Shubman Gill ranked above Ronaldo-Messi in most marketable athletes list, Dhoni-Kohli-Rohit totally snubbed

SportsPro has released its 2026 list of the 50 Most Marketable Athletes, evaluating athletes’ endorsement potential, media presence, and global reach. Cricketer Shubman Gill features prominently in the rankings, with reports that he is placed above Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in this year’s list. The piece notes Gill’s rising profile as a brand magnet, aided by his on-field performances, captaincy attributes, and appeal among younger fans. According to the report, Gill’s marketability reflects cricket’s expanding commercial pull and the growing importance of young Indian stars in global sponsorships. The coverage also states that several long-established Indian stars—Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, and Rohit Sharma—are not featured prominently in the top tiers of the list this year, effectively being sidelined or snubbed in the top-50 ranking. The article situates Gill’s ascent within broader shifts in sports marketing, where cricket talents are increasingly competing with footballers and other global athletes for endorsements and visibility. It also hints at how social media presence, cross-border appeal, and performance data influence brand value, signaling a changing landscape for Indian players on the world stage. The development underscores the evolving dynamics of endorsement markets across sports and the rising influence of younger cricketers in global branding conversations.