McIlroy tops list of the UK’s top 20 richest young sports stars

Golfer Rory McIlroy is the UK’s richest young sports star, it was revealed today as the Northern Irishman topped a list otherwise dominated by footballers.

McIlroy’s wealth hit £138m in 2019, the Sunday Times Rich List revealed, putting him ahead of second-placed Gareth Bale on £94m.

Read more: Sam Torrance: McIlroy is at ease and ready to win Masters

The Welshman rose to second place in this year’s rankings after his move to Real Madrid as one of the world’s most expensive players six years ago continues to pay dividends. His contract with the Spanish side is worth £18.2m a year after tax, and he has several lucrative endorsement deals.

The first English star to appear on the list is fourth place Anthony Joshua, one step below Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero.

Joshua, who alongside McIlroy is the only other non-footballer on the list, boosted his wealth by £14m this year. The Watford-born champion has three major heavyweight titles to his name and an Olympic gold medal.

World Cup hero Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling and Romelu Lukaku all join the list for the first time on 15th and joint 16th places.

Read more: These are the UK's top 20 richest hedge fund managers

The rankings of sports stars aged 30 or below are part of the latest Sunday Times Rich List, due to come out tomorrow.

Yesterday it was revealed that Bluecrest Capital Management co-founder Michael Platt would be named the City’s richest hedge fund manager for the fifth year in a row, with a fortune of £3.7bn.