As the world's top sports stars wait for the action to resume, here's what the top 20 earned last year - in pictures

The biggest earners over the last 12 months - and we can't wait to see them perform again

With coronavirus wreaking havoc on events around the world, sports stars have been frustrated, along with millions of fans.

The action might have come to a standstill, leaving them kicking their heels, doing their best to keep fit, and waiting for the crisis to pass so they can get back to what they do best.

Sport is all about achievement, the glory of winning and getting the better of opponents whether as an individual or as part of a team.

But there is no denying the best performers get well rewarded for their efforts.

Many have donated to the coronavirus cause - Lionel Messi, Roger Federer, Cristiano Ronaldo - to name a few, from their vast funds.

These are the 20 best paid sports people in the planet, and Forbes compiled a list of their earnings in prize money and endorsements over 2019.

To see who earned the most, in reverse order, swipe the pictures.

The Forbes listings show just how much the top twenty athletes in the world earned last year. Here they are in reverse order. To see the next picture, just swipe.