The economic crisis has many people worried about their jobs, their homes and their bills, but professional athletes certainly aren’t losing any sleep. Below we've listed the athletes who are paid the most money based on last year's earnings.
Tiger Woods - is an American professional golfer whose achievements to date, rank him among the most successful of all time.
Sport - Golf
Estimated Earnings; $115 million
David Beckham - The husband of former Spice Girl Victoria Adams is one of soccer's highest-paid players.
Sport - Soccer
Estimated Earnings; $50 million
Michael Jordon - Although he retired back in 1999, this Basketball star continues to earn all his money from endorsements.
Sport - Basketball
Estimated Earnings; $45 million
Phil Mickelson - nicknamed "lefty" for his unbelievable left hand golf swing.
Sport - Golf
Estimated Earnings; $45 million
Kimi Raikkonen - also known as, "Iceman", the Finnish Ferrari Formula1 driver.
Sport – Race car driver
Estimated Earnings; $44 million
Kobe Bryant - At the age of 19, he was the youngest All-Star Basketball player in history. Currently plays for LA Lakers.
Sport - Basketball
Estimated earnings; $39 million
LeBron James - Led his basketball team to winning gold during the 2008 Olympics.
Sport - Basketball
Estimated Earnings; $38 million
Ronaldinho - The Brazilian two-time 'FIFA player of the year' remains one of soccer's best-paid players.
Sport - Soccer
Estimated earnings; $37 million
Valentino Rossi - Italian professional motorcycle racer is onsidered one of the most successful racers of all time.
Sport – Motorcycle racer
Estimated earnings; $35 million
Roger Federer - This Swiss super star is the currently ranked #2 tennis player in the world.
Sport - Tennis
Estimated earnings; $ 35 million