Jonathan Barnett has maintained his position as the world’s number one football agent.

In their annual study of sports finance, business magazine Forbes put Jonathan ahead of his nearest soccer rival by almost $40m in commissions and also named him as the world’s second most-powerful agent in all sports combined.

ICM Stellar Sports – which was created following the acquisition of Stellar Group by American entertainment agency ICM Partners in October 2020 – immediately went into fifth place on the list of top sports agencies.

Forbes said: “Executive Chairman of ICM Stellar Sports, Jonathan Barnett continues to solidify himself as the world’s top soccer agent (with) the most extensive client list among 2020’s top 50 agents. Meanwhile, ICM cemented itself in the No. 5 position (and now) represents more than 800 athletes globally, including some of the top soccer players in the world.”

Jonathan said that while he was pleased to maintain the number one spot, ICM Stellar is already surpassing Forbes’s estimates with several high-profile signings and continuing expansion into new sports and territories, including American sports, esports and golf.

He added: “The sports agency industry is changing fast and as we emerge from the current health restrictions the opportunities for elite athletes will be greater than ever as the worlds of sports, entertainment, music, media and publishing move closer together and athletes become their own global brands.

“ICM Stellar Sports is uniquely placed to make the most of these changing times which is why we are continuing to attract the very best clients and ensure they enjoy the highest levels of representation and all the opportunities and rewards their talent and dedication deserve now and in the future.”