Kohli only Indian among Forbes highest paid athletes, Messi tops the list

Star cricketer Virat Kohli remains the sole Indian in the Forbes list of world's highest-paid athletes with estimated annual earnings of $25 million.

However, the Indian captain has dropped 17 spots to be 100th in the rankings.

The list is headed by Barcelona and Argentina football superstar Lionel Messi.

According to the Forbes list announced on Tuesday, Kohli's estimated earnings are $21 million from endorsements and USD 4 million from salary and winnings, taking his total tally to $25 million for the last 12 months.

Ranked 83rd last year, Kohli has climbed down to the 100th and last spot despite an increase of $1 million in endorsements.

Messi has dethroned retired boxer Floyd Mayweather as the sports world's highest earner, raking in $127 million via salary and endorsement deals.

Messi is now ahead of long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo, the Juventus and Portugal star who is second with earnings of $109 million.