Phil Mickelson is making a run at surpassing fellow golfer Tiger Woods as the top-earning U.S. athlete, according to an annual survey released by Sports Illustrated on Thursday.
Swiss tennis player Roger Federer, led non-Americans on the list and was followed closely by Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao.
Woods, was the top earner for the eighth consecutive year but his winnings and endorsements dropped 31 percent to $62.3 million while Mickelson remained at $61.2 million. Federer kept his top position among non-U.S. athletes despite slipping 14.5%, third overall, while WBO welterweight champion Pacquiao shot 38 percent higher to $52.5 million for fourth overall. Spanish Formula One driver Fernando Alonso $45 million, Barca’s Lionel Messi $43.8 million and Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo $38.8 million rounded out the top five on the international list.