On June 18, 2012, Forbes has released the official list of the highest paid Athletes for 2012. There are various reactions from people in different societies, communities, and nations because of the huge difference, especially the sudden financial downfall of other athletes who have been consistently a part of the top 10 highest paid athletes in the previous years. Yes, those who took their spots this year are now ranked from between number 11 to 15 in prior listings. You could also take a comparative analysis based on the ratio and figures released by Forbes last year, on May 31, 2011, and then you would know the main difference why this new list has caught much attention this year. Here are the 10 highest paid athletes in 2012, and know the reason behind the actual figures.

10. Peyton Manning

In the 2011 list, Peyton Manning just ranked # 21 with his earnings then of $26.1 million. A promise was given by Jim Irsay, who owns Colts, that Peyton would make a comeback to be the highest-paid player again in the National Football League. Indeed, it was fulfilled, from #21; he jumped to number rank #10, snatching away this 10^th position from Lionel Messi, who earned $32.3 million as a soccer player from the last year’s list. The total earnings of Peyton Manning this year is $42.4 million wherein $10 million came from his endorsements, and the $32.4 million is from his salary & winnings.

9. Cristiano Ronaldo

He is still part of this list, but he is down to #9 from the #7 rank last year. His total earnings in 2011 were $38 million in the soccer field. Despite the fact that he earned $42.5 million this year, which came from his salary, endorsements, and winnings, he has still managed to maintain his position on this list. Nonetheless, he still holds the title of being the soccer player with the biggest salary, based on history, wherein he receives a $20 million salary yearly, which also includes his bonuses.

8. David Beckham

From the 6^th spot last year, David Beckham was down two spots, claiming the 8^th position out of the 10 richest athletes in 2012. His total earnings last year was $40 million, which has increased this year, making it to $46 million where $37 million of which came from his endorsement, while the remaining portion of it is derived from the rewards he gain from playing in different teams and groups. He has additional endorsements this year that added up to his total earnings like Samsung, Sainsbury’s, and Burger King, all thanks to previous advertisements with brands like Coca-Coal, IBM, and other product lines either promoted solo or with his wife, Victoria.

7. Phil Mickelson

From the #5 ranking last year, he is down to 7^th spot for 2012 highest paid athletes. Last year, he earned $46.5 million, while this year, he earned $47.8 wherein $43 million of which came from his endorsements and just $4.8 million from his winnings in playing for the PGA Tour. It could be seen that he earns much from his endorsements with prominent companies like Rolex, Barclays, and Ford since his annual earnings from them soared up to $30 million.

6. Kobe Bryant

It was a big surprise from everyone because he ranked #2 in the 2011 list, but he is down to the #6 spot. His last year’s earnings were $53 million, and instead of an increase for this year, it went down to $52.3 million wherein $32 million of which came from endorsements, and the remaining portion is from his gaming contract, along with incentives for winning matches and games.

5. Roger Federer

From the number 4 spot last year, he is down to number 5, which still reasonable and manageable. His last year’s earnings were $47 million with an increase of $5.7 million making it $ 52.7 million. Out of those earnings, $45 million came from his endorsements while $7.7 million is from his winnings in various Tennis events like the Australian, French, and the US Open, along with other professional tourneys. Like Phil Mickelson, he also earns $30 million yearly from his endorsements such as Rolex, Gillette, Nike, and even Mercedes-Benz.

4. LeBron James

Like Roger Federer, LeBron James of the Miami Heat went down one spot, from number 3 rank last year; he is ranked #4 this year. His total earnings in 2011 were $48 million although he has an increase of $5 million this year, making it to $53 million wherein $40 million of which primarily were derived from his endorsements and $13 million came from his salary with the Miami Heat, where it is expected that he may have an increase after winning the Finals.

3. Tiger Woods

Everyone was surprised because he has been consistently holding the number one spot for the highest paid athletes for the past years. His total earnings last year were $75 million, but it dropped to $59.4 million this year wherein he has just earned $4.4 million from his salary in golf and major contributions of his income came from his endorsements. He is aware that he had some difficulties for the last 12 months especially that his golf course design business is also in a struggling period.

2. Manny Pacquiao

Despite of the controversial loss with his last fight against Timothy Bradley, he has managed to earn $62 million wherein $56 million of which came from his salary & winnings, and the remaining portion is from endorsements. Last year he just ranked # 24 wherein his total earnings recorded were $25 million.

1. Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Everyone was surprised with his sudden comeback wherein he snatched away from Tiger Woods, the highest paid athlete that he has been consistently holding for the past years. In fact, Floyd Mayweather Jr. was not even included on last year’s 50 highest paid athletes. It is indeed so surprising, but for the last 12 months, he had two fights where he knocked out Victor Ortiz and won with a unanimous decision against Miguel Cotto. He also owns Mayweather Promotions that also adds up to his total earnings this year of $85 million with zero endorsements where $40 million earnings came from his fight against Victor Ortiz while $45 million with his fight against Miguel Cotto.