Research by the London School of Marketing found the seven-times Wimbledon champion made £43million last year - 87% of that from product endorsements.

Federer lost the Wimbledon final to Novak Djokovic earlier this month.

Tennis and golf dominated the 20 most bankable players, with just two from the UK.

Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy was ranked in sixth place, with Andy Murray at number 16.

American golfers Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson were second and third on the list.

Faculty member Jacques de Cock said: “Despite having passed their peak physically, Roger Federer, Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson are kings.”

The highly placed footie star was former Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo in 10th position.

David Beckham was not considered given that he has retired from football.

Only two females made the top 20: Russian tennis player Maria Sharapova was 12th and Wimbledon champion Serena Williams 20th.

Top 20 in full

01.Roger Federer – Tennis
02. Tiger Woods – Golf
03. Phil Mickelson – Golf
04. LeBron James – Basketball
05. Kevin Durant – Basketball
06. Rory McIlroy – Golf
07. Novak Djokovic – Tennis
08. Rafael Nadal – Tennis
09. Mahendra Singh Dhoni – Cricket
10. Cristiano Ronaldo – Football
11. Kobe Bryant – Basketball
12. Maria Sharapova – Tennis
13. Lionel Messi – Football
14. Usain Bolt – Track
15. Neymar – Football
16. Andy Murray – Tennis
17. Kei Nishikori – Tennis
18. Derrick Rose – Basketball
19. Floyd Mayweather – Boxing
20. Serena Williams – Tennis