The Most Valuable Footballer from Every Year – Ranked

July 9, 2025 Rasmus Kristensen

Every football generation has its crown jewels — players whose brilliance, market demand, and promise skyrocket their value. Whether it’s the raw potential of teenagers or the enduring class of veterans, each birth year carries a standout who defines that age group’s worth on the global stage.

From Cristiano Ronaldo’s lasting legacy to Lamine Yamal’s explosive rise, here’s a look at the most valuable footballer from every year of birth between 1985 and 2008, with their market values converted into Pound Sterling for a clearer perspective.

1985 – Cristiano Ronaldo (£10M)

Cristiano Ronaldo remains the standout from his generation. Even at 39, the Portuguese icon commands an estimated market value of £10 million, reflecting his global appeal and enduring professionalism despite playing outside Europe’s top leagues.

1986 – Manuel Neuer (£3.5M)

Germany’s legendary goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, born in 1986, is valued around £3.5 million. Though past his peak at Bayern Munich, he still carries immense experience and leadership that few keepers can match.

1987 – Lionel Messi (£15M)

For 1987, no one surpasses Lionel Messi. Now with Inter Miami, the Argentine maestro is worth about £15 million, showing that even at 37, his influence on and off the field continues to elevate clubs and leagues.

1988 – Robert Lewandowski (£10M)

Lewandowski tops the 1988 group with a value close to £10 million. The Polish striker still scores regularly for Barcelona, blending world-class finishing with relentless professionalism.

1989 – Thomas Müller (£5M)

Bayern Munich’s Thomas Müller remains the most valuable from his year, estimated at £5 million. Known for his intelligent movement and work ethic, he continues to contribute significantly in Munich.

1990 – İlkay Gündoğan (£4M)

Manchester City captain İlkay Gündoğan is the standout of 1990, valued at about £4 million. His tactical understanding and calm midfield presence have made him indispensable over the years.

1991 – Virgil van Dijk (£20M)

Liverpool’s defensive leader Virgil van Dijk dominates the 1991 class with an estimated value of £20 million. Even in his 30s, he’s one of the best center-backs in the game.

1992 – Mohamed Salah (£43M)

Mohamed Salah, Liverpool’s Egyptian superstar, is the most valuable player born in 1992, at roughly £43 million. His consistent goals and assists keep him among the elite wingers worldwide.

1993 – Harry Kane (£64M)

Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane tops the 1993 list with an impressive market value of £64 million. The English striker continues to prove himself as one of the best goal scorers on the planet.

1994 – Bruno Fernandes (£43M)

Manchester United’s creative heartbeat Bruno Fernandes stands out among players born in 1994, valued at £43 million. His vision and productivity make him crucial to United’s ambitions.

1995 – Joshua Kimmich (£38M)

Bayern Munich’s versatile Joshua Kimmich leads the 1995 class with an approximate value of £38 million. Whether in midfield or defense, he’s a tactical gem and a coach’s dream.

1996 – Rodri (£94M)

Manchester City’s Rodri dominates 1996 with a staggering market value of £94 million. His composure and ball distribution in midfield have been key to City’s domestic and European successes.

1997 – Lautaro Martínez (£81M)

Photo: Vitalii Vitleo / Shutterstock.com

Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martínez is the most valuable from 1997 at about £81 million. The Argentine striker mixes aggression with finesse, thriving in Serie A and Europe.

1998 – Kylian Mbappé (£153M)

Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappé is the 1998 leader, with a jaw-dropping value of £153 million. He’s arguably the face of football’s next decade, combining blistering pace with clinical finishing.

1999 – Declan Rice (£102M)

Arsenal’s midfield powerhouse Declan Rice tops the 1999 cohort at £102 million. His defensive grit and ability to carry the ball make him one of England’s brightest stars.

2000 – Erling Haaland (£153M)

Manchester City’s Erling Haaland stands alongside Mbappé, leading the 2000 group with a whopping value of £153 million. His goal-scoring numbers are simply historic.

2001 – Bukayo Saka (£128M)

Bukayo Saka flies the flag for 2001 with a market value of roughly £128 million. Arsenal’s homegrown talent dazzles with his creativity, speed, and football intelligence.

2002 – Pedri (£119M)

Barcelona’s Pedri is the standout of 2002, worth about £119 million. The young Spaniard already dictates games with composure rare for his age.

2003 – Jude Bellingham (£153M)

Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham leads the 2003 pack, also valued at £153 million. At just 21, he’s dominating La Liga and Champions League stages with maturity beyond his years.

2004 – Warren Zaïre-Emery (£68M)

PSG’s Warren Zaïre-Emery is the top player from 2004, estimated at £68 million. His dynamic midfield displays hint at a stellar future in European football.

2005 – Désiré Doué (£77M)

Desire Doue — Victor Velter / Shutterstock.com

Another PSG prodigy, Désiré Doué, leads the 2005 group at roughly £77 million. His technical skills and fearless style make him one to watch.

2006 – Ethan Nwaneri (£47M)

Also tied to PSG’s youth ranks, Ethan Nwaneri shines for the 2006 class with a value near £47 million, showcasing incredible promise for such a young talent.

2007 – Lamine Yamal (£170M)

Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal headlines the 2007 year with an astonishing value of £170 million. At just 17, he’s already a difference-maker in La Liga.

2008 – Francesco Camarda (£8.5M)

Finally, AC Milan’s Francesco Camarda is the most valuable from 2008 at about £8.5 million. Still just 16, his early impact points to a future star in the making.