Cristiano Ronaldo's market value is 4 times that of Hungary's 23-man squad
Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the greatest footballers ever and he has always been one of the most valuable players (market value) in the world. The 2016 Euros will be a grand spectacle featuring some of the biggest stars in world football like Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, Thomas Muller and Robert Lewandowski.
Hungary’s biggest football stars currently will also be taking part in the Euros for the first time since 1972, but in terms of market value, they are in a different universe. According to an analysis by Dutch bank ING Groep NV, Hungary’s 23-man squad would cost a combined $31 million in transfer fees, while Cristiano Ronaldo alone would cost a truly amazing $116 million, close to 4 times more than the entire 23-man Hungary squad.
This edition of the Euros will feature the most teams ever with the number of entrants being expanded to 24 from 16 giving some smaller nations like Wales, Northen Ireland and Hungary to shine on the big stage. Although Ronaldo is the most valuable player in the Euros, his Portugal team are not fancied to win the tournament.
Cristiano Ronaldo blasts critics, says they are jealous of him
Real Madrid sensation Cristiano Ronaldo has dismissed criticism of his performance in the final of the UEFA Champions League against city rivals Atletico Madrid on Saturday. The match locked at 1-1, went down to the wire as Real Madrid won the competition 5-3 on penalties eventually, with Ronaldo scoring the winning spot-kick to clinch La Undecima. Throughout the 120 minutes though, the forward cut a lacklustre figure as he looked couldn’t create much of a difference in the final third and looked short of fitness.
But when asked about his thoughts on the issue, Ronaldo was bullish as he said, “Only the jealous don't feel that. I don't care about that. I always keep the people who love me [close]. So this Champions League is for them, the guys who support me all the time, my fans in Portugal and around the world.”
The Portuguese superstar fell just short of his own record of 17 goals in a single European campaign in 2013/14 (La Decimaseason) as he ended up with 16 goals to become the Champions League top scorer for the fourth season in a row. He is also the all-time leading goal scorer in Champions League history with 94 goals, 11 ahead of Lionel Messi at second place with 83.
With the club season official coming to an end, focus will now shift to the Euros and Copa America.