We're talking with Michael Long, Editorial Director at SportsPro about SportsPro’s annual list of the world’s 50 Most Marketable Athletes (50MM). With a focus on football, we discuss why Messi had to be number one, the benefits for 'brand Messi' in the US and if anyone can dethrone him next year. We also talk about the increase in the marketability of women's football and the players driving it, as well what Harry Kane offers to brands that Neymar doesn't and why there are more footballers in the list than athletes from any other sport. To find out more and view both the 50MM shortlist and the extended list of 125 athletes, head to https://50mm.sportspromedia.com/downloads/2023/download-the-top-125-list/ The top ten is below: Lionel Messi Lebron James Alex Morgan Giannis Antetokounmpo Megan Rapinoe Mikaela Shiffrin Lewis Hamilton Simone Biles Kylian Mbappe Max Verstappen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices