The International Centre for Sports Studies (CIES) has published the 120 most expensive footballers in the world based on their current market values.

In order to qualify to make the list, the footballer must be plying his trade in one of the top five leagues in Europe – Spain, England, France, Germany and Italy, sl10.ng reports.

Regrettably, no Nigerian player was mentioned by the Switzerland – based organization, though the likes of Mikel, Onazi, Ujah, Enyeama and Ikechukwu Uche ply their trade in the prestigious championships.

The only consolation is that Bayern Munich’s Austria international, David Alaba, who has Nigerian blood flowing in his veins, is ranked in the 56th position while England midfielder Ross Barkley is among the players in the top 40.

Five of Mikel’s teammates at Chelsea – Eden Hazard, Diego Costa, Francesc Fàbregas, Oscar and Thibaut Courtois – were named in the top 20.

As expected Barcelona superstar, Lionel Messi, is the most valuable player in the world followed by Real Madrid poster boy, Cristiano Ronaldo.

Top 10 most expensive footballers:

Lionel Messi (Barcelona): €220 million

Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid): €133 million

Eden Hazard (Chelsea): €99 million

Diego Costa (Chelsea): €84 million

Paul Pogba (Juventus): €72 million

Sergio Agüero (Manchester City): €65 million

Raheem Sterling (Liverpool): €63 million

Francesc Fàbregas (Chelsea): €62 million

Alexis Sánchez (Arsenal): €61 million

Gareth Bale (Real Madrid): €60 million