Cristiano Ronaldo

Today, this Portuguese football player is one of the most iconic influencers in the world of sports marketing. His partnership with Nike, the world’s largest athletic footwear and apparel company, began back in 2003 when Cristiano Ronaldo was just starting his career. Three years later, the successful athlete signed a lifetime contract worth $1 billion with the sportswear giant. In addition to Nike, Ronaldo also cooperates with other famous brands, which significantly increases his recognition and influence in both the sports industry and the world of fashion and advertising.

David Beckham

This British football player has long earned a reputation as one of the world's most sought-after brand ambassadors. In 2003, he signed a $160 million lifetime contract with sports giant Adidas, marking an important turning point in his career beyond the football field. In addition, David Beckham, labeled by many as a fashion icon, is quite active in advertising such clothing brands as Calvin Klein, Armani, and H&M. He also cooperates with Burger King and Samsung.

George Foreman

The famous American boxer has made his name a symbol of success beyond the ring. Today, he is considered one of the richest brand ambassadors in the world. He has a lifetime contract worth $137 million with Foreman Grills, a company that manufactures electric grills. Using his image as a healthy and strong athlete, George Foreman has changed the perception of this kitchen appliance, turning it into one of the most sought-after gadgets.

Tiger Woods

Tiger Woods is one of the greatest professional golfers in history. He has long been a brand ambassador for Nike. Tiger Woods signed a deal worth more than $100 million with this sports giant back in the early 2000s, which made him the wealthiest athlete in the world at that time. The American golfer held the number one spot on the list of the highest-paid athletes for ten years until his high-profile scandal derailed his career.

Usain Bolt

The Jamaican sprinter won his first Olympic gold medal in 2008. However, his partnership with sports brand Puma began long before that event. Usain Bolt was only 16 years old when he signed his first endorsement deal with the sports giant worth $83 million. Later, when the runner gained worldwide fame, he signed a renewed contract with Puma as an ambassador and started to earn an estimated $10 million a year.

Charlize Theron

Charlize Theron, one of Hollywood's most sought-after actresses, is known not only for her brilliant film career but also for her successful commercial activities. In the early 2000s, Charlize Theron signed a $55 million brand endorsement deal with French fashion house Dior. Since then, the Oscar-winning actress has been the permanent face of Dior’s J'adore fragrance.

Beyoncé

Beyoncé is a famous American R'n'B singer. Today, she collaborates with many popular brands. Her biggest contract worth $50 million was signed in 2012 with PepsiCo, a company that produces carbonated soft drinks. This deal helped the superstar top Forbes’ ranking of the world's top-earning musicians in 2014. At that time, Beyoncé's estimated net worth was $115 million.