[nvot9]

Lets see some lists of all around most valuable players...

1) Ronaldinho
2) Cristiano Ronaldo
3) Steven Gerrard
4) Kaka
5) Wayne Rooney
6) Lionel Messi
7) Thierry Henry
8) Michael Essien

[bosterosoy]

1) Kaka
2) Messi
3) C. Ronaldo
4) Ronaldinho
5) Gerrard
6) Henry
7) Tevez
8) Gatusso

[wxcblue]

i'm suprised to see no defenders,
1. Jamie Carragher
2. Steven Gerrard
3. Kaka
4. Petr Cech
5. Samuel Eto'o
6. Ronaldinho
7. Paul Scholes
8. Cesc Fabregas

[red & wite army]

1) Cesc Fabregas
2) Lionel Messi
3) Kaka
4) Ronaldinho
5) C. Ronaldo
6) Wayne Rooney
7) Petr Cech
8) John Terry

[Teso Dos Bichos]

How do you define value?

[Spartak]

Originally Posted by Teso Dos Bichos

How do you define value?

I assume he's talking about a monetary value. If so, Ronaldinho far surpasses any in football at the moment. His price tag is higher because:

A.) He's the most talented footballer on the planet

and

B.) Ronaldinho is now the most popular footballer on the planet.

Therefore, from a business and sporting perspective, no one can touch Ronaldinho atm.

[Teso Dos Bichos]

Surely a younger talent like a Ronaldo or Kaka would command a higher transfer fee and be more valuable in terms of business?

[Spartak]

Originally Posted by Teso Dos Bichos

Surely a younger talent like a Ronaldo or Kaka would command a higher transfer fee and be more valuable in terms of business?

I wouldn't say that. Ronaldinho still only 27 and is far more recognizable worldwide than Kaka' and C. Ronaldo. It's no coincidence that most of the record transfers (Zidane, Figo, Sheva, etc.) were around Ronaldinho's age now or older. Because by the ages of 27-30 the best players have established themselves as world superstars. Therefore, they would have a huge following worldwide and sell many jerseys. Also, most big clubs(Milan, Barca, Real, etc.) first priority is for winning now. They are willing to spend on a player who can only help them in the short term. They don't need to develop talent like smaller clubs.

I'm confident if Ronaldinho, C. Ronaldo, and Kaka' all went on the market this summer Ronaldinho would easily get the highest fee. With Ronaldinho shirt sales alone that club can recoup what they paid for him in a year or two(see Beckham, David). Kaka' and C. Ronaldo are certainly now world stars but they still have a ways to go to catch Ronaldinho.

[Teso Dos Bichos]

I disagree. Most of the talk regarding Ronaldo involved a world record transfer fee because of his current performances, current age and clear potential to improve. You do not get that with Ronaldinho. He is in his prime and the only way for him to go is down. I am not doubting his ability to generate a large fee or merchandising sales but I do doubt that the figure would be higher than that for Ronaldo.

[Spartak]

Originally Posted by Teso Dos Bichos

I disagree. Most of the talk regarding Ronaldo involved a world record transfer fee because of his current performances, current age and clear potential to improve. You do not get that with Ronaldinho. He is in his prime and the only way for him to go is down. I am not doubting his ability to generate a large fee or merchandising sales but I do doubt that the figure would be higher than that for Ronaldo.

Well, tell that to Berlusconi who is willing to smash the world record transfer fee on Ronaldinho this summer or next. He has said publicly he's willing to pay Barca over $135M for Ronaldinho should they decide to sell him. And the reason he's willing to spend so much is because he knows Ronaldinho would be media and business boom to Milan. Hell, Ronaldo(the real one ) was a huge commercial success for Milan this Janaury and he is certainly on the downside of his career. I can't imagine what Ronaldinho would do for the Milan brand.

Now Cristiano Ronaldo would also be a success(commercially) but nowhere near Ronaldinho. Most of Ronaldo's popularity is concentrated in Britain. He still hasn't made his name internationally yet. He needs a breakout tournament or performance for Portugal in Euro 2008/WC 2010 or he needs to perform better for ManU in the CL. Ronaldinho has already done this with Brazil in 2002 and Barca 2006. Plus, we can't ignore the fact that Ronaldinho is a better footballer than Ronaldo. Ronaldo might one day match Ronaldinho but at this point Ronaldinho is better in all facets of the game.