Despite the world's financial crisis, talent in professional sports commands high salaries. Some of the richest people in the world are our male sports figures. Male athletes, in a recent survey, earn more than four times the amount female athletes earn.

When one thinks of golf, the name Tiger Woods immediately comes to mind. Tiger Woods, born Eldrick Tont Woods in 1975, is an American professional golfer whose athletic talent put him amongst the most successful golfers in history. In 2008, Tigers Woods earned $110 million from winnings and endorsements. This made him the highest paid professional athlete in the world.

The 1997 Masters tournament and Woods' record-breaking win increased the popularity of golf. All of the following have been attributed to Tiger Woods; increased prize money for all players, generating interest from new audiences, and for drawing the largest television audiences in golf history. He is also the first African-American to win the Masters tournament.

Soccer player, David Beckham's injuries took him away from the Los Angeles Galaxy's field. This did not keep him off the list of highly paid soccer athletes list, landing at the 2nd place position. His contract with the Galaxy's made him the highest player salary in major league soccer history. Beckham was at the "top of his game" when he earned $50 million in one year!

Home and Family Life

David Beckham is married to former Spice Girl, Victoria Beckham. The couple have three sons; Brooklyn, Cruz and Romeo and they currently live in Beverly Hills, California.

Basketball icon, Michael Jordon and golf star, Phil Mickelson both earned $45 million in one month. Even though Jordon is no longer an athlete, he heads the operations of the Charlotte North Carolina Bobcats and Jordon's earnings are still in the multi-million dollar range because of his association with Nike.

The 38 year old American professional golfer and money maker, Phil Mickelson, has also managed to make a great deal of money through endorsement deals. Ford, Bearing Point, Exxon Mobile and Callaway all what a piece of him.

Raikkonen places 5th in the world of highest paid athletes. In 2008, he took home a cool $44 million dollars. The "Iceman" also grabbed the position of being one of the highest paid racers in the world as well as winning the Formula One World Drivers' Championship.

Ah wealth! These super talented athles are at the the top. And we love every minute of every game!

Written by Sandra Pianin