The days when Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi dominated as the most valuable players in the European transfer market have indeed passed. Both of these iconic footballers are now in their late 30s, with Ronaldo at 38 and Messi at 36. While their ages might signal the twilight of their careers as top-tier players, their legacies as two of the world’s greatest footballers in Europe will undoubtedly remain unforgettable and have left an indelible mark on the sport.
Cristiano Ronaldo heralded the influx of European stars into the Saudi Pro League but is not even one of the most expensive figures there. However, by Major League standard, he can boast of being the third most expensive player, behind Thiago Almada.
Ronaldo trails behind Almada and Messi in market value rankings
Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami marked his entry into Major League Soccer (MLS), and immediately, he became the face of the league. His decision to leave Europe for the United States ignited debates about whether Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo were now playing in the superior league or whether they had both left Europe to begin their retirement.
Interestingly, Cristiano Ronaldo, long compared to Messi, also made a move away from Europe, even before Lionel Messi’s move. He joined Al-Nassr, a club in Saudi Arabia, adding a new dimension to the ongoing discussion about their respective career choices and the impact on their legacies.
Many iconic players have left Europe for the Saudi Pro League, arguably following Cristiano Ronaldo’s footsteps. A lot of these other players are younger, hence a higher market value than the 38-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo. In fact, Ronaldo is not even one of the most valuable players in the Saudi Pro League, but Cristiano Ronaldo is the third highest in the Major League Soccer market ranking, trailing behind Lionel Messi and Thiago Almada.
Thiago Almada, an Argentine midfielder, is one of the few MLS players, apart from Lionel Messi, who holds a higher market value than Cristiano Ronaldo.
According to Transfermarkt, Cristiano Ronaldo’s market value is €15 million, making him one of the most valuable players in Major League Soccer (MLS). In MLS, Lionel Messi is indeed the most expensive player, with a market value of €35 million, followed by Thiago Almada at €27 million.
These two Argentine stars, both part of the 2022 World Cup-winning team, stand out as the only MLS players with higher market values than Ronaldo. Austin FC’s Sebastian Driussi is also valued at €15 million, emphasizing the league’s growing appeal to established stars and emerging talents.
Thiago Almada plays for which team in MLS?
Thiago Almada, born on April 26, 2001, is a talented Argentine professional footballer known for his versatility as an attacking midfielder or winger. He currently plays for Major League Soccer club Atlanta United and has also represented the Argentina national team.
A remarkable achievement in his career came when he was part of the Argentina national team that secured victory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Notably, Almada made history by becoming the first active MLS player to win a FIFA World Cup, further solidifying his status as a rising star in the world of football.
According to the Athletic, Thiago Almada still holds the MLS’s record for the most expensive inbound transfer ever. Atlanta United signed him from Velez Sarsfield for $16 million.
It’s becoming increasingly probable, if not overwhelmingly likely, that Thiago Almada will eventually become the most expensive outbound transfer in MLS history.
