MS Dhoni ranked 16th on Forbes' list of highest-paid athletes
The Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni is ahead of other sports stars like Fernando Alonso, Maria Sharapova, Rafael Nadal, Rory McIlroy and Usain Bolt in the Forbes' list.
India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni with earnings of USD 31.5 million, has been ranked at 16th place on Forbes' list of highest-paid athletes, which is topped by star golfer Tiger Woods. (Also read: India beat South Africa by 26 runs in Champions Trophy opener)
The magazine said 31-year-old Dhoni moved up 15 positions this year. In 2012, he was placed 31st. The influential business magazine estimated that Dhoni made USD 31.5 million (approx Rs 180 crores) over the last year from prize money an endorsements. (Read: I am naturally courageous, opening with Rohit was a joy, says Shikhar Dhawan after his maiden ODI ton)
37-year-old Woods made USD 78.1 million (approx Rs 444 crores) in the year 2012-13 followed by tennis star Roger Federer at USD 71.5 million (approx Rs 406 crores). Kobe Bryant American professional basketball player, is third at USD 61 million (approx Rs 347 crores).
Federer had topped the 2012 list. The only other Indian in the top-100 list is Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar at 51st position with a total annual earning of USD 22 million (Rs 125 crores).
Other sports stars, who are below Dhoni are Ferrari's formula one racer Fernando Alonso (19th), Northern Ireland golfer Rory McIlroy (21st spot), Lewis Hamilton (26th), Novak Djokovic (28th), Rafael Nadal (30th) and Usain Bolt (40th).
This year's 100-strong list features just three women led by tennis ace Maria Sharapova, who ranks No.22 with an earning of USD 29 million.
Sharapova is joined by No.68 Serena Williams, who rakes in USD 20.5 million (Rs 116 crores), including USD 8.5 million (Rs 48 crores) in prize money while China's Li Na ranks 85th overall with earnings of USD 18.2 million (Rs 103 crores).