1. Cristiano Ronaldo
Endorsements
$37m
Average
12.6m
Search Score
100
Average
35
Social Following
148m
Average
10.6
The World Fame #1 is never far from the news.
Cristiano Ronaldo broke the Serie A transfer record when he swapped Real Madrid, his club of nine years, for Italian champions Juventus in a 100 million euro deal.
Two months later, Las Vegas police reopened an investigation into accusations that he’d raped a woman in 2009. Ronaldo has denied any wrongdoing.
The case has thus far had little impact on his popularity: Juventus’ shares have doubled since his arrival.
Lebron James
2. Lebron James
Endorsements
$52m
Average
12.6m
Search Score
47
Average
35
Social Following
45.3m
Average
10.6
Since 2010’s “The Decision,” LeBron James’ free-agency announcements have had less pomp and circumstance.
All eyes are on The King anyway, peaking last July 1 when Klutch Sports sent out an understated news release: LeBron to the Lakers. No TV special or magazine essay; just as much interest.
Lionel Messi
3: Lionel Messi
Endorsements
$28m
Average
12.6m
Search Score
54
Average
35
Social Following
103.1m
Average
10.6
Disappointments doesn’t stop for Lionel Messi when it comes to Argentina.
He suffered his latest failure on the international stage in June 2018, when France knocked Argentina out in what could be Messi’s final World Cup.
The one positive? Messi’s eternal rival Cristiano Ronaldo was eliminated on the same day.
