The 10 Richest Sports Stars In The World and their homes

You know when your parents and teachers told you to forget about trying to earn a living from playing sport and to knuckle down to your studies? Well they were idiots.

We may be in the midst of a global economic meltdown, but the world's top sports stars are still up to their necks in cash.

According to the Forbes list of celebrity wealth, here are the 10 richest sports stars in the world today.

10. Alex Rodriguez - Baseball - $34m per annum

The New York Yankees star Alex Rodriguez is the youngest player to have ever hit 500 home runs. In 2007 A-Rod signed a record breaking 10 year, $275 million contract, to become the highest paid player in baseball history. The previous record was his existing contract with the Yankees, which paid $252 million.

In total Rodriguez's career earnings from baseball alone stand at $197,431,586. Add to that his lucrative endorsements with the likes of Nike, Rawlings and Topps and the 33 year old is sitting on a fortune.

Rodriguez divorced last year, amidst claims of an affair with Madonna. Following the split from his wife Cynthia, A-Rod placed their marital home on the market for $14.9 million, though he has since dropped the price to $12.3 million.

This at least proves that the rich and famous aren't entirely impervious to the credit crunch, but I think he'll get by.

Alex Rodriguez house

9. Roger Federer - Tennis - $35m per annum


Roger Federer's ATP ranking may have slipped from world number 1 down to number 2, but Rafael Nadal still has some way to go before he can top the Swiss star in terms of earnings.

Having won 13 Grand Slam titles, Federer has coined millions in prize money and has sponsorship deals with Nike, Rolex and Gillette. His marketing company have claimed that Federer is the wealthiest tennis player of all time and he has been named as one of the 300 wealthiest people in Switzerland (an area where the neighbours tend to have a little dough).

Unlike some of his sporting contemporaries, Federer has kept his feet on the ground. In a 2007 interview with Sports Illustrated he admitted to not even owning a house.

Roger Federer house


8. Ronaldinho - Soccer - $37m per annum


Like Federer, Brazilian soccer legend Ronaldinho has been upstaged by young upstarts such as Messi, Ronaldo and Kaka in recent years, but he's still sitting pretty from the days when he was widely accepted as the greatest player in the world.

Ronaldinho has enjoyed massive contacts with soccer giants Barcelona and present club AC Milan, as well as commercial deals with Nike, Pepsi and Cadbury Schweppes. It is arguable that it has been the contentedness that comes with such wealth, which has been responsible for Ronaldinho's loss of form.

Still, at least the money has allowed an ugly guy like Ronaldinho to sleep with hundreds of beautiful women and live in this amazing house.


Ronaldinho house


7. LeBron James - Basketball - $38m per annum


LeBron James was never going to be short of money from the day that he signed a $90 million contract with Nike, before he'd even made his professional debut. LeBron was the first pick in the 2003 NBA draft, joining the Cleveland Cavaliers.

At 24 years old, married to his childhood sweetheart and a father of two, clean cut LeBron is a marketing man's dream. James has stated that he intends to become the world's first billionaire athlete.

The home he is currently building is certainly fit for a billionaire. At 35,000 square foot, it's certainly roomy. Having knocked down the pre-existing 11 bedroom house on the site, LeBron's mansion will include a full size casino, a six-car garage and bowling alley.

LeBron James house

6. Kobe Bryant - Basketball - $39m per annum


Kobe Bryant plays his basketball in Los Angeles and only a select few of Hollywood's great and good can claim to earn more than the Lakers' shooting guard.

Bryant saw many of his endorsement deals ripped up after he was accused of rape in 2003. The exception was Nike, who had just signed him to a 5-year $45 million contract prior to the incident. In addition to this, he is signed to a 6-year $71 million deal with the Lakers.

After the rape accusation, Bryant bought his wife Vanessa a $4 million diamond ring as an apology. It must be nice to get out of the doghouse so easily. Most of us would be on dishwashing duty for at least a month.

Kobe Bryant house

5. Kimi Raikkonen - Formula One - $44m per annum


Kimi Raikkonen became the highest paid man in motor racing when he joined the Ferrari team in a three year deal and earned his money when he walked away with the Formula One World Drivers' Championship in his first season.

The Finnish driver leads something of a playboy lifestyle and in 2005 got into trouble with his former employers on the McClaren team, when he began cavorting with a lapdancer at a London club, before embarking on his own strip show

Raikkonen is now settled down and married to Jenni Dahlman, a former Miss Scandinavia. Well, she would be enough to see anyone onto the straight and narrow.

Kimi Raikkonen house

4. Phil Mickelson - Golf - $45m per annum



If there was no one on earth named Tiger Woods, then Phil Mickelson would undoubtedly be even higher up this list. Mickelson picked up $10 million in prize money and $35 million in appearance and sponsorship fees.

