Cristiano Ronaldo misses out but Lionel Messi makes it to the World's Most Valuable XI

Cristiano Ronaldo missed out on a recent ranking of the most valuable players in football history. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner failed to emerge as the most expensive-ever player in his position in a most valuable XI, which includes his arch-rival Lionel Messi.

A recent compilation by Transfermrkt (via Talk Sport), listed the most valuable XI of the last two decades. The list includes players' highest valuations throughout their careers.

Atletico Madrid’s shot-stopper Jan Oblak is football’s most-valued goalkeeper with a market value of £83 million reached during the 2020-21 season. The Slovenia international is still one of the highly-rated goalkeepers in Europe.

At right-back is Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold, who reached his maximum market value (£92 million) during the 2020-21 season. Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies also makes the list with a £67 million valuation gained in September 2020.

The center-back pairing comprises former Real Madrid star Raphael Varane (£67 million) and Liverpool’s current captain Virgil van Dijk (£83 million). The Dutchman was the first defender to be valued at €100 million.

Real Madrid and England’s youngster Jude Bellingham is the world’s most valued central midfielder (£150 million). Alongside him in midfield is Manchester City’s veteran playmaker Kevin De Bruyne (£125 million).

Lionel Messi, football’s most decorated player ever who reached his peak valuation of £150 million in 2018 has been named on the right side midfield. On the left side is Vinicius Jr who currently commands a market value of £167 million.

Completing the XI are Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe upfront with a valuation of £167 million each. It’s pertinent to note that each player on the list reached their highest market value after the 2017-18 season.

Despite being one of football’s most prolific goalscorers, Cristiano Ronaldo failed to make the list, having an all-time valuation of £100 million. Nevertheless, the 39-year-old remains one of football’s greatest players.

Cristiano Ronaldo extends goalscoring record over Lionel Messi with brace in the UEFA Nations League

Cristiano Ronaldo extended the gap between him and Lionel Messi in terms of all-time career goals for club and country. The 39-year-old bagged a brace in Portugal’s 5-1 victory over Poland in the UEFA Nations League on Friday, November 15.

The Portuguese legend has now scored 910 career goals, 60 more than Messi (850). The Argentine ace had the opportunity to add to his tally but fired a blank as Argentina lost 2-1 to Paraguay on Thursday, November 14.

Cristiano Ronaldo also became the player with the most wins in men’s international football (132), overtaking Sergio Ramos. The Spaniard previously held the record with 131 wins.