In a new transfer study conducted by the International Centre for Sports Studies (CIES), Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi is found to be worth €220m, making him the world's most valued football player.
The more interesting thing is that second on the list, Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, who is in the race with Messi and Manuel Neuer for the Ballon d'Or prize, is valued at €133m, €87m less than the 27-year-old Argentine.
Taking into account "player performances (matches, goals, dribbles, etc.), their characteristics (age, position, contract duration, etc.), as well as competition level and results achieved by their teams (clubs and national sides)", CIES has ranked Chelsea duo Eden Hazard and Diego Costa in third and fourth respectively, at €99m and €84m.
Juventus' star midfielder Paul Pogba comes in at fifth at €72m, followed by Manchester City attacker Sergio Aguero, who is worth €65m.
The world's top-ten most valued football players, by the CIES
These figures may come as important news to Jose Mourinho, who is rumored to be plotting a sensational mega-money move for Messi, with the Argentine in bad terms with the Blaugrana manager Luis Enrique.
According to the latest report, courtesy of Cadena COPE, the Albiceleste captain has approached the Catalan giants' board of directors, as he “has become irritated by the excessive authoritarianism of the coach”.
Plus, La Pulga recently followed Chelsea on Instagram, so there is not much surprise as to what is fueling his Camp Nou exit rumors.
