From Shaquille O’Neal to David Beckham: Sport’s ten best-paid retired athletes

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From Shaquille O’Neal to David Beckham: Sport’s ten best-paid retired athletes

10. Magic Johnson. Earnings in 2015: $18m. Retired: 1996. Progressed from real estate/theatre into TV and insurance.

9. Gary Player. Earnings in 2015: $19m. Retired: 2009. Busy with golf course design business and endorsements.

8. Roger Penske. Earnings in 2015: $20m. Retired: 1965. Ex-race car driver is richest former athlete at $1.5b thanks to Penske Corp.

7. Shaquille O’Neal. Earnings in 2015: $22m. Retired: 2011. Sold stake in Shaq to Authentic Brands Group who paid him a lump sum.

6. Jack Nicklaus. Earnings in 2015: $26m. Retired: 2005. The Golden Bear’s golf course design firm has 398 courses in 41 countries.

5. Jerry Richardson. Earnings in 2015: $30m. Retired: 1960. Played two NFL seasons before making a mint in the restaurant business.

4. Junior Bridgeman (L). Earnings in 2015: $32m. Retired: 1987. Was an average player but is a Hall of Famer in the restaurant business.

3. Arnold Palmer. Earnings in 2015: $40m. Retired: 2006. His line of drinks represents 1/4 of AriZona Beverage Co’s revenue.

2. David Beckham. Earnings in 2015: $65m. Retired: 2013. As popular as ever with Kent & Curwen and real estate firm Luneng deals.

1. Michael Jordan. Earnings in 2015: $110m. Retired: 2003. Face of Nike’s Jordan brand and ties to Gatorade and Hanes.

From Shaquille O’Neal to David Beckham: Sport’s ten best-paid retired athletes

Sport360 staff

07:43 25/08/2016

Retirement doesn’t have to be the end of a sportsman’s career.

Indeed, some athletes earn far more in retirement than they were ever able to in their playing days.

Sport360 rounds-up the best paid retired athletes worldwide, with these former stars raking in money from anything from beverages to real estate to sportswear.

What do you think of the list and which of these retired athletes do you miss seeing in action the most?

Share with us your thoughts by commenting below, using #360fans on Twitter or getting in touch via Facebook.

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