The goat debate between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi is once again on the balance based on latest ranking report released by SportsPro.
SportsPro provide an analytical insight into the marketability of top sports personalities across the globe.
The latest marketability report has once again placed Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel on the spotlight for fans and pundits to take a gnaw on the goat debate.
Cristiano Ronaldo who was among the top most marketable sports personality in the world, occupying the top spot in 2022, has slumped shockingly down the chart, dropping 26 places.
Lionel Messi’s position is a stark contrast to Ronaldo’s. The 2022 World Cup legend has risen in the chart to the top spot to become the first sports personality ever to top the chart on two occasions.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s fall from the rankings has been linked to his infamous transfer exit from Manchester United to Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, the study says.
The 38-year-old joined Al-Nassr following a dismal start to the 2022/23 campaign with Manchester United. He also had a disastrous World Cup in Qatar with Portugal.
However, his dwindling marketability stats is a stark contrast to his individual performance in the Saudi elite division and Portugal national team in 2023.
Ronaldo has enjoyed great individual success in Saudi, scoring the most goals in the calendar year of 2023.
Messi nicks top spot in marketability chart
Ronaldo’s long-time rival Lionel Messi has shot up to the top of the charts. Messi’s rise to the top has been linked to his highly-publicised and money-spinning move to Inter Miami from PSG in the summer, according to the study.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi points on the chart
Ronaldo, who dropped 26 places, has a marketability score of 78.26, according to the study. Messi, meanwhile, is up in the 90s at 94.81, beating NBA legend LeBron James, and soccer icon Alex Morgan to the top spot. The last time that Messi topped SportsPro’s charts was in 2020 and he is now the first-ever sports star to achieve such a high finish on two occasions.
