(Daily News)
Updated: 2007-07-17 18:54

Gisele Bundchen

Models are the new athletes!

Gisele Bundchen rakes in $33 million a year, the new Forbes list of the top 15 richest supermodels says.

That makes the Brazilian-born West Villager better paid than New York's most famous slugger, Alex Rodriguez (at least for now), who is signed to a 10-year, $250 million contract.

All 15 of the Forbes foxes rake in $1.5 million or more a year - which means each earns more than the average Mets player.

Kate Moss, 33, who comes in second to Bundchen, pulls in $9 million from her various contracts. Victoria's Secret models Heidi Klum, Adriana Lima and Alessandra Ambrosio come next, earning between $6 million and $8 million annually.

Though supermodels earn more than ever, they don't have the name recognition of the greats a decade ago, like Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell and Elle Macpherson. And, most, with the exception of Hilary Rhoda, 20, and Carolyn Murphy, 31, are from outside the U.S.

Models make money by scoring big ad campaigns and contracts. While runway shows may gain them recognition, they don't pay as well ($250 an hour) and only happen a few times a year.

Bundchen is so successful because she stars in nearly 20 campaigns a year and licenses her name out to a Brazilian shoe company. She also is the lead model for cash cow Victoria's Secret, which pays her $5 million a year to walk in their shows and pose in their catalogues.

Russian-born Natalia Vodianova, who made her name with Calvin Klein, earns $4.5 million. Czech Victoria's Secret model Karolina Kurkova and Canadian Daria Werbowy - the bug-eyed face of Lancome - each make about $3.5 million. They are followed by the list's youngest model, 19-year-old Gemma Ward, who pulls in $3 million.

The top 10 richest supermodels from the list are:

Gisele Bundchen, 26: $33M

Kate Moss, 33: $9M

Heidi Klum, 34: $8M

Adriana Lima, 26: $6M

Alessandra Ambrosio, 26: $6M

Carolyn Murphy, 31: $5M

Natalia Vodianova, 25: $4.5M

Karolina Kurkova, 23: $3.5M

Daria Werbowy, 22: $3.5M

Gemma Ward, 19: $3M