Neymar is the most valuable footballer in the world, Ronaldo not even in the top 10

The International Centre for Sports Studies (CIES) has recently undertaken a study to determine the value of the world's top footballers. Using criteria such as age, length of contract and team, the centre has come to some suprising conclusions, namely that Lionel Messi is only the 4th most valuable footballer in the world, whilst Cristiano Ronaldo is not even in the top 10.

1.- Neymar (Barcelona) €210.7 million

Mainly owing to his youth and the 4 years left on his Barca contract, the Brazilian forward is the most valuable player on the planet and well out of reach of most other sides.

2.- Dele Alli (Tottenham Hostpur) €155.1 million

The England midfield is the youngest player to appear in the top 10 and along with Kane and Dybala he has the longest time left on his current contract, 5 years to be precise. Anyone wishing to prise him away from 'Spurs' in the mean time would have to part with serious cash.

3.- Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur) €153.6 million

The Premier LEague's top score is much sought-after throughout Europe. The 23 year old still has 5 years to run on his contract at 'Spurs' and given the amound it would take to tempt him away, he is likely to stay there for the time being.

4.- Lionel Messi (Bercelona) €151.7 million

Messi's advancing years and his lack on contract talks with Barca count against him here and have driven his value down somewhat. Nevertheless it would take a 9 figure sum to sign him according to the study.

5.- Antoine Griezmann (Atlético Madrid) €150.3 million

The Frenchman comes into the list hot on the heels of Lionel Messi. The Atlético forward already looks like he could dominate the headlines all summer, will he stay or will he go? If it is to be the latter we could well see a world record transfer according to the study, even though his value still falls short of the release clause included in his club contract.

6.- Luis Suárez (Barcelona) €140.8 million

Despite having turned 30, there appears to be plenty left in the Uruguayan's tank. With 4 years lef ton his Barca contract, his value is estimated to be €140.8 million.

7.- Paul Pobga (Manchester United) €134.3 million

With the transfer saga of last summer finally solved it appears that the Frenchman's value continues to rise. Despite a mixed season, at the age of just 24 and with 4 years left on his Old Traffor contract, it seems unlikely that anyone will be able to tempt him away.

8.- Gonzalo Higuaín (Juventus) €120.2 million

The France-born Argentine has silenced many critics since his move to Turin and as such he occupies 8th place.

9.- Eden Hazard (Chelsea) €117.2 million

Chelsea's flying Belgian was one of the many candidates for a big-money summer switch before he was ruled out for 3 months with a broken ankle sustained whilst on international duty. At the age of just 26 he has already played a lot of football but as his contract runs only until 2020 his value is inferior to many of the other players listed.

10.- Paulo Dybala (Juventus) €115.3 million

Nothing short of a revelation this year, after displaying signs of promise when playing for Palermo he has really established himself this year in Turin. He is the second youngest player included in this list, behind Dele Alli and tied with Harry Kane.

11.- Cristiano Ronaldo )Real Madrid) €112.4 million

Despite all the trophies, all the awards and all the records, Ronaldo falls just short of this top 10. Despite having 4 years left to run on his deal, his value has suffered massively due to his advanced age (32) compared with others on this list.