The 25 Most Valuable Footballers in the World Right Now
In a football world where £100 million transfers are no longer shocking, player valuations have reached dizzying new heights. What used to buy you a world-class superstar now only secures the promise of future greatness, as clubs place more emphasis than ever on youth, potential, and marketability.
According to Transfermarkt’s latest update, these are the 25 most valuable footballers on the planet right now. From teenage sensations to seasoned superstars, this list reflects the players whose performances, age, and profile make them the most prized assets in the modern game.
25. Raphinha – £76m
The Brazilian winger continues to be a key threat on the right flank for Barcelona. Known for his directness and flair, Raphinha remains one of La Liga’s most dangerous wide players.
24. Ousmane Dembélé – £76m
Now at PSG, Dembélé has found more consistency while maintaining his electric pace and elite dribbling. Injuries have slowed his progress in the past, but his raw talent still commands a high value.
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23. Rodrygo – £76m
A versatile forward at Real Madrid, Rodrygo offers goals, assists, and creativity from the wing or central roles. He’s often overshadowed by bigger names but has quietly developed into a vital player.
22. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – £76m
The Georgian star rose to prominence at Napoli and now brings his dynamic dribbling and attacking flair to PSG. His fearless style and unpredictability make him a nightmare for defenders.
21. Moisés Caicedo – £76m
Despite a rocky start at Chelsea, Caicedo remains one of the most highly rated young defensive midfielders in world football. His blend of power, agility, and tactical awareness drives his valuation.
20. Désiré Doué – £76m
The 19-year-old Frenchman has exploded onto the scene and is now part of PSG’s exciting project. He combines technical finesse with maturity beyond his years, making him a long-term prospect to watch.
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19. Lautaro Martínez – £80m
Inter Milan’s captain and talisman up front, Lautaro is a tireless worker and consistent goal scorer. His leadership and finishing have made him one of the top forwards in Europe.
18. Phil Foden – £84m
Foden continues to grow under Pep Guardiola’s guidance at Manchester City. With his close control and eye for goal, he’s become one of the most complete attacking midfielders in the game.
17. Alexis Mac Allister – £84m
The World Cup winner has adapted well to Liverpool’s system, providing control, vision, and set-piece excellence. His intelligence and composure elevate the Reds’ midfield.
16. Julián Álvarez – £84m
Now at Atlético Madrid, Álvarez brings relentless energy and goal-scoring instinct. The Argentine forward is versatile and has a knack for turning up in big moments.
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15. Michael Olise – £84m
After a breakout spell in the Premier League, Olise now stars for Bayern Munich. His combination of vision, flair, and end product make him a top-tier creative force.
14. Rodri – £93m
Arguably the most important cog in Manchester City’s machine, Rodri anchors the midfield with unmatched consistency. His tactical awareness and passing range are second to none.
13. Alexander Isak – £101m
The Swedish striker has evolved into one of the most clinical forwards in the Premier League at Newcastle. He’s tall, technical, and lethal in front of goal, with bags of potential still untapped.
12. Declan Rice – £101m
A rock in Arsenal’s midfield, Rice offers leadership, strength, and superb reading of the game. His club-record fee has been justified by his seamless transition into a title-contending side.
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11. Cole Palmer – £101m
Palmer’s rise at Chelsea has been one of the season’s biggest surprises. The attacking midfielder combines calm finishing with elite movement and creativity in the final third.
10. Federico Valverde – £110m
Valverde is the ultimate modern midfielder: tireless, aggressive, and versatile. His all-action style and ability to impact both ends of the pitch make him priceless to Real Madrid.
9. Jamal Musiala – £118m
Bayern’s creative spark, Musiala is one of the most entertaining dribblers in world football. His quick feet, intelligence, and eye for goal have made him a global star before age 22.
8. Florian Wirtz – £118m
The heart of Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen, Wirtz orchestrates play with composure and vision. His ability to dictate games at such a young age has caught the eye of Europe’s biggest clubs.
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7. Pedri – £118m
Viewed as the heir to Xavi and Iniesta, Pedri is the brain of Barcelona’s midfield. His vision, work rate, and game management already place him among the elite.
6. Bukayo Saka – £126m
Saka is Arsenal’s most valuable asset, consistently delivering goals, assists, and big moments. A true leader by example, he’s also a key figure for England.
5. Vinícius Júnior – £143m
A dazzling winger with incredible speed and flair, Vinícius has become a nightmare for defenders. Though his form has dipped slightly, he remains a key part of Real Madrid’s attack.
4. Kylian Mbappé – £152m
The superstar forward has finally joined Real Madrid, chasing the Champions League he missed at PSG. Mbappé’s mix of pace, power, and finishing makes him one of the best in the world.
3. Jude Bellingham – £152m
Still only 21, Bellingham has taken La Liga by storm, combining elegance with end product. His box-to-box brilliance and leadership qualities make him a generational talent.
2. Erling Haaland – £152m
The most dominant striker in the world, Haaland has broken records since arriving at Manchester City. His goal-scoring instinct is unmatched, and he’s still nowhere near his peak.
1. Lamine Yamal – £170m
At just 17 years old, Yamal has become the most valuable player in world football. Already a regular for Barcelona and Spain, his rise has been nothing short of historic.
