Some professional athletes, such as footballers and rugby players, are paid an annual salary. Many athletes, however, simply make money through endorsements, sponsorship, prize money and appearance fees.
Certain sportspeople are paid more handsomely than others, such as footballers, boxers, F1 drivers and tennis players. However, on the whole, professional athletes who perform at the highest level tend to earn a decent living.
The most famous and successful professional athletes can earn millions of pounds a year, but this is very rare.