Mickelson is something of a serial endorser, having given his name to Ford, Rolex and Callaway golf clubs amongst others. He has earned far more off the course than on it, but at least he spends his advertising bounty the right way.

In 2007, after hearing the story of retired NFL player Conrad Dobler and his family on ESPN explaining their struggles to pay medical bills, Mickelson volunteered to pay for Conrad's daughter Holli's college education at Miami University in Ohio.

Phil Mickelson house

3. Michael Jordan - Basketball - $45 m


Michael Jordan edges ahead of Mickelson on this list, despite earning roughly the same amount of money, due to the fact that he has actually retired from professional sport.

These days Jordan works as head of basketball operations for the Charlotte Bobcats, but the vast bulk of his income comes from royalties from the $800 million a year in sales of the Nike Jordan brand.

It's no wonder then that Jordan can be so free with how he spends his money. In 2005 author Richard Esquinas claimed he had won $1.25 million from Jordan on the golf course. In 2006 Jordan divorced his wife Juanita, who received a $168 million settlement.
Michael Jordan house

2. David Beckham - Soccer - $50m


David Beckham is a global marketing phenomenon. Despite being a very good, rather than truly great soccer player, Beckham has amassed a huge fortune, due to his film star looks.

Though Beckham's base salary with LA Galaxy was only $5.5 million, the figure was more than doubled with his cut of the team's ticket, merchandise and sponsorship revenues. Add endorsements with Adidas, Motorola and Pepsi, to name just a few and Beckham has a huge yearly income.

Despite having recently signed a deal to spend much of his time playing on loan for AC Milan, Beckham obviously sees a future in the US, as he has recently stated that he might buy his own MLS franchise. Beckham lives in a $22 million mansion, in a gated community near to the home of Tom Cruise.

Unlike most famous sportsmen, his wife actually earns money, rather than just spending his. In 2007, Victoria was paid $20 million for the Spice Girls reunion tour. She is the 52nd richest woman in Britain.

David Beckham house


1. Tiger Woods - Golf - $115 m


Eldrick Tont "Tiger" Woods, has won 14 major golf championships and 65 PGA tour events. Ranked as the number 1 golfer in the world, Woods is thought by many to be greatest player of all time.

He's also one of the most marketable. In 2000 he signed a 5-year $105 million contract with Nike, which at the time was the largest endorsement deal ever made by an athlete. Tiger also has deals with American Express, Buick, TAG Heuer and EA Sports, amongst many others.

Woods' company Tiger Woods Design creates golf courses around the world. The Tiger Woods Dubai will open in September of this year and features a a 7,700-yard par-72 course, a 60,000-square-foot clubhouse, a golf academy, 320 exclusive villas and a boutique hotel with 80 suites. There are further plans afoot to open golf courses in North Carolina and Kariba in Zimbabwe, with the latter expecting to cost $608 million.

According to Golf Digest, Woods made $769,440,709 from 1996 to 2007 and that by the end of the decade he will become the first athlete to have made over a billion dollars. If LeBron James thinks he can really pip Tiger to that title, then he'd better start buying lottery tickets.

Below is the very modest clubhouse at the Tiger Woods Dubai.

Tiger Woods house

The world's top 10 airlines

From check-in staff wrangling over luggage limits and long hours spent doubled-up in undersized seats to children crying and running around the aisles and harried flight attendants pushing drink carts into unsuspecting elbows — flying really can be quite a harrowing experience. The good news is, it doesn't have to be. In fact, on some airlines you'll find the flight is as much a part of the holiday experience as the destination itself.

What airline do you prefer to fly and why? Have your say below.

Each year London-based consultancy firm Skytrax (www.airlinequality.com) polls millions of passengers around the world to find out which airlines are the cream of the crop.

According to their most recent survey released in 2007 the winners were:

10. British Airways



Relying too heavily on past reputation, British Airways has slipped from its first place ranking in 2006 all the way down to 10th position. The founding member of the Oneworld travel alliance obviously needs to lift its game if it wants to regain the top spot.

9. Emirates



Consistently cited as one of the world's best airlines, Emirates is the largest Middle Eastern Airline. Based in Dubai, most of its flight attendants are recruited from overseas.

8. China Airlines



A surprising addition to this list is state-owned China Airlines, which in fact moved up two places from 2006. With its base in Taiwan not China, because of political tensions, passengers to and from mainland China must fly through a third port.

7. Air New Zealand



At last, New Zealand's flagship carrier has finally nudged its way into Skytrax's top 10. Long recognised locally for its quality passenger service, it's good to see this Kiwi icon taking on the world's best.

