The 50 Most Valuable Footballers in the World – Ranked from Lowest to Highest
Football is more than just a game—it's a global industry, and nowhere is that more evident than in the skyrocketing market values of the world's top players. Each year, Transfermarkt compiles a snapshot of the game's brightest and most bankable stars, reflecting their form, potential, influence, and demand in the transfer market.
In this two-part feature, we count down the 50 most valuable footballers on the planet as of mid-2025.
50. Xavi Simons – £59.5M
Simons, a dynamic midfielder with flair and creativity, has impressed across multiple leagues at just 22 years old. His potential and versatility make him one of Europe’s most exciting young prospects.
49. Benjamin Šeško – £59.5M
The Slovenian striker combines height, speed, and technical ability, standing out as one of the most promising forwards in Europe. At just 22, Šeško is already attracting interest from top-tier clubs.
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48. Nico Williams – £59.5M
Athletic Club’s winger is known for his pace and direct play on the left flank. At 22, his maturity and confidence on the ball have turned him into a consistent attacking threat.
47. Bradley Barcola – £59.5M
A key figure in PSG’s attacking rotation, Barcola’s speed and dribbling make him a constant danger down the wing. His £59.5M valuation speaks volumes about his growth potential.
46. Harry Kane – £63.75M
One of the most prolific strikers in modern football, Kane continues to be an elite scorer at 31. His intelligence, leadership, and experience keep his market value high despite his age.
45. Nicolò Barella – £63.75M
The Inter Milan midfielder is a tireless engine with top-tier technical skills and tactical intelligence. Barella’s performances in Serie A and for Italy have made him a midfield mainstay.
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44. Viktor Gyökeres – £63.75M
The Swedish striker has flourished in Portugal with Sporting CP, where his physicality and goal-scoring ability have earned him a reputation as one of Europe’s most underrated forwards.
43. Marcus Thuram – £63.75M
The French international blends power and agility, excelling as both a winger and central striker. Now at Inter, Thuram is reaching his prime and delivering consistently.
42. Gabriel Magalhães – £63.75M
Arsenal’s Brazilian center-back has become a defensive rock in the Premier League. His strong tackling and aerial presence make him a key figure in Mikel Arteta’s system.
41. Omar Marmoush – £63.75M
The Egyptian attacker has enjoyed a breakout season with Frankfurt, showcasing his flair, energy, and eye for goal. Marmoush is one of Africa’s rising stars.
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40. Trent Alexander-Arnold – £63.75M
A creative force from right-back, Trent’s passing range and set-piece expertise make him unique. Despite criticism of his defensive play, his attacking output is unmatched for a defender.
39. Aurélien Tchouaméni – £63.75M
Tchouaméni has solidified his place at Real Madrid as a commanding holding midfielder. His composure and positioning are beyond his years, justifying his hefty market valuation.
38. Enzo Fernández – £63.75M
The Argentine World Cup winner brings vision and energy to Chelsea’s midfield. Enzo is still adapting to the Premier League, but his quality is clear for all to see.
37. Joško Gvardiol – £63.75M
A defensive prodigy, Gvardiol has made waves with his composure, strength, and intelligence. The Croatian has slotted seamlessly into Manchester City’s defense.
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36. Ryan Gravenberch – £63.75M
Still just 23, Gravenberch boasts incredible physical tools and technical skill. His move to Liverpool presents a fresh opportunity to unlock his massive potential.
35. Hugo Ekitiké – £63.75M
Ekitiké is a clinical young forward with a knack for positioning and finishing. He continues to develop into a consistent threat in front of goal, catching the eye of many.
34. Bruno Guimarães – £68M
Guimarães has been pivotal for Newcastle United with his blend of grit and creativity. His leadership and versatility in midfield make him indispensable.
33. Alessandro Bastoni – £68M
Bastoni stands out as a modern center-back—confident on the ball and defensively solid. He’s been a key cog in Inter’s success in Serie A and Europe.
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32. Achraf Hakimi – £68M
The Moroccan fullback is a devastating attacking force from the right side. His pace and stamina have made him a standout player for both club and country.
31. Vitinha – £68M
A classy midfielder for PSG, Vitinha is known for his technical polish and ability to dictate tempo. His development continues to accelerate in Ligue 1.
30. William Saliba – £68M
A defensive titan for Arsenal, Saliba has matured into one of the Premier League’s most reliable center-backs. His calm under pressure belies his young age.
29. Dominik Szoboszlai – £68M
The Hungarian international is a complete midfielder, known for his shooting, work rate, and passing. Now at Liverpool, Szoboszlai is showing his quality on the biggest stage.
28. João Neves – £68M
Benfica’s young gem, Neves is a highly composed and intelligent midfielder. His performances have caught the attention of Europe’s elite clubs.
27. Pau Cubarsí – £68M
At only 18, Cubarsí has already broken into Barcelona’s first team. The teenage center-back is calm, composed, and mature beyond his years.
