When future generations study the history of the internet, they'll be fascinated by these things called lists. Almost always arbitrary, they're tremendous sources for debate and clicks.

But "The World’s 50 Most Marketable 2016" published this week by SportsPro - a Forbes-like magazine for the sports world - seems smarter than most lists. Not because it's accurate. Rather, SportsPro readily accepts it's not.

 

"That debate will occur is perhaps the only certainty of a list that exists, like so much of sport, somewhere in the echo chamber of informed opinion that separates objectivity from subjectivity."

 

With that said, it's fascinating to see where Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton falls on SportsPro's forward-thinking list. He's at No. 16, ahead of worldwide superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo (35), Rory McIlroy (34), Usain Bolt (31) and Lionel Messi (27).

Newton is one of only three NFL players on the list, joining Giants' receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (13) and Titans' quarterback Marcus Mariota (49).

Because Mariota doesn't necessarily ooze charisma, his inclusion could certainly make you question the list's validity. But that again makes this one different and intriguing if you're a Panthers fan. SportsPro focused on marketing potential over the next three years, and there's loads of that in Newton, who's already had his fair share of big deals that have included UnderArmour, Gatorade and Beats by Dre.

The list doesn't include names like Serena Williams, Tom Brady and LeBron James because "to do so would result in a list of the most celebrated or highest-paid individuals in sport; a list that, while compelling for some, would be as meaningless as it would be predictable."

Instead, the torch has been passed to the next generation. From two-time NBA MVP Stephen Curry, who tops the list, to the Panthers' 27-year-old NFL MVP.

According to this list, at least.