CIES released a study, revealing football’s most valuable players. The most obvious answer would be the beautiful game’s two biggest names – Cristiano and Messi – but neither grabbed top spot.
Instead, that accolade went to Leo’s Barcelona team-mate Neymar. With factors such as player performance, age, and contract; the Brazilian superstar came in first place with an estimated transfer value of €246.8m.
The Selecao skipper beat the five-time Ballon d’Or winner by a whopping €76.3. The Argentine, who is embroiled in a contract saga with the Blaugrana, finished in second with an estimated value of €170.5m.
In third came the world’s most expensive player, Paul Pogba. The Frenchman, despite failing to fully prove he was worth his hefty price tag, was estimated at €155.3m. He was followed by The Best FIFA Men’s Player nominee Antoine Griezmann.
The Atletico Madrid ace enjoyed a lovely season for club and country, and is thus linked with a mega-million move to Manchester United. CIES estimate his transfer value to be €150.4m.
Cristiano Ronaldo, the world’s highest paid player in Europe, doesn’t even make the top 5. The Real Madrid superstar comes in at seventh with an estimated value of €126.5m.
Ahead of the Portuguese ace is Luis Suarez, who comes in at fifth with €145.2m, and Harry Kane, at sixth with €139.2m. Check out the top 10 in the list below.
1. Neymar (Barcelona) - €246.8M
2. Messi (Barcelona) - €170.5M
3. Pogba (Manchester United) - €155.3M
4. Griezmann (Atlético) - €150.4M
5. Luis Suárez (Barcelona) - €145.2M
6. Harry Kane (Tottenham) - €139.2M
7. Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) - €126.5M
8. Dybala (Juventus) - €113.8M
