McIlroy is richest young UK sports star

Former world No.1 golfer Rory McIlroy is the richest young sportsperson in Britain and Ireland for a second straight year with a net worth of STG138 million pounds ($A256 million).

McIlroy's wealth rose by STG 28 million pounds ($A52 million) from last year, according to The Sunday Times Rich List.

The 30-year-old four-times major winner is ranked above Real Madrid soccer player Gareth Bale, who is valued at STG94 million pounds ($A174.5 million) and Manchester City's Sergio Aguero at STG58 million pounds ($A108 million).

The 30-and-under age cut-off excludes Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton (34), with the five-times world champion worth STG159 million pounds ($A295 million), according to last year's overall list.

There were eight soccer players in the top 10, although world heavyweight champion boxer Anthony Joshua was fourth with STG49 million ($A91 million) thanks to a STG14 million pounds ($A26 million) increase in wealth this year.

10 richest young sports stars aged 30 or under (figures in pounds)

1. Rory McIlroy (golf) 138 million

2. Gareth Bale (soccer) 94 million

3. Sergio Aguero (soccer) 58 million

4. Anthony Joshua (boxing) 49 million

5. Mesut Ozil (soccer) 42 million

6. Eden Hazard (soccer) 40 million

7. Alexis Sanchez (soccer) 39 million

8. Paul Pogba (soccer) 37 million

9. Theo Walcott (soccer) 29 million

10. Willian (soccer) 27 million

(STG1 pound = $A1.85)