Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo has been named the most-marketable player in world football following a global study.

The Ballon d'Or winner, who became European champion with Madrid last weekend, has been voted as the most-liked footballer based on market research involving 6,500 people in 13 countries.

The list of players was decided by the public perception of eight attributes, including the players' influence on society and their general appeal.

Eighty-four percent of those involved in the study claimed that they had heard of Ronaldo, while 72% admitted that they liked the Portugal international, who will feature in next month's World Cup in Brazil.

Ronaldo's Barcelona rival Lionel Messi came second in the list, while Gerard Pique, whose profile has risen due to his relationship with Colombian singer Shakira, is the third-most marketable.

Chelsea striker Fernando Torres is fourth, while Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney is fifth in the standings.