The impact of Cristiano Ronaldo in terms of productivity and efficiency was greater than that of Lionel Messi when they played for Real Madrid and Barcelona, respectively, according to a study by two university researchers who have innovatively applied a methodology of applied economics in terms of productivity and efficiency.

The study has analysed all the players of both teams over the last 70 years (1955-2024), a period that coincides with the period of European competitions in which the two Spanish clubs usually compete, the University of Extremadura (UEx) said in a press release.

Researchers in Applied Economics Jose Maria Cordero and Daniel Santin, from the Universities of Extremadura and Complutense de Madrid, respectively, have extrapolated to football methodologies that evaluate efficiency and changes in productivity in educational centers, hospitals and municipalities.

Goalkeepers

The study found that the most efficient were Keylor Navas (Real Madrid), who won a large number of international titles in the five seasons he spent at the club, and Busquets, a goalkeeper who managed to win 12 national titles and four international titles playing just over 100 games in his seven seasons, many of which he was a substitute.

Although historic goalkeepers such as Iker Casillas and Victor Valdes played many more matches and won more titles, their achievements are spread over a greater number of seasons, "which reduces their productivity measured as performance per season".

Defenders

Two players stand out above the rest: Ronald Koeman and Fernando Hierro, who were characterised by "an exceptional goalscoring ability - rare in their position - and for having contributed decisively to their teams' titles".

The Dutchman achieved his records in fewer seasons, which gives him a much higher level of productivity than other Barca players who won more titles, such as Dani Alves, Gerard Pique or Jordi Alba, but who stayed at the club for many more seasons.

At Madrid, Hierro surpasses long-serving defenders such as Sergio Ramos and Marcelo, who also reached great goalscoring figures and a large number of titles, but remained at the club for more seasons.

Midfielders

At FC Barcelona, Seydou Keita and Cesc Fabregas stand out, while at Real Madrid, James Rodriguez and Claude Makelele are among the most successful. All of them won a large number of titles in just a few seasons.

Legends such as Xavi, Sergio Busquets, Kroos and Michel, despite their extraordinary careers, are behind in terms of productivity having prolonged their careers much longer at these clubs.

Forwards

However, there are no surprises in attack, as the most efficient and productive players are Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Despite having played for many years in their respective teams, their volume of goals and titles won place them far above any other attacker.

However, the study reveals that Cristiano Ronaldo had a more decisive impact on Real Madrid's overall performance than Messi did at FC Barcelona. This conclusion is reached by comparing how the overall productivity of each club's forward group would change if the outstanding player were removed from the analysis.

In the case of Madrid, the absence of Cristiano would mean a significantly greater technical deterioration than that which would be implied by removing Messi from Barcelona's group of forwards.