A research conducted by the Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV) has concluded that Leo Messi’s real market value is 40 million euros higher than Cristiano Ronaldo’s.
According to this research, the Barcelona star is worth 141 million euros, while Ronaldo’s market value is 101 million.
UPV researchers have analysed multiple criteria, using the Analytic Hierarchy Process. The have taken into account the goals scored, assists per match, cards shown, leadership skills and marketing profits among others.
Messi generates more income for his club in sales and sponsorships according to this research, and both players beat their team-mates Neymar and Gareth Bale.
The researchers have reached this conclusions by analysing data from last season and the current season in the following competitions: La Liga, Copa del Rey, Spanish Supercopa, FIFA World Cup and Champions League.
This study has been part of a Mooc course on football players valuation taught by the Polytechnic University of Valencia. They have used the method design by professor Thomas Saaty, from the University of Pittsburg, which is widely used and reknown in the business world.
