Real's Cristiano Ronaldo named world's most marketable footballer
Real Madrid striker Cristiano Ronaldo has been named the world's most marketable footballer.
The 29-year-old Portuguese forward may have missed out on La Liga title but, after ending the season by winning the UEFA Champions League, Ronaldo can look forward to the World Cup knowing he is the most liked player on the planet. It is based on marketing research that involved a global study looking at measured perceptions of over 6,500 people in 13 countries by Repucom.
'With just over two weeks to go before the 2014 FIFA World Cup kicks off, the world's gaze is firmly on the competing teams and players," Paul Smith, founder and CEO of Repucom said in a press release. "The World Cup is the most watched sporting event in the world and as such, big brands, official partners or otherwise, will and are using its global appeal to drive sales."
"Ronaldo is an endorser's dream. His value is as important to the teams he plays for as they are for the companies that endorse him."
The index used measured the public perception of eight different attributes of the players including appeal and influence on modern society. Almost 84 percent of people surveyed had heard of Ronaldo with 72 percent revealing they liked the former Manchester United star. Lionel Messi was second ahead of his Barcelona teammate Gerard Pique whose global presence has risen thanks to his relationship with singer Shakira.
Fernando Torres may have struggled for form since his move to Chelsea, but being well known in markets like China has contributed to the striker being fourth on the list. The highest British player is Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney who is fifth.
Chelsea's Frank Lampard and Rio Ferdinand trailed Rooney in the top three of the most marketable British players.
