Cris climbs elite player table

Portugal and Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo has seen his rating among the world footballing elite boosted the most the past six months, according to a study published this week by the University of Navarra in Spain. Ronaldinho Gacho remains the worlds most valuable player, according to researchers.

Manchester Uniteds top scorer this season with 15 goals, Cristiano Ronaldo has soared from 21st to fifth on the footballers ranking.

The ranking is compiled by the 928 players who participated in the Champions League,
with Brazil and Barcelona midfielder Ronaldinho topping the table despite a dip in form.

The Brazilian is, according to the university worth 12.3 times the average professional footballer in Europe. While Ronaldinho has seen his lead cut at the top of the table, he remains ahead of second-placed Wayne Rooney, followed by countryman David Beckham, Ronaldo (AC Milan), Cristiano Ronaldo and Arsenals Thierry Henry.

Among managers, Jos Mourinho has failed to topple Manchester Uniteds Alex Ferguson. The other top managers are Fabio Capello (Real Madrid), Arsene Wenger (Arsenal) and Frank Rijkaard (Barcelona). The most valuable clubs are Real Madrid, Manchester United, Barcelona, Chelsea and Inter Milan.

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