6. Malaysia Airlines



Moving up three places from the previous year, Kuala Lumpur-based Malaysia Airlines also regained its crown for the world's Best Cabin Staff Award, snatched away by Thai Airways in 2006. Along with Cathy Pacific, it is one of only six airlines worldwide to hold Skytrax's five-star rating.

5. Qantas




Long celebrated for its exceptional flight safety record, Qantas has dropped from second place in 2006 to fifth place. Australia's leading airline, however, consistently performs well and its budget domestic carrier, Jetstar, was named the World's Best Low-Cost Airline.

4. Qatar Airways




A relative newcomer, Doha-based Qatar Airways has drawn plenty of attention for its international service. While economy class passengers are treated to excellent in-flight service, with the airline taking out the Best First Class Airline tag, it's the first class passengers who, as usual, remain king.

3. Cathay Pacific



A former title winner, Cathay Pacific performed well overall ranking in the top four or five positions in almost every section of the survey. The flagship carrier of Hong Kong is also one of only six airlines worldwide to carry Skytrax's prestigious five-star rating.

2. Thai Airways




Jumping up from fourth position in 2006, Thai Airways came in second place overall. Famous for its in-flight service and well-dressed cabin crew, the airline also won the Best First Class Lounge award for its lounge at Bangkok Airport which includes a Royal Spa complete with sauna and yoga classes. Oh to travel first class!

1. Singapore Airlines



No stranger to awards, Singapore Airlines snatched the overall Airline of the Year title for the quality of both its economy and premium class services. From top-notch food to friendly flight attendants, any long-haul flight on this airline, which flies more passengers every year than the entire population of Singapore, is bound to be a pleasurable experience.


Gulf Air

This airline flying either First or Business,cannot do enough to make you as comfortable as possible,with an on board chef in first you can chose what,when and how you will eat all meals,and they serve very superior wines and champagnes in both classes.Any flights connections longer than 4 hours they take you(by limo) to a 5 star hotel all on the house,plus if you join their frequent flyer programme you get a whopping 45 kilos allowance.Ps they also have an on board Nanny in First to take the kids off your hands.

top 10 cities

10. ROME, ITALY


With some of Italy’s best gelato, the impressive Colosseum and Castel Sant-Angelo, spooky catacombs under Via Appia Antica and the green spaces of Villa Borghese, the challenge in Rome is not to do too much.

9. SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA


If beaches, swimming pools and numerous ferries aren’t enough, there’s Sydney Aquarium, Taronga Zoo and the Koala Park Sanctuary, which are all huge hits with the young ones.


8. SINGAPORE


Safe, clean and accessible, Singapore is a gentle introduction to the cities of Southeast Asia -- and an excellent jetlag-busting pit stop on the long haul between Europe and Australasia. Also, Sentosa Island with its beaches, butterfly park, dolphin lagoon and underwater world has to be seen to be believed.

7. COPENHAGEN, DENMARK


Oozes old-world charm, with a compact city centre, a lively waterfront and pedestrian-only zones. Thrilling rides at Tivoli Gardens and Bakken, a royal palace and museums designed especially for children will keep you busy.

6. LISBON, PORTUGAL


With trams trundling up to a castle, a state-of-the-art aquarium and a fascinating museum that explores Portugal’s great seafaring past, this city captivates kids. The fairy-tale town of Sintra, too, is a just a short train ride away.




5. VANCOUVER, CANADA


Vancouver is frequently named the most liveable city in the world. There’s lots of water as well as beaches, a huge urban park (Stanley Park) and numerous hiking and biking trails. In addition, all the attractions of the Rocky Mountains are just over 100 km (62 miles) away.


4. LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES


A good destination for teenagers -- choose between the original Disneyland, Universal Studios and Santa Monica. There’s heaps to see and do in this sprawling city that encapsulates the American Dream.


3. LONDON,england


You could stay in London for a whole year and find interesting things to do with the children every day. In summer don’t miss out on playing in the fountains at Somerset House where there’s an outdoor ice-skating rink in the winter

2. ISTANBUL, TURKEY


With its mosques, palaces, museums, bazaars, multicoloured carpets, food markets, Bosphorus cruises and sweet apple tea, the children will be fascinated and enchanted at every turn.






1. OAXACA, MEXICO



This colourful Mexican city is pint-sized, charming and fun to explore on foot. A central plaza provides plenty of run-around space for kids and there’s a vibrant market.

top ten digitle cameras

10:cannon digital cameras

Each fall a barrage of new cameras hits the market, anticipating the year-end holidays. This year's batch of Canons includes the IXUS 860 IS. From its model number, you might think that it's a follow-up to the IXUS 850 IS, but with its wider-than-normal, 28mm-to-105mm, f/2.8-to-f/5.8, 3.8x optical zoom lens, it's not.

