Virat Kohli's brand value higher than Lionel Messi's: Forbes

Virat Kohli is the most marketable cricketer in the world as per the latest Forbes report on sportsperson's brand value list which is topped by Roger Federer. The Indian captain's brand value is more than that of Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi.

Kohli, with a brand value of $14.5 million, ranks above Messi as well as NBA team Golden State Warriors’ Steph Curry in the list.

As per Indian Express reports in the latest list released by Forbes, Kohli stands seventh in brand value which is calculated on the basis of an athlete's earnings (excluding salary and bonus from their sport and all investment income), minus the average income of the top 10 athletes in the same sport. 

Kohli's value this year stands at $14.5 million while Messi is ranked ninth with $13.5 million. Tennis legend Federer tops the list with a brand value of $37.2 million followed by NBA star LeBron James ($33.4m) and sprint king Usain Bolt ($27m).

Leading the pack is the legendary Tennis player from Switzerland, Roger Federer, who has his brand value at $37.2 million with LeBron James ($33.4 million) and Usain Bolt ($27 million) completing the podium.

Top 10 most valuable athletes:
1. Roger Federer $37.2m
2. LeBron James $33.4m
3. Usain Bolt $27m
4. Cristiano Ronaldo $21.5m
5. Phil Mickelson $19.6m
6. Tiger Woods $16.6m
7. Virat Kohli $14.5m
8. Rory McIlroy $13.6m
9. Lionel Messi $13.5m
10. Stephen Curry $13.4m