The most marketable athletes globally, according to SportsPro Media’s 2023 rankings, can be accessed on The Herald.
This online news platform understands that Football star, Lionel Messi has displaced his rival, Cristiano Ronaldo as the world’s most marketable athlete. According to sports business outlet, SportsPro Media, in its list of the top 50 marketable athletes for 2023, Messi finished top for the second time in his career.
Ronaldo finished first last year but he has not made the top 10 this time around.
Lionel Messi finished top of the 2020 rankings and has done so again following his groundbreaking move to MLS side Inter Miami. The 2022 FIFA World Cup winner’s contract with the American club includes earning profits garnered from merchandise sales.
The 36-year-old also has a deal in place with Apple which are the streaming service for MLS matches,. They have released a four-part documentary detailing Messi’s heroic World Cup triumph in Qatar last year.
Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo has fallen all the way down to 27th in the top 50 most marketable athletes list. The five-time UEFA Champions League winner left Europe in January for Saudi Pro League giants Al-Nassr. The 38-year-old had finished top last year while at Premier League heavyweights Manchester United.
The only men’s footballer to reach the top 10 apart from Messi, is Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe who sits ninth.
Here’s the top 10 list of the most marketable athletes in the world
1. Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi reigns supreme as the most marketable athlete on the planet, boasting an astonishing marketability score of 94.81 out of 100. This Argentinian icon transcends the football pitch, attracting brands from all corners. Notable partners include Adidas, PepsiCo, Budweiser, and Mastercard.
2. LeBron James
Basketball legend LeBron James claims the second spot, celebrated not only for his exceptional skills but also for his off-court activism, making him a global icon. Partnerships with brands like Nike, Beats by Dre, and Coca-Cola cement his marketability.
3. Alex Morgan
USWNT legend Alex Morgan emerges as the highest-ranking female footballer on the list. Her brand strength and formidable reputation, coupled with partnerships with Nike, Coca-Cola, and AT&T, place her firmly in the top three.
4. Giannis Antetokounmpo
Greek basketball sensation Giannis Antetokounmpo seizes fourth place, showcasing his marketability both as a Nike athlete and the face of various campaigns, extending his popularity beyond the basketball court.
5. Megan Rapinoe
Another USWNT superstar, Megan Rapinoe, captures the fifth spot. Her on-pitch prowess, combined with strong brand presence and partnerships with major companies like Nike, catapult her into the top five.
6. Mikaela Shiffrin
American alpine ski racer Mikaela Shiffrin secures the sixth position, her dominance in the sport attracting numerous sponsorships, including partnerships with Atomic and Barilla.
7. Lewis Hamilton
Formula 1 superstar Lewis Hamilton continues to captivate audiences, both on and off the track. His sporting success, coupled with activism for social and environmental causes, cements his marketability. Hamilton represents Mercedes and collaborates with Tommy Hilfiger and Puma.
8. Simone Biles
Gymnastics prodigy Simone Biles lands in the eighth spot. Her exceptional athleticism and awe-inspiring performances have made her a sporting icon. She represents brands like Nike, Uber Eats, and Athleta.
9. Kylian Mbappe
The highest-ranking male footballer on the list, Kylian Mbappe, secures the ninth position. His skills and marketability have made him a sought-after athlete for brands worldwide. As a Nike athlete, he is likely to attract even more commercial deals in the future.
10. Max Verstappen
Formula 1 driver Max Verstappen rounds up the top 10 list. His electrifying performances on the race track have captured the attention of fans and brands alike. His partnership with Red Bull Racing and endorsements with brands like Jumbo Supermarkets contribute to his marketability.
The world of football is more than the game, it’s also a thriving business where individual players hold significant commercial value. Messi’s ascent to the top as the most marketable athlete in 2023, surpassing Ronaldo, underscores the dynamic nature of player marketability. Both players continue to captivate audiences with their exceptional performances, defying age expectations and solidifying their positions as global icons.
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