"Failed attempt at a joke", "Wtf is this" - Fans react as Real Madrid star rated ahead of Messi and Ronaldo in most marketable athletes list

Fans reacted after UK-based media house Sports Pro ranked Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr above Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo among the most marketable athletes in the world. The Los Blancos star was ranked second on the list, while the Argentine icon and Portuguese superstar ranked fifth and ninth respectively.

Despite being in the twilight of their careers, both legends are still among the most popular athletes in the world. The Portuguese superstar is notably the most followed person on Instagram with 641 million followers as of October 2024. Meanwhile, the Argentine legend is the most followed South American on the platform with 504 million followers.

On October 22, Sports Pro released their list of most marketable athletes in the world in 2024. To the surprise of many, Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr ranked second in the list ahead of both Lionel Messi (#5) and Cristiano Ronaldo (#9). Olympic gold medalist gymnast Simone Biles notably topped the list.

Fans on X reacted to the list with many questioning the ranking and calling it a joke. One user wrote:

"Let’s assume this is a failed attempt at a joke."

"What criteria did they use to determine this? I don’t understand Ronaldo and Messi’s positions," another fan wondered.

"Never heard of half these guys. List is probably only applicable for US ig," a user added.

"This list is a joke," a person jibed.

Fans continued to poke fun at the list, with one writing:

"Lmao wtf is this list."

"Vinicius over Messi and cr7 what a joke," another netizen chimed in.

"Vinicius over Messi, lmao be serious," a user opined.

"You know this is a clueless American. In terms of marketable, it's Ronaldo than Leo," a person mentioned.

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Cristiano Ronaldo ranks first in Forbes' highest paid-athletes list ahead of Lionel Messi and Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe

UEFA European Club Football Kick-off - Source: Getty

In May 2024, Cristiano Ronaldo ranked first in Forbes' highest-paid athletes list ahead of Lionel Messi (third) and Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe (sixth). Golf sensation Jon Ram notably ranked second, earning a reported $218 million overall.

Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly earns a staggering $260 million per year from on and off-field payments. The Portuguese superstar's on-field earnings are a reported $200 million, alongside $60 million from off-field gigs.

Meanwhile, the Argentine superstar reportedly brings $135 million from on-field ($65 million) and off-field earnings ($70 million). Kylian Mbappe is the only Real Madrid player to make it among the top 10 on the list. He earns a reported $110 million overall ($90 million on-field and $20 million off-field).

Neymar ($108 million) and Karim Benzema ($106 million) also made it to the list at the seventh and eighth positions respectively. The Brazilian superstar plays for Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Hilal while Benzema is at Al-Ittihad. The aforementioned five players are the only footballers to be within the top 10 on the list.

However, among the top 50 in Forbes' list, Manchester City star Erling Haaland (#27) and Liverpool star Mohamed Salah (#38) also find their places.