Woods reclaims ` world`s highest-earning athlete` position in Forbes list

Washington: Golf`s world No. 1 Tiger Woods has reclaimed his position as the world`s highest-earning athlete, according to Forbes, along with climbing back to the top of golf`s rankings in the last 12 months.

According to Forbes, the 14-time Major winner`s earnings for the 12 months to June 1 this year total 78.1 million dollars, including 65 million dollars from endorsements with companies such as Nike, putting him ahead of tennis ace Roger Federer-who topped the 2012 list. Woods, who has won four PGA Titles so far in 2013, has pocketed 13.1 million dollars in winnings over the last 12 months, adding that he has also cashed in on appearances fees, collecting over ten million dollars for playing in Abu Dhabi, China, Malaysia and Turkey. In comparison, Federer, who has won more grand slams than any other male tennis player in history with 17, had total earnings last year of 71.5 million dollars, of which 14 million dollars came from playing six exhibition events during a tour of South America. National Basketball Association (NBA) icons Kobe Bryant and LeBron James are third and fourth on the list respectively, with Los Angeles Lakers star Bryant amassing a 61.9 million-dollar fortune, while James the proud owner of a fortune worth 59.8 million dollars. American football quarterback Drew Brees comes fifth on the list with a fortune of 51 million dollars, with his American counterpart Aaron Rodgers coming sixth with a 49 million-dollar fortune. Golfer Phil Mickelson is seventh on the list after making 48.7 million dollars, with soccer trio David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi completing the top 10. Former England captain Beckham, who recently ended his playing career with a five-month spell at French side Paris Saint-Germain, took home 47.2 million dollars, profiting from commercial deals with Adidas, H and M and Samsung. Real Madrid`s Ronaldo pipped on-field rival Messi, earning 44 million dollars compared to the Barcelona star`s 41.3 million dollars. ANI