Valentino Rossi

Perhaps, the most dominant rider of the modern era Valentino Rossi is also the most successful and highest earning motorcycle racer in the world. The nine-time MotoGP World Champion earns millions as salary bonuses and endorsement money from companies such as Fiat and energy drink Monster in addition to his race winnings. Rossi's other sponsors like Dainese and Kera Koll pour in a few millions as well. Among the top 10 highest earning sportspersons of 2011, Rossi is also Italy’s richest athlete. The Doctor, The Criminal and many other nicknames which have made the maverick rider popular, Rossi is equally peculiar about his helmet design whose graphics are designed by Aldo Drudi. The fastest man on two wheels is an avid lover of cars. His latest possession is a Ferrari 458 Italia in addition to a BMW M3 Sedan that was gifted to him. Rossi has recently made a new addition to his list of toys in the form of a Pershing 56 luxury yacht that he purchased for $2.2 million. Rossi suffered a career threatening injury in 2010 when he broke his leg but despite that he still managed to rake in $35 million and gained respect from the world and his fellow athletes. He recovered from another precarious situation in 2007 when a tax evasion probe found Rossi having undisclosed earnings of $160 million from 2000 to 2004. He paid an estimated $60 million to close the case and avoid possible jail term. Rossi, a native of Italy, is extremely fond of his country and everything about it. From his inhibited fondness for Italian football club Internazionale to his passion for Ferrari and even the girls he has dated, most of whom have been stunning Italian actresses, Rossi is one legendary Italian for sure.