The richest athlete in history

[ergophobe]

Based on winnings/salaries, not including sponsorships, it would be....

Gaius Appuleius Diocles, who won 36 million sesterces, aka 26,000kg of gold over the course of his chariot racing career

https://www.sbnation.com/secret-base/22228648/gaius-appuleius-diocles-richest-ever-athlete

[littleman]

>$12.7 billion in today's money

Apparently Michael Jordan is today's richest athlete with a net worth of $2.2 billion.