But according to Forbes magazine, he's the most disastrous CEO in corporate America, while to Vanity Fair he's the man who has presided over a lost decade.

BBC: Ballmer and the culture of innovation

For evidence, look to North America, where sports teams have generally been great investments: the average National Football League (NFL) team has increased in value by 282% since 1998, according to Forbes magazine.

ECONOMIST: Do sports and stockmarkets mix?

Real Madrid has overtaken Manchester United as the world's most valuable football club, according to business magazine Forbes.

BBC: Real Madrid overtakes Man Utd in Forbes rich list

And today, according to magazine association Fipp, Forbes is the fastest growing global media brand of any kind over the last four years.

FORBES: The Fastest Growing Global Media Brand