The 30 most valuable footballers in the world right now – Ranked
Football’s transfer market has reached dizzying new heights, with nine-figure fees becoming more common than ever. From record-breaking youngsters to seasoned stars at their peak, here’s a countdown of the 30 most valuable players in the world today, according to Transfermarkt — starting with number 30 and building up to the world's most expensive talent.
30. Vitinha – £70m (€80m)
Paris Saint-Germain’s midfield maestro Vitinha has quietly become one of Ligue 1’s most reliable performers. His vision, work rate, and consistency have seen his value climb to a hefty £70 million.
29. William Saliba – £70m (€80m)
Arsenal’s defensive anchor William Saliba has proven to be one of the Premier League’s top centre-backs. At just 24, his composure and physicality make him one of the most valuable defenders in Europe.
28. Bruno Guimarães – £70m (€80m)
Newcastle’s midfield engine Bruno Guimarães brings steel and flair to the Magpies. His box-to-box playstyle and leadership have made him central to the club’s ambitions.
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27. Joao Neves – £70m (€80m)
Still developing, PSG’s Joao Neves is being tipped as one of the next great midfielders. With smart positioning and a calm presence on the ball, the young Portuguese has seen his stock rise quickly.
26. Pau Cubarsí – £70m (€80m)
Barcelona’s teenage sensation Pau Cubarsí has been a breakout star. His maturity and reading of the game belie his years, making him a key part of the club’s future defensive plans.
25. Martin Ødegaard – £74m (€85m)
Arsenal’s captain Ødegaard has matured into a complete attacking midfielder. With a sharp eye for a pass and relentless creativity, he’s central to Mikel Arteta’s title-chasing squad.
24. Lautaro Martínez – £74m (€85m)
Inter’s star striker continues to impress with consistent goal-scoring form. Known for his clinical finishing and clever movement, Lautaro remains one of Serie A’s top assets.
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23. Ousmane Dembélé – £76m (€90m)
Now at PSG, Dembélé's flair and unpredictability remain unmatched on his day. Injuries have hampered his rise, but his potential keeps his value high.
22. Raphinha – £76m (€90m)
Barcelona’s Raphinha continues to offer pace, trickery, and goals from the flanks. While not always consistent, his explosiveness adds an edge to the Catalan attack.
21. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – £76m (€90m)
The Georgian winger has been a revelation, dazzling defences with his direct running. His impact at Napoli and now PSG has been massive, driving his value upwards.
20. Moisés Caicedo – £76m (€90m)
After his record move to Chelsea, Caicedo is expected to anchor the Blues’ midfield for years. His energy and defensive instincts are elite, though he's still settling into life at Stamford Bridge.
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19. Désiré Doué – £76m (€90m)
The French youngster is one of Ligue 1’s brightest prospects. PSG see big potential in Doué’s all-round midfield play and have invested heavily in his future.
18. Phil Foden – £84m (€100m)
Manchester City’s homegrown star has become a key figure under Pep Guardiola. Whether scoring or assisting, Foden’s technical brilliance makes him invaluable.
17. Alexis Mac Allister – £84m (€100m)
Now thriving at Liverpool, Mac Allister brings balance and calm to the midfield. His performances post-World Cup have shown he’s a top-tier Premier League talent.
16. Michael Olise – £84m (€100m)
After joining Bayern Munich, Olise’s stock has soared. With flair, a deadly left foot, and creativity in abundance, he’s quickly justifying his valuation.
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15. Julián Álvarez – £84m (€100m)
Álvarez made the bold move from Manchester City to Atletico Madrid and has flourished. The Argentine striker is proving he can lead the line at a top European club.
14. Rodri – £96m (€110m)
Rodri remains the heartbeat of Manchester City’s midfield. A world-class distributor and shield in front of the defence, he’s essential to their style of play.
13. Alexander Isak – £104m (€120m)
After a dramatic exit from Newcastle, Isak is now leading the line at Liverpool. Despite the hefty fee, his talent and goalscoring record suggest he's worth every penny.
12. Declan Rice – £104m (€120m)
Rice has added attacking threat to his already world-class defensive game at Arsenal. His presence in midfield is pivotal for both club and country.
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11. Cole Palmer – £104m (€120m)
Palmer has been a revelation at Chelsea since leaving City. Even while recovering from injury, his past performances and clutch moments have solidified his elite status.
10. Federico Valverde – £110m (€130m)
Valverde is the unsung hero of Real Madrid’s midfield. His versatility, drive, and discipline make him a vital cog in the club’s ongoing success.
9. Jamal Musiala – £118m (€140m)
Musiala's rise at Bayern Munich has been phenomenal. A silky dribbler and creative force, the former Chelsea youth star is now one of Germany’s brightest talents.
8. Florian Wirtz – £118m (€140m)
Wirtz’s intelligence and composure on the ball have made him one of Europe’s most exciting playmakers. He’s settling in at Liverpool with high expectations.
7. Pedri – £118m (€140m)
Barcelona’s midfield magician doesn’t always light up the stats sheet but controls matches with elegance and maturity. A cornerstone for both club and country.
6. Vinícius Júnior – £126m (€150m)
Vinícius has become Real Madrid’s main wide threat, combining blistering pace with creative flair. Although his value has dipped slightly, he remains one of the game’s best.
5. Bukayo Saka – £126m (€150m)
Arsenal’s star boy continues to shine for club and country. His influence is massive, and his absence through injury often exposes just how vital he is to the Gunners.
4. Kylian Mbappé – £152m (€180m)
Finally a Real Madrid player, Mbappé is already delivering goals in Spain. Despite being a free transfer, his sky-high value reflects his unmatched talent and global appeal.
3. Jude Bellingham – £152m (€180m)
Bellingham is already living up to Zidane’s legendary No.5 shirt at Real Madrid. His goals, leadership, and maturity at just 22 are nothing short of astonishing.
2. Erling Haaland – £152m (€180m)
Though no longer number one, Haaland is still an unstoppable force at Manchester City. His incredible scoring rate and physical dominance make him priceless.
1. Lamine Yamal – £170m (€200m)
At just 18, Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal has taken the football world by storm. With over 100 club appearances and a key role for Spain, he is now the most valuable player on the planet.
