India skipper Virat Kohli continues to make headlines both on and off the pitch. The batting sensation only recently overtook Australian legend Ricky Ponting to become the second highest century-maker in ODIs following his 121-run knock in the first match against New Zealand.
There was even more good news for the skipper after Forbes released a list of the most valuable athletes in the world with the Indian batsman occupying the seventh spot.
Kohli’s brand value has been pegged ahead of Barcelona football star Lionel Messi and NBA outfit Golden State Warriors’ stalwart Stephen Curry.
Top 10 most valuable athletes
The cricket superstar’s brand value has been estimated to be $14.5 million by Forbes. The brand value of an athlete has been estimated by his total earnings (excluding salary and bonus from their sport and all investment income) minus the average income of the top 10 athletes playing the same sport.
Tennis great Roger Federer occupies the top spot in the list with a brand value of $37.2million with NBA star LeBron James ($33.4 million) and sprint legend Usain Bolt ($27 million) placed at second and third spot respectively.
In the fourth spot lies Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo with a brand value of $21.5 million while golfer Tiger Woods lies in sixth spot despite his recent struggles.
No other cricketer featured in the top 10 list by Forbes with the Indian Premier League (IPL) also failing to find a spot in the top 10 most valuable sport leagues around the globe.
Top 10 most valuable sporting events
