Among the greatest sportsmen, one has been found to be the ultimate winner when it comes to being the richest sports star in the world.

A new analysis looks at the wealthiest sportsmen of all time (Image: Getty)

The world of sports is one of the most lucrative industries in the world.

The immense amount of wealth accumulated by athletes who reach the top is largely down to salaries and the massive global fan base, which sees revenue through television broadcasting rights and ticket sales as well as sponsorships and merchandise sales.

The major emotional connection among fans of sports has allowed for companies to charge premium prices for experiences and products, further boosting marketing and advertising opportunities seen across various platforms.

As such, professional athletes in the world of sports have seen their wealth reach eye-watering heights with salaries one can only dream of.

But among the greatest of them all, who has been found to be the ultimate winner when it comes to being the richest sports star in the world?

According to Sportico’s analysis Michael Jordan is the richest sportsman of all time (Image: Getty)

Sportico analysed the highest paying athletes by using research, earnings estimated based on conversations with industry insiders and historical estimates carried out by, among others, Forbes and Sports Illustrated to determine the richest sports star.

The site listed the 50 highest-paid athletes of all time, with a combined worth of a staggering £41.3 billion ($50 billion) when adjusted for inflation.

Sportico’s rich list includes people from 17 different countries – and Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan tops the ranking.

The analysis claimed that Jordan, one of the greatest NBA stars of all time, has raked in earnings of £3.09 ($3.75 billion) – adjusted for inflation – despite retiring in 2003.

Lewis Hamilton was the only Brit featured on the top 50 rich list with earnings of £726.5 million (Image: Getty)

To put that in context, Michael Jordan’s reported overall wealth is higher than F1 hero Michael Schumacher (£107 million or $1.36 bn), tennis legend Rafael Nadal (£534.6 million or $690 million) and football star Neymar’s (£795 million or $1.01 billion) combined.

This staggering wealth is largely down to his earnings with Nike over the decades, which is one of the former basketball player’s primary sources of his immense fortune.

Last year, Jordan reportedly earned an estimated £118 million ($150 million) just from his partnership with Nike with his wealth ticking along nicely each year.

Golfer Tiger Woods was found by Sportico to be the second richest sports star, with earnings of £2.10 billion ($2.66 billion).

Football star Christiano Ronaldo from Portugal came in at third with an earnings of £1.5 billion ($1.92 billion).

As for the UK’s richest sports stars, Lewis Hamilton is the only Brit athlete featured in the top 50 rich list, with earnings of £726.5 million ($880 million).

Hamilton’s primary source of wealth is believed to come from his racing career, being the highest-paid driver in Formula One, alongside his business ventures, and endorsements.

Professional athletes are paid high salaries because they generate revenue for their teams and leagues.