26. Martin Ødegaard – £72.25M
Arsenal’s captain leads with elegance, vision, and creativity. Ødegaard continues to flourish as one of the most impactful attacking midfielders in the Premier League.
25. Ousmane Dembélé – £76.5M
The French winger is a master dribbler with electric pace and two-footed skill. Injury setbacks have hampered him at times, but Dembélé remains a world-class weapon in PSG’s arsenal.
24. Raphinha – £76.5M
The Brazilian attacker delivers flair, intensity, and versatility on the right wing. At Barcelona, Raphinha has proven to be both a goal threat and an elite provider.
23. Rodrygo – £76.5M
A Champions League regular for Real Madrid, Rodrygo is known for his composure in big games. His technical quality and clutch performances make him a vital figure for club and country.
22. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – £76.5M
Nicknamed “Kvaradona,” the Georgian winger lit up Serie A with his creativity and unpredictability. His dazzling dribbles and goals have transformed Napoli’s attack.
21. Moisés Caicedo – £76.5M
Caicedo’s move to Chelsea came with a heavy price tag, and his ball-winning and athleticism justify it. He’s emerging as one of the Premier League’s top defensive midfielders.
20. Désiré Doué – £76.5M
At just 20 years old, Doué is already shining at Rennes with vision and dynamism. His talent and potential have drawn comparisons to some of France’s biggest midfield stars.
19. Lautaro Martínez – £80.75M
Inter’s captain leads by example with a relentless work rate and sharp finishing. Martínez is entering his prime and remains one of the top strikers in the world.
18. Alexis Mac Allister – £85M
A key piece in Argentina’s World Cup win, Mac Allister brings composure and tactical intelligence to Liverpool. His adaptability across midfield roles makes him invaluable.
17. Julián Álvarez – £85M
Nicknamed “The Spider,” Álvarez is a relentless forward who presses, scores, and creates. He’s proven his worth at Manchester City with goals and work ethic alike.
16. Phil Foden – £85M
Manchester City’s golden boy continues to evolve as one of England’s most technically gifted players. Whether central or wide, Foden brings creativity and goals.
15. Michael Olise – £85M
Crystal Palace’s jewel, Olise combines flair with intelligence. His left foot is a wand, and his ability to unlock defenses has made him one of the Premier League’s breakout stars.
14. Rodri – £93.5M
Rodri is the brain of Manchester City’s midfield — always calm, always in control. His goal in the 2023 Champions League final only underlined his importance.
13. Declan Rice – £102M
Arsenal’s record signing has brought leadership, athleticism, and defensive grit to their midfield. Rice continues to grow into one of the Premier League’s top box-to-box players.
12. Alexander Isak – £102M
The Swedish forward blends size, grace, and technical brilliance. At Newcastle, Isak is rapidly becoming one of the most feared strikers in England.
11. Cole Palmer – £102M
After moving from Manchester City to Chelsea, Palmer exploded in form. With his creativity, goals, and swagger, he’s become a fan favorite and a genuine star.
10. Federico Valverde – £110.5M
The Uruguayan midfielder is a tireless machine who can play anywhere across the pitch. Valverde’s engine, shooting, and tactical intelligence make him irreplaceable at Real Madrid.
9. Jamal Musiala – £119M
A magician with the ball at his feet, Musiala brings joy to Bayern Munich fans with every touch. His agility, close control, and dribbling are elite for a 22-year-old.
8. Florian Wirtz – £119M
One of Germany’s brightest prospects, Wirtz was instrumental in Bayer Leverkusen’s unbeaten season. His vision, technique, and composure are years ahead of his age.
7. Pedri – £119M
Pedri dictates games with calmness and intelligence far beyond his 22 years. The Barcelona midfielder is central to both club and country’s long-term plans.
6. Bukayo Saka – £127.5M
Arsenal’s star boy is now one of the Premier League’s best. His balance of goals, assists, and work rate make him a complete winger — and still only 23.
5. Vinicius Jr – £144.5M
A Champions League winner and global icon, Vinicius is electric on the left flank. His flair, confidence, and clutch performances define Real Madrid’s modern attack.
4. Kylian Mbappé – £153M
Arguably the world’s most recognizable star, Mbappé blends explosive speed with killer instinct. Whether at PSG or beyond, he’s always at the center of football’s biggest conversations.
3. Erling Haaland – £153M
The Norwegian cyborg redefines goal-scoring with his brute force and movement. Haaland’s impact at Manchester City has been instant and record-breaking.
2. Jude Bellingham – £153M
England’s midfield general is redefining what it means to be complete. At Real Madrid, Bellingham scores, defends, leads, and dazzles — all at 21 years old.
1. Lamine Yamal – £170M
At just 17, Yamal is already being hailed as the future of football. With supreme dribbling, confidence, and maturity, Barcelona’s youngest sensation tops the world in value.
