 2014-15 season of NFL. His current Career Earnings is $44.4 million till date with the release value being $20,247,308 in the current season.

3. Eli Manning

Eli Manning now plays for the New York Giants in the National Football League as a quarterback. He played college football for the Mississippi. He was drafted by the New York Giants as a 1St Round 1st overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft. Eli Manning presently has 6 feet 4 inches listed height and 218 lb. listed weight in the NFL. He is currently in a contract of 6 years with his team New York Giants and in 2016 he will be a free agent. He has a total of $97,500,000 contract value with his team which includes $13,000,000 signing bonus. He now earns $16,250,000 yearly average salary and has a total of $35,000,000 guaranteed income for his contract. Eli Manning earns a total cap hit of $20,400,000 including $15,150,000 basic salary and $2,250,000 restructure bonus in the 2014-15 season of NFL. His current Career Earnings is $135.1 million till date with the release value being $7,500,000 in the current season.

4. Peyton Manning

Peyton Manning now plays for the Denver Broncos in the National Football League as a quarterback. He played college football for the Tennessee. He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts as a 1St Round 1st overall pick in the 1998 NFL Draft. Peyton Manning presently has 6 feet 5 inches listed height and 230 lb. listed weight in the NFL. He is currently in a contract of 5 years with his team Denver Broncos and in 2017 he will be a free agent. He has a total of $96,000,000 contract value with his team. He now earns $19,200,000 yearly average salary and has a total of $58,000,000 guaranteed income for his contract. Peyton Manning earns a total cap hit of $17,500,000 including $15,000,000 basic salary and $2,500,000 restructure bonus in the 2014-15 season of NFL. His current Career Earnings is $242.7 million till date with the release value being $22,500,000 in the current season.

5. Mike Wallace

Mike Wallace now plays for the Miami Dolphins in the National Football League as a wide receiver. He played college football for the Mississippi. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers as a 3rd Round 84th overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft. Mike Wallace presently has 6 feet 0 inches listed height and 200 lb. listed weight in the NFL. He is currently in a contract of 5 years with his team Miami Dolphins and in 2018 he will be a free agent. He has a total of $60,000,000 contract value with his team which includes $11,000,000 signing bonus. He now earns $12,000,000 yearly average salary and has a total of $30,000,000 guaranteed income for his contract. Mike Wallace earns a total cap hit of $17,250,000 including $15,000,000 basic salary and $2,200,000 signing bonus in the 2014-15 season of NFL. His current Career Earnings are $16.6 million till date with the release value being $26,850,000 in the current season.

6. Sam Bradford

Sam Bradford now plays for the St. Louis Rams in the National Football League as a quarterback. He played college football for the Oklahoma. He was drafted by the St. Louis Rams as a 1st Round 1st overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft. Sam Bradford presently has 6 feet 4 inches listed height and 224 lb. listed weight in the NFL. He is currently in a contract of 6 years with his team St. Louis Rams and in 2016 he will be a free agent. He has a total of $78,045,000 contract value with his team which includes $17,975,000 signing bonus. He now earns $13,007,500 yearly average salary and has a total of $50,000,000 guaranteed income for his contract. Sam Bradford earns a total cap hit of $17,610,000 including $14,015,000 basic salary and $3,595,000 signing bonus in the 2014-15 season of NFL. His current Career Earnings are $51 million till date, with release value being $7,190,000 in the current season.

7. Philip Rivers

Philip Rivers now plays for the San Diego Chargers in the National Football League as a quarterback. He played college football for the NC State. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers as a 1St Round 4th overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft. Philip Rivers presently has 6 feet 5 inches listed height and 228 lb. listed weight in the NFL. He is currently in a contract of 6 years with his team San Diego Chargers and in 2016 he will be a free agent. He has a total of $91,800,000 contract value with his team which includes $19,550,000 signing bonus. He now earns $15,300,000 yearly average salary and has a total of $$38,150,000 guaranteed income for his contract. Philip Rivers earns a total cap hit of $16,666,666 including $13,800,000 basic salary and $1,666,666 restructure bonus in the 2014-15 season of NFL. His current Career Earnings are $106.1 million till date, with the release value being $4,533,334 in the current season.

8. Greg Hardy

Greg Hardy now plays for the Carolina Panthers in the National Football League as a defensive end. He played college football for the Mississippi. He was drafted by the Carolina Panthers as a 6th Round 175th overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft. Greg Hardy presently has 6 feet 4 inches listed height and 290 lb. listed weight in the NFL. He is now in a contract of 1 year with his team Carolina Panthers and next year he will be a free agent. He has a total of $13,116,000 contract value with his team. He now earns $13,116,000 yearly average salary and has a total of $13,116,000 guaranteed income for his contract. Greg Hardy earns a total cap hit of $13,116,000 including $13,116,000 basic salary in the 2014-15 season of NFL. His current Career Earnings are $2.7 million till date with the release value being 13,116,000 release value in the current season.

9. Ndamukong Suh

Ndamukong Suh now plays for the Detroit Lions in the National Football League as a defensive tackle. He played college football for the Nebraska. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions as a 1St Round 2nd overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft. Ndamukong Suh presently has 6 feet 4 inches listed height and 307 lb. listed weight in the NFL. He is currently in a contract of 5 years with his team Detroit Lions and in 2015 he will be a free agent. He has a total of $64,502,000 contract value with his team. He now earns $12,900,400 yearly average salary and has a total of $23,250,000 guaranteed income for his contract. Ndamukong Suh earns a total cap hit of $22,412,500 including $12,550,000 basic salary and $6,267,500 Restructure bonus in the 2014-15 season of NFL. His current Career Earnings are $51.5 million till date with the release value being $19,475,000 in the current season.

10. Ben Roethlisberger

Ben Roethlisberger now plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the National Football League as a quarterback. He played college football for the Miami. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers as a 1St Round 11th overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft. Ben Roethlisberger presently has 6 feet 5 inches listed height and 241 lb. listed weight in the NFL. He is currently in a contract of 6 years with his team Pittsburgh Steelers and in 2016 he will be a free agent. He has a total of $87,986,500 contract value with his team which includes $25,200,000 signing bonus. He now earn $14,664,417 yearly average salary and has a total of $33,200,000 guaranteed income for his contract. Ben Roethlisberger earns a total cap hit of $18,895,000 including $12,100,000 basic salary and $6,795,000 Restructure bonus in the 2014-15 season of NFL. His current Career Earnings is $93.2 million till date with the release value being $13,590,000 in the current season.

Stars like Adrian Peterson, the running back for the Minnesota Vikings, and Brian Orakpo, the outside linebacker of Washington Redkins, also deserve to be mentioned among the highest paid NFL players 2015. Peterson earns $14,400,000 in the current season, while Orakpo receives $11,455,000 from his team in the current year.