TOP TEN MOST VALUABLE FOOTBALLER IN THE WORLD

This transfer fee is based on the expected respective club valuation  of the players if they decide to sell.


1. Lionel Messi - Barcelona | Value: £105m

The three-time Ballon d'Or winner is the world's most valuable footballer, and with good reason. Should, I repeat, should Barcelona decide to sell their star forward, expect the offers to be well north of £105m - but at current transfer rates, that's his value.

2. Cristiano Ronaldo - Real Madrid | Value: £88m
The only Real Madrid player in the top 10, and the current most expensive transfer in history. But the Portuguese star, once again, plays second fiddle to his Barcelona and Argentina rival.


3. Andres Iniesta - Barcelona | Value: £61.5m
The third, and final, Spain player on the list - Andres Iniesta is the reigning Best Player in Europe, and at £61.5m his value reflects that.

4. Wayne Rooney - Manchester United | Value: £57m
Sir Alex Ferguson's investment in an 18-year-old Wayne Rooney in 2004 has paid off, and the United striker is now the most valuable English player in football.

5. Cesc Fabregas - Barcelona | Value: £48.5m
The former-Arsenal captain moved to Catalonia last year, and has seen his value, like many of the Spain stars, rise considerably.

6. Sergio Aguero - Manchester City | Value: £45m
Bought for £38m last summer, Aguero's market value has increased after a stellar first season at the Etihad Stadium.

7. Falcao - Atletico Madrid | £44m
The Colombian striker stunned Chelsea with a majestic hat-trick last week, sending Falcao's valuation through the roof. One of the most devasting number nine's in world football.

8. David Silva - Manchester City | Value: £44m
Manchester City's fleet-footed creator-in-chief is Spain's second representative on the list, but he's certainly not the last.

9. Robin van Persie - Manchester United | Value: £42m
The Dutchman recently moved to Manchester United for £24m, but his value has almost doubled since then.

10. Sergio Busquets - Barcelona | Value: £37m
The 24-year-old is a first-choice regular in two of the best teams in the world - Spain and Barcelona - and his ability in the holding midfield role makes him the most valuable defensive midfielder in the game.