Aside from a step up to an 8.3-megapixel CCD sensor, a larger 3-inch, 230,000-pixel LCD, and Canon's new Digic III processor, there's not much different in the IXUS 860 other than some nice cosmetic enhancements. Along with the new processor comes Canon's Advanced Face Detection, which can pick out up to nine faces in a frame and use the faces to set autofocus and exposure.

9:top rated digital cameras

Top Rated Digital Cameras

This summary of top rated cameras is grouped by type, but in no particular ranking order.

Ultra-Compact digital cameras are pocket-sized and weigh only a few ounces, making them the perfect go-anywhere camera. Rated from three to more than seven megapixels, they produce quality photos that can be enlarged to 8" X 10" or larger. Most include optical zoom and other features.

8:nikon digital cameras

Nikon has been experimenting with Wi-Fi-equipped cameras for a few years now. Not very long ago, Nikon introduced Wi-Fi in its ultracompact 7-megapixels Coolpix S50c. The latest Coolpix S51c continues this trend and incorporates an 8-megapixels CCD sensor, a 3-inch, 230,000-pixel LCD, sensitivity of up to ISO 1,600, and optical image stabilization.


7:best digital cameras

The best agenda cameras booty absurd pictures, and images are the memories. The best of agenda cameras almanac so abounding memories that will abide treasures for generations. The best agenda cameras accept bigger so abundant that alike the professionals are application these big machines. Each being adulatory to annals memories of the ancestors will be blessed to apperceive that they can use the best agenda camera photos and get allowances that would accept to be appreciative of their publications. There was a time in the contempo accomplished back agenda cameras took adequate pictures, but these machines do not booty abundant pictures.

6:cheap digital cameras

When I first saw the Dakota disposable cameras at a locals camera store I knew I’d be buying a few so I could make a camera that only exists in my dreams, a digital stereo camera.

After seeing the Use the (PureDigital) Dakota Digital Camera with your PC, I ran out and bought a few of these $11 dollar gems and set to work hacking them up. I figured I’d write up how I did it in case anyone else wants to try it themselves. It’s a pretty easy hack all things told, but still darn cool.

5:fuji digital cameras

Fujifilm introduced several new point and shoot cameras at PMA 08, highlighted by the Fuji FinePix S1000fd and S8100fd, both with impressive optical zoom capabilities. Each of these cameras also has red eye removal, face detection (which automatically adjusts focus and exposure), image stabilization, and the both operate on four “AA” batteries.


4:digital cameras ratings

Fujifilm has just launched a new digital camera - the Fujifilm Finepix F60fd 12-megapixel and the Fujifilm Finepix J150w wide-angle - which are among the best digital cameras for beginners around.

The Fujifilm Finepix F60fd has a 12-megapixel 1/1.6" Super CCD HR sensor, 3x optical zoom and a 3" LCD screen.

It also features Dual Image Stabilization (Sensor Shift + High ISO), Face Detection technology, automatic red-eye correction and a new "Scene Recognition mode", it promises to ensure improved image quality.

It is claimed that the Finepix F60fd's scene recognition automatically identifies subjects, faces and scenes and adjusts focus, exposure, ISO and white balance to ensure sharpness and clarity, whatever the background.

At full resolution, the ISO settings up to 1600 are available, but the camera also supports ISO 6400 at 3 MP and 3200 at 6 MP. Noise reduction is activated when dealing with low-light images.

The Finepix F60fd will reach stores in September 2008 and is expected to retail at $300 [let's hope that applies to the UK too].

The Finepix J150w ($200) is also scheduled for September 2008. Offering a wide-angle lens with a 5x optical zoom (28-140mm equivalent), it shoots images at up to 10-MP. ISO sensitivity up to 1600 at full resolution, with ISO 3200 at 3 MP.

3:sony digital cameras

Sony has announced the 3.9mm thickness DSC-T77 digital camera during CEATEC 2008. Offering a 3-inch LCD touchscreen with updated intelligent scene recognition technology, high sensitivity shooting(up to ISO 3200), eleven scene modes, Smile Shutter and face detection technology. Available in brown, pink, green, silver and black colors for around KRW300,000 each.

2:compare digital cameras

While I reported last week that smaller coffee shops and other outlets are cutting back on free wi-fi perks, Starbucks has stated that it’s not going to join that group. Starbucks offers 2 hours of free wi-fi every day to customers in the Starbucks Card Rewards program (with caveats). Here’s what their official statement on the matter is: “We strive to create a welcoming environment ...


1:canon digital cameras


Here are all of our Canon digital camera reviews, listed alphabetically by model, current models on top, discontinued models below. If you don't see the Canon camera you are looking for, see our page listing all Canon digital cameras reviewed or not, past or present.