Football’s Biggest Market Value Collapses in a Single Campaign – Ranked
In the high-stakes world of elite football, market value reflects performance, potential, and prestige. But not every player lives up to expectations each season. Here, we look at the 10 most significant drops in market value during a single campaign, based on data from Transfermarkt. From untimely injuries to drastic form slumps, these cases show how quickly fortunes can change.
10. Lucas Paquetá (2024/25) – €28M Drop
Lucas Paquetá’s 2024/25 season ended in disappointment, with his market value dropping from €65 million to €28 million. A mixture of poor form and off-field controversy contributed to the sharp decline for the West Ham midfielder.
9. Lionel Messi (2019/20) – €38M Drop
Despite still performing at a high level, Messi’s market value saw a rare drop during the 2019/20 season, falling from €150 million to €112 million. The decline reflected his advancing age and the instability at Barcelona at the time.
8. Raheem Sterling (2020/21) – €38M Drop
Sterling’s dip in form at Manchester City during the 2020/21 campaign saw his valuation drop from €128 million to €90 million. Though still an important figure, questions about consistency began to emerge.
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7. Leroy Sané (2024/25) – €38M Drop
Bayern Munich's winger endured a frustrating 2024/25 season marred by injuries and limited impact, resulting in a drop from €70 million to €32 million. Sané struggled to deliver the explosiveness that once defined his game.
6. Eden Hazard (2020/21) – €40M Drop
Following a nightmare debut season at Real Madrid, Hazard’s market value continued to plummet into 2020/21—from €80 million to just €40 million. The Belgian never fully recovered from his injuries or regained his Chelsea-era form.
5. Ousmane Dembélé (2019/20) – €44M Drop
Barcelona’s Dembélé was once seen as a generational talent, but injuries ravaged his 2019/20 season. His value fell drastically from €100 million to €56 million, raising doubts about his long-term future at the club.
4. Sadio Mané (2022/23) – €45M Drop
Mané’s post-Liverpool adventure at Bayern Munich didn't go as planned, with his value falling from €70 million to €25 million. A mix of injuries and poor adaptation to the Bundesliga derailed what was expected to be a successful transition.
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3. Phil Foden (2024/25) – €50M Drop
Despite his immense talent, Phil Foden saw his market value dip from €150 million to €100 million during the 2024/25 season. The decline followed a somewhat inconsistent campaign and stiff competition for places at Manchester City.
2. Neymar (2019/20) – €52M Drop
The Brazilian superstar experienced a major drop from €180 million to €128 million in the 2019/20 season. Injuries, controversy, and a lack of Champions League success with PSG contributed to the sharp fall.
1. Eden Hazard (2019/20) – €70M Drop
Topping the list is Hazard’s catastrophic first season at Real Madrid, where his value nosedived from €150 million to €80 million. Limited appearances, weight issues, and repeated injuries made it one of the most dramatic declines in recent memory.
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