Which football leagues truly boast the highest-quality squads? While total club valuations tell part of the story, average player value offers a clearer lens into the day-to-day strength of each league. Based on the latest Transfermarkt data (converted to pounds), here’s a countdown of the 20 most valuable leagues in global football – from Argentina to England – ranked by the average market value per player.
20. Primera División (Argentina) – £950,000
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Despite Argentina’s rich footballing history, the average market value per player in the domestic league is modest. Many of the country’s top talents are exported early, reducing overall squad value.
19. Danish Superliga – £970,000
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Denmark’s top tier remains a solid development league with an eye for young prospects. Clubs like FC Copenhagen and FC Midtjylland help lift the standard, but overall values stay low.
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Germany’s second division still boasts solid infrastructure and competitive teams. However, limited transfer budgets keep average player values relatively restrained.
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Greek football has declined in financial power since its early 2000s peak. The average player value reflects a league in transition with fewer international stars.
16. Swiss Super League – £1,110,000
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Switzerland remains a consistent, if small, contributor to European football. While youth development is strong, squad valuations are modest compared to larger nations.
15. Major League Soccer (USA/Canada) – £1,330,000
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MLS continues to grow, but average player values remain lower than Europe’s top leagues. Star signings boost attention, but squad depth still reflects developing market conditions.
14. Liga MX (Mexico) – £1,630,000
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Mexico’s top division has passionate fanbases and solid local investment. Still, international visibility and lower European exports limit the league’s average valuations.
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Long known for high-profile veterans and dramatic matches, the Süper Lig has seen fluctuating financial health. Player values remain respectable but not elite.
12. Saudi Pro League – £1,810,000
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After a major influx of international stars, Saudi Arabia’s league has climbed the rankings. Yet the rest of the squads remain relatively underdeveloped in market value.
11. Belgian Pro League – £1,970,000
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Belgium punches above its weight with young talent and a great scouting system. While clubs sell for profit, player values across the league stay competitive.
10. Russian Premier Liga – £1,980,000
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Russia’s top league still hosts quality players, but international sanctions and limited exposure have stunted its financial growth. Market values reflect this decline.
The second tier in England has greater average player value than many first divisions elsewhere. Heavy investment from ambitious clubs keeps prices high.
8. Brasileirão (Brazil) – £2,330,000
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Brazil continues to be a goldmine for young talent. Clubs sell early and often, which depresses averages, but the league remains globally admired for its technical skill.
7. Dutch Eredivisie – £2,330,000
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The Netherlands’ top flight is world-renowned for youth academies. Ajax and PSV help raise the bar, even though players often leave for bigger leagues at a young age.
6. Liga Portugal – £3,070,000
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Portugal remains a springboard to the top five leagues, especially for South American talent. Porto, Benfica, and Sporting drive the league’s average value upward.
France’s top division benefits greatly from stars like Kylian Mbappé. Though the rest of the league lags behind PSG, the overall value remains in the upper tier of Europe.
4. Serie A (Italy) – £7,760,000
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Serie A is in a renaissance, blending experienced internationals with exciting young players. Improved financial stability has raised squad values league-wide.
3. Bundesliga (Germany) – £7,900,000
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With a strong balance between youth development and big clubs like Bayern and Dortmund, the Bundesliga maintains a high average market value. Its efficiency and consistency shine through.
2. LaLiga (Spain) – £9,520,000
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Home to global giants Real Madrid and Barcelona, LaLiga boasts some of the most expensive squads in the world. A mix of academy stars and elite signings keeps its numbers high.
By a wide margin, the English Premier League leads the world in average player value. Massive TV deals, global fanbases, and relentless spending power make it the financial epicenter of football.
