MS Dhoni 9th most marketable sportsperson in world, says study

MS Dhoni

According to a list released by the London School of Marketing, MS Dhoni is the ninth most marketable sportsperson in the world. The 34-year-old is ahead of sports superstars Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Kobe Bryant, Maria Sharapova, Usain Bolt, Neymar and the like.

Roger Federer has been named the world's most marketable athlete. 

The list took into consideration athletes' brand value, their annual income from sponsorships (as part of their total earnings), and social media influence.

Real Madrid superstar Ronaldo, who recently sold his image rights to another club's owner — and reigning FIFA World Player of the Year Lionel Messi are 10th and 13th respectively.

Dhoni’s personality combined with his presence in the shorter format of the games, despite having retired from the Test arena, continues to make him one of the richest athletes, and the most marketable cricketer in the world.

Interestingly, the Indian captain's earnings through endorsements is more than even Lionel Messi.

The study said that Dhoni's total earnings stood at $31 million — out of which $27 million came from endorsements.

List of the top 20 most marketable sports stars:

1. R Federer (SUI) Tennis

2. T Woods (USA) Golf

3. P Mickelson (USA) Golf

4. L James (USA) Basketball

5. K Durant (USA) Basketball

6. R McIlroy (NIR) Golf

7. N Djokovic (SRB) Tennis

8. R Nadal (ESP) Tennis

9. MS Dhoni (IND) Cricket

10. C Ronaldo (POR) Football

11. K Bryant (USA) Basketball

12. M Sharapova (RUS) Tennis

13. Lionel Messi (ARG) Football

14. Usain Bolt (JAM) Athletics

15. Neymar (BRA) Football

16. Andy Murray (GBR) Tennis

17. Kei Nishikori (JPN) Tennis

18. Derrick Rose (USA) Basketball

19. Floyd Mayweather (USA) Boxing

20. Serena Williams (USA) Tennis