As with everything in life, every beginning has an end. This “unwritten rule” doesn’t spare even football stars. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo dominated the football scene for more than two decades, but now they must make way for a new generation, which will still find it very difficult to match their successes.
Both Messi (“The Flea”) and Ronaldo (“CR7”) have accepted this reality, stepping away from top-tier football, with the Argentine choosing America and the Portuguese heading to Saudi Arabia. However, their career decline is further confirmed by the data from “Transfermarkt.”
According to specialists, Lionel Messi has reached his lowest market value since 2006. Now playing for Inter Miami, the World Cup champion’s market value is estimated at €25 million.
Even more drastic is the fall of his eternal rival. Despite having one of the wealthiest contracts in the world with Al-Nassr, Cristiano Ronaldo’s market value is currently only €15 million. Now, their spots on the list of most valued footballers have been taken by younger stars.
According to “Transfermarkt,” the list is topped by Jude Bellingham, Erling Haaland, and Kylian Mbappe. All three share the same value of €180 million, but due to his age, the Real Madrid star holds the top spot, followed by the Manchester City player and then the Paris Saint-Germain forward. The “top 5” is completed by Manchester City’s Phil Foden, valued at €150 million.
