The Times have released their list of some of the UK’s richest young sportsmen, and Rory McIlroy has some work to do.
While we disagree with their classification of a “young” sportsman being anyone under the age of 30, it certainly makes for interesting reading.
England and Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney is head and shoulders above the rest, with an estimated net worth of £82m – more than double the nearest footballer on the list, Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale, who is worth £34m.
Andy Murray comes in second on the list with wealth of £57m, although The Times have made the rather interesting editorial choice to include both Andy and Jamie Murray together, even though Jamie’s measly £1m has no impact on his younger brother’s ranking. Still, their combined worth of £58m nets them second place.
Ulster’s Rory McIlroy could pass out both Murrays combined, however, as his £18m increase in wealth nets him a total of £56m – the largest increase in the top ten.
Manchester City stars Sergio Aguero (£33m), David Silva (£31m) and Samir Nasri (£22m) also find their way into the top ten, alongside the surprising inclusion of Chelsea forward Radamel Falcao (£29m) who is joined by team-mates Cesc Fabregas (also £29m) and Eden Hazard (£18m).
British boxing star Amir Khan ties Hazard for 10th place, maintaining £18m of wealth despite being the only athlete on the list not to have increased his earnings in 2016.
