Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal has been named the most valuable footballer in the world, topping the latest global player valuation list at £169 million. The 17-year-old’s stock soared after a sensational season for the Spanish giants, and he recently signed a new contract reportedly worth £33.5 million annually.
Yamal leads a list dominated by Spanish clubs, particularly Real Madrid, who have four players among the top 10. Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, and Vinicius Jr all feature prominently, with valuations of £152 million, £152 million, and £143 million respectively. Federico Valverde is also included with a valuation of £110 million.
Premier League representation on the list is limited, with only two players making the cut. Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka is ranked sixth at £126 million, while Manchester City’s Erling Haaland shares second place with Mbappe and Bellingham, each valued at £152 million. Haaland’s valuation has dipped slightly since last season.
Meanwhile, three midfielders — Jamal Musiala of Bayern Munich, Florian Wirtz of Bayer Leverkusen, and Pedri of Barcelona — are tied at £118 million. Pedri’s rise is attributed to his standout performances during Barcelona’s league-winning campaign and their Champions League semi-final run. Wirtz, a reported target for Liverpool, has seen his value surge, though Bayer Leverkusen are holding firm on a price closer to £126 million.
The release of these valuations comes just as the FIFA Club World Cup kicks off with a two-phase transfer window. The first phase closed on June 10, while the second runs from June 16 through September 1, giving clubs an extended period to assess the market and finalise deals.
Not far behind the top 10 are emerging stars like Cole Palmer, Declan Rice, and Alexander Isak, all valued at £102 million. Michael Olise has also climbed into the global top 20, now worth £85 million.
The valuations offer a glimpse into the shifting power dynamics of world football and set the stage for a high-stakes summer transfer window.
