RONALDO has been revealed as the most expensive footballer of all time, with the former Inter Milan striker costing a staggering £380million – after inflation.
The Brazilian cost Inter £25million in 1997, but the figure would be just under £400million in today’s market.
Ronaldo made his name at Barcelona in 1996, scoring 47 times in 49 matches, before making the move to Italy, where he scored 59 goals in 99 appearances.
After five seasons at the San Siro, Ronaldo moved to Barca’s rivals Real Madrid, winning one La Liga title.
The 43-year-old won two World Cup’s during his career, with his Brazil side winning the 1994 and 2002 tournaments.
Italian market analysts PlayRatings came up with an algorithm to determine modern day transfer fees for top players of bygone eras.
Argentinian legend Diego Maradona was the closest to Ronaldo, costing £300m when he joined Napoli from Barcelona in 1984.
Famous for his “hand of god” goal against England in the 1986 World Cup, Maradona is regarded as one of finest footballers of all time.
The 59-year-old racked up an impressive 310 goals during his 21-year career.
Michel Platini and Christian Vieri are third and fourth in the list respectively.
Platini, left French side Saint Etienne for Juventus in 1982 and the attacking midfielder went on to finish his career with the Italian giants in 1987 after racking up 103 goals in 222 matches.
Two-time World Cup winner Ronaldo was the best striker in the world when he signed for InterCredit: AFP
Maradona achieved legendary status at Stadio San PaoloCredit: AP:Associated Press
Despite costing just £1million 1987, the report revealed Dutch legend Marco van Basten would’ve cost £289m in the modern game.
Two more Argentinians are next on the list, with Gabriel Batistuta and Gonzalo Higuain costing a whopping £247m and £232m respectively.
Batistuta left Fiorentina for Roma in 2000 and the striker bagged an incredible 292 goals during his 17 year career.
The 51-year-old also boasted an impressive 54 goals in 77 matches for his country.
Higuain played for some of Europe’s biggest clubs, including Real Madrid and Chelsea, but his transfer from Napoli to Juventus in 2016 would now cost £232m.
Neymar is the world’s most expensive footballer, after joining Paris Saint-Germain for £199m from Barcelona in 2017, but that fee would’ve been the least expensive of the eight players named in the report.
The Brazilian winger could cost even more if he returns to Barca, which reports have suggested, could happen this summer.
PSG are considering letting the winger leave if they get Antoine Griezmann in return.
Neymar still holds the world record transfer feeCredit: Alamy Live News
Inside Neymar’s amazing £7million mansion with helipad where he is spending coronavirus crisis with his pals on Rio outskirts
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
