CIES: Messi's estimated value still highest (€200.2m - €232.6m)

Lionel Messi, with an estimated value between €200.2m and €232.6m, remained the most expensive football player in the world in 2014, according to a study by the CIES (International Centre for Sports Studies) Football Observatory published on 04/06/2014. The midpoint in the value range of the Argentine was down 8% compared to 2013 (€217.4m - €252.6m), CIES said.

To assess the value of each player, the Football Observatory looked at data such as the club's and player's performance, number of goals, level of the national team, championship level, position played, age, career advancement and the contract (salary received, duration, extension, etc..).

Paul Pogba, Juventus (Serie A) midfielder, is the most expensive French player in the ranking (6^th place) valued at €60.6m - €70.4m, according to CIES.

Of the 25 most-valuable players according to CIES, two play in Ligue 1: Edison Cavani of Uruguay (Paris-SG) is 9^th at €48m - €55.8m and James Rodriguez of Colombia (AS Monaco) is in 25^th place at €34.2m - €39.8m.