Manchester United named most valuable football team brand... as Cristiano Ronaldo's stock rises but Lionel Messi's plummets

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Despite not being as successful in Europe and the Premier League as they once were, Manchester United have been named the most valuable team brand by Forbes.

The Old Trafford outfit are valued as the fourth most valuable team brand across all sports behind the Dallas Cowboys, New York Yankees and Los Angeles Lakers.

However, they top the chart when it comes to football clubs, with Barcelona second and their arch rivals Real Madrid third. 

Forbes have named Manchester United as the most valuable team brand across all sports

Barcelona are the second most valuable football team brand, while Real Madrid are third

The Premier League giants, who currently sit second in the English top flight after their first nine matches, have a brand value of £425million, a rise of 12.8%

Catalan giants Barcelona stock has gone up 5.5% and stands at £405million, while Champions League winners Madrid are valued at £385million, a drop of 2.1%.

Furthermore, after having a fine season for Madrid, guiding them to the La Liga and Champions League title, it is no surprise that Cristiano Ronaldo's brand value has risen by a massive 13.2% to a massive £16million.

But unfortunately for Messi, who was pipped to FIFA's The best men's player award in London on Monday night, has seen his brand value drop by 10% to £10million. 

However, surprisingly Ronaldo is only fourth in terms of athletes brand value. Roger Federer tops the charts after a remarkable year, while LeBron James comes in at second and Usain Bolt in third. 

Cristiano Ronaldo has seen his brand value rise, while Lionel Messi's has dropped

Tennis great Roger Federer has the most valuable brand out of all the athletes