Highest-paid retired sports stars: David Beckham moves up to second behind Michael Jordan

Retired basketball star Jordan continues to net over £70million despite retiring 13 years ago

Michael Jordan has held on top spot in Forbes' annual lost of the highest-paid retired sports star.

The basketball legend, who eventually retired from the NBA in 2003 having twice tried to walk away earlier, raked in £76.5million last year, according to the American business magazine.

Most of the 53-year-old's annual pay packet comes from the success of Nike's Jordan brand.

David Beckham has moved up a place to second on the list, with the former England international pocketing £45.2million from various endorsements.

Golfer Arnold Palmer is third on the list after making £27.8million last year, with basketball's Junior Bridgeman fourth with £22.2million and American footballer Jerry Richardson rounding off the top five with £20.8million.

Forbes' third annual look at the highest-paid retired athletes includes estimated income from salaries, endorsements, licensing, speaking and appearances, golf course design, book deals and partner distributions during 2015.

They estimate the top 14 former athletes earned £312million between them, and they hail from six different countries and played six different sports with ages that range from 34 to 86.

Jack Nicklaus (golf, £18million), Shaquille O'Neal (basketball, £15.3million), Roger Penske, who retired from racing in 1965 but earned £13.9million last year, Gary Player (golf, £13.2million) and Ervin "Magic" Johnson (basketball, £12.5million) complete the top 10.

Other notable names on the list are former footballer Pele - who retired in 1977 but still raked in £9.7million in 2015 - and Li Na, the only female athlete in the top 14, with the ex-tennis star also earning £9.7million.