Brazilian footballer Neymar retains world’s most marketable athlete crown
Brazilian football star Neymar has seen off competition from the likes of FC Barcelona’s Lionel Messi and golfer Rory McIlroy, who ranked second and third respectively, to retain his crown as the world’s most marketable athlete.
Compiled by SoccerPro magazine the annual list ranks athletes based on their marketing potential for the next three years based on age, home market, charisma, willingness to be marketed and crossover appeal.
SportsPro editor-in-chief David Cushnan said: “We ranked Neymar as the most marketable athlete in the world last year and there was really no argument for demoting him this time round. He is poised to be the star of next year’s World Cup, in Brazil, and he still has a blockbuster move to a European club potentially ahead of him. His superstar status and obvious talent make him a magnet for brands in one of the world’s rising economies. He’s everything a brand would want in an endorser and all the signs are his career has not even peaked yet.
“This year’s list also recognises the huge potential for brands in women’s sport, with more female athletes than ever making our 50 and the WTA stars showing the way to their peers. There is also recognition of the huge growth potential in Paralympic sport, with Alan Oliveira poised to be the poster boy for Rio’s Games in three years’ time.”
The World’s Ten Most Marketable Athletes 2013
1) Neymar – soccer, Brazil
2) Lionel Messi – soccer, Argentina
3) Rory McIlroy – golf, UK
4) Robert Griffin III – football, USA
5) Usain Bolt – athletics, Jamaica
6) Novak Djokovic – tennis, Serbia
7) Lewis Hamilton – motorsport, UK
8) Cristiano Ronaldo – soccer, Portugal
9) Sloane Stephens – tennis, USA
10) Blake Griffin – basketball, USA