They all had a ball raking in the moolah

The 10 biggest sports earners this year.

1 Tiger Woods - $13-million in earnings and $65-million in endorsements. $78-million total

Woods rediscovered his killer instinct this year, surging back to the top of the world rankings after a blistering start to the season, winning five of his first 11 events.

Though he failed to add to his haul of 14 Major victories, his off-course income perked up thanks to sponsorship bonuses with Nike and Rolex tied to success. He collected sizeable appearance fees for competing in Abu Dhabi, China, Malaysia and Turkey.

2 Roger Federer - $7-million, $65-million. Total $72-million

Federer slipped down the rankings and had his leanest season since 2001, but when it comes to endorsements he remains one of sport's most bankable assets.

The 17-times Grand Slam winner's reflexes might have slowed, and the picture-perfect backhand has lost its bite, but he retains an impressive portfolio of sponsors, including Nike and Rolex.

3 Kobe Bryant - $28-million, $34-million. Total $62-million

A 15-times basketball All-Star, Bryant's salary made him the highest-paid player in the NBA. The future Hall of Famer signed a two-year contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers in November.

4 LeBron James - $18-million, $42-million. Total $60-million

The man nicknamed "King James" crowned a memorable year with his second NBA title.

Having scooped a fourth "most valuable player" award, it comes as no surprise that he is the sport's biggest endorsement attraction: he has deals with Nike, McDonald's and Coca-Cola, among others.

5 Drew Brees - $40-million, $11-million. Total $51-million

With six Pro Bowl selections and a Super Bowl title to his credit the New Orleans Saints quarterback commands a salary befitting his status as one of the National Football League's (Gridiron) most successful players. He has endorsement deals with Nike, Procter & Gamble, and Verizon Wireless.

6 Aaron Rodgers - $43-million, $6-million. Total $49-million

The three-times Pro Bowler and Super Bowl most valuable player in 2011 signed a five-year, $110-million deal in April that made him the highest-paid player in the NFL. A broken collarbone in November meant a painful end to 2013.

7 Phil Mickelson - $5-million, $44-million. Total $49-million

Mickelson clinched his fifth Major title, winning the British Open with a scintillating five-under 66 in the final round.

8 David Beckham - $5-million, $42-million. Total $47-million

The most marketable footballer called time this year on a career that combined glitz and glamour with sparkling silverware, signing off with a league title at Paris St Germain.

9 Cristiano Ronaldo - $23-million, $21-million. Total $44-million

Next year might be when Ronaldo steps out of the shadow of Lionel Messi. A stunning hat-trick performance helped send Portugal to the World Cup finals and made him favourite to win the World Player of the Year title. Four years of playing second fiddle to the Argentine for the Ballon d'Or has not constrained his earning power.

10 Lionel Messi - $20-million, $21-million. Total $41-million

Having won the accolade of best soccer player on the planet since 2009, Messi has guaranteed his place among the sport's pantheon of greats.

After smashing several goalscoring records in 2012, this year he suffered from significant injury problems for the first time.