A couple of days ago, Forbes released its annual highest paid entertainers list. Just as there were expected names on the list, there were also relatively unknown people on the list. The top five were all Americans. Our two favourite football legends made the “top ten” list; however, our two favourite Nigerian entertainers didn’t (maybe next year).
- Floyd Mayweather ($285 million)
This man just keeps on getting money amidst the criticism he faces, making it hard for haters to do their thing. The Mayweather – McGregor fight that happened in August 2017 accrued more than $550 million, with Floyd pocketing $275 million. He also has a bunch of other endorsement deals. This is what I call expensive pain.
- George Clooney ($239 million)
After getting married to Amal some years ago, George went under the radar but his business sense didn’t. He recently sold his liquor business – Casamigos to a British liquor giant for $700 million, this is the reason he made the list this year.
- Kylie Jenner ($166.5 million)
A year ago, Kylie was majorly known only for the role she plays in the reality television show “keeping up with the Kardashians”; her story is one that shows that a lot can happen quickly. A couple of weeks ago, Forbes revealed that her net worth is now approximately $900 million. I have to admit, that is no chicken change. Her cosmetic brand seems to be doing well and tables aren’t turning any time soon. It’s no wonder that Travis Scott (her boyfriend) was holding her tightly in their last photoshoot.
- Judy Sheindlin a.k.a Judge Judy ($147 million)
Who watches “Judge Judy” on CBS reality? I don’t and I’m pretty sure you all alsodon’t, this is why I was shocked when I saw her name on this list. What does she do for a living? She is an American prosecution lawyer, a family court judge, television personality, and a writer (these days, everyone is). She stars in a reality television show where she presides over court cases. New episodes come out weekly and she earns about $1 million dollars per episode (that wasn’t a typographical error). She also has also written bestselling books. These people just make things look easy.
- Dwayne Johnson ($124 million)
This guy is the new Samuel L. Jackson, he’s the black guy in every movie. Apart from the $20 million non negotiable cheque he collects before acting in every movie and the back end movie bonuses he collects, he also commands a seven figure amount for his movie adverts on social media. As I reminisce about his wrestling days, I now realise that he has done well for himself and he shows no signs of stopping.
- U2 ($118 million)
Rock music doesn’t get much appreciation in this part of the world, that’s why this name seems strange. It belongs to one of the strongest bands on the planet at this moment. They recently had a very successful tour, this is why they made the list.
- Coldplay ($115 million)
If U2 is biggest band on the planet, Coldplay isn’t too far behind. The group’s “A Head Full of Dreams” tour garnered over a half a billion dollars over two years, making it the third highest grossing tour of all time. If this medical life doesn’t work, I know where I’m entering.
- Lionel Messi ($111 million)
A contract extension with Barcelona in November 2017 helped the Argentine secure an annual salary with bonuses of more than $80 million. He also has a lifelong deal with Adidas amongst other endorsements. This man might be short but his money definitely isn’t.
- Ed Sheeran ($110 million)
At age 27, Ed Sheeran seems to be making in big. His streams and download numbers are enormous. From a street performer to a Forbes list inhabitant, life’s good.
- Christiano Ronaldo ($108 million)
Christiano Ronaldo has a Nike contract worth more than $1 billion. He is a 33 year old footballer but his stock is still rising, not a lot of people can manage to do this. I expect him to be on this list in 2019.
