Portuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo has lost his spot in the top 10 most marketable athletes, according to the 2026 SportsPro ranking. Published on October 27, Ronaldo dropped to 14th place, a significant decline from his fifth position in 2025. He was ranked as the most marketable athlete in 2022. His current ranking reflects his enduring popularity, but also a slight decrease in his market appeal.
The SportsPro ranking evaluates 1,202 athletes from 70 disciplines, using three key criteria: brand strength, current momentum, and commercial trajectory. Each athlete receives a score out of 100. The data covers the period from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. NorthStar Solutions Group, a leading sports marketing firm, compiled the ranking. This assessment provides valuable insights into the commercial value of athletes.
The 2026 ranking is led by Belarusian tennis player Aryna Sabalenka, followed closely by Chinese skier Eileen Gu, Greek basketball player Giannis Antetokounmpo, Norwegian footballer Erling Haaland, and Spanish tennis player Carlos Alcaraz. These athletes have demonstrated exceptional marketability, with strong brand presence and significant commercial potential. Their high rankings reflect their impressive performances and market appeal.
Ronaldo's marketability is still substantial, with a strong brand portfolio. He has partnerships with prominent brands such as Nike, Herbalife, Tag Heuer, and Armani. Additionally, he has developed his own CR7 brand, which includes fragrances and underwear. His massive social media following, with over 670 million Instagram followers, contributes to his enduring market value.
The SportsPro ranking highlights the continued dominance of footballers and female athletes. Footballers occupy 14 spots in the top 50, while women make up 16 of the listed athletes. This reflects the growing commercial appeal of women's sports and the persistent popularity of football. The ranking provides a comprehensive snapshot of the most marketable athletes globally.
Other notable athletes in the top 15 include Shubman Gill, an Indian cricketer ranked 13th, and Caitlin Clark, an American athlete ranked 15th. Victor Wembanyama, a French basketball player, and Alexander Zverev, a German tennis player, also feature prominently in the ranking. These athletes have demonstrated remarkable commercial potential, with strong brand presence and significant market appeal.
The 2026 SportsPro ranking offers valuable insights into the commercial landscape of sports. Key points include: Aryna Sabalenka leads the ranking, followed closely by Eileen Gu and Giannis Antetokounmpo; Cristiano Ronaldo drops to 14th place; and female athletes occupy 16 of the top 50 spots. The ranking provides a comprehensive assessment of the most marketable athletes globally, highlighting trends and shifts in the commercial sports landscape.
Key points
- Cristiano Ronaldo drops to 14th place in 2026 SportsPro ranking
- Aryna Sabalenka leads the 2026 SportsPro ranking
- Female athletes occupy 16 of the top 50 spots in the ranking
