Among the major criteria often looked at when judging the importance of a player is his market value. The most valuable football players on the planet can be found in the top European leagues like the English Premier League, La Liga, Ligue 1, Serie A, and the Bundesliga.
A player’s market value is determined by various factors like age, potential, skills/talent, experience, achievements, contract duration, position, brand (commercial value), league, and even nationality.
In some cases, Super football agents also play indirect roles in influencing the market value of their clients.
In recent years, the transfer fees paid by football clubs for their players have sky-rocketed. In 1975, Guiseppe Savoldi was signed by Napoli for a then-world record fee of £1.2m — making him the first-ever million-pound player in football history.
In 2017, PSG signed Brazilian forward Neymar from Barcelona for a world-record €222m (£199m), showing how rapidly the market value of football players has risen.
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo used to be the most valued footballers on the planet, but their value has drastically dropped due to age.
It’s not straightforward to ascertain the exact market value of a player as clubs sometimes sell players well or below their release clauses (if there are any).
One of the most reliable sources used to measure the current market value of football is the International Centre for Sports Studies (CIES), which uses a good algorithm to measure the value of players.
But for this article, TOP SOCCER BLOG will use players’ values from the German-based website Transfermarkt.
Estimated player values on Transfermarkt are usually updated every few months; considering how the association football market works, these estimates might be slightly lower or higher than a player’s current form, and, therefore, the current value might be suggested.
1. Kylian Mbappé (PSG)Â
Age: 24
Market value: €180m
Unsurprisingly, Kylian Mbappe is the most valuable football player in the world in 2023.
The French forward has been in phenomenal form yet again this season, as he scored 39 goals and made 26 assists in 46 appearances in all competitions.
The 24-year-old has always been a subject of a huge transfer battle between PSG and Real Madrid as his contract is about to end.
But the Parisian club eventually triumphