FOOTBALL: Cristiano Ronaldo Beats Lionel Messi to Top Honour Despite Poor Form

Cristiano Ronaldo Beats Lionel Messi to Top Honour Despite Poor Form. Cristiano Ronaldo has beaten a host of top sporting personalities to be named the world’s most marketable athlete

The Man United star is understood to have racked up a 91.21 score out of the possible 100 to rank ahead of Serena Williams and F1 superstar Lewis Hamilton

Ronaldo’s football nemesis Lionel Messi is placed fifth on the list behind basketball legend LeBron James

The Portuguese star has had as much success off the pitch as he has had on it, with the veteran forward the face of several brands, including Nike

Cristiano Ronaldo Beats Lionel Messi to Top Honour Despite Poor Form. Cristiano Ronaldo has beaten the world’s top sporting personalities to be named the most marketable athlete on the planet.

The Manchester United icon is widely considered one of the greatest footballers of all time, thanks to his football achievements during his more than 20-year illustrious career.

The veteran striker has thus far lifted seven league titles across the Premier League, La Liga, and the Serie A, as well as five Champions Leagues and Euro 2016.

At the individual level, he has won several awards, including the Ballon d’Or, on five occasions.

Incredibly, the 37-year-old is thriving off the pitch much as he has on it, with the forward now declared the most marketable athlete in the world.

According to a list released by SportsPro of the 50 most marketable athletes on Monday morning, Ronaldo topped the charts ahead of some of the most recognisable names in the world of sports, including Lionel Messi.

The Mirror reports the Portuguese was named the most marketable athlete after garnering a ‘marketability score’ of 91.21 out of 100.

Tennis icon Serena Williams is placed second on the list, ahead of Formula 1 superstar Lewis Hamilton, who finished third.

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Basketball legend LeBron James is fourth on the list, with Messi completing the top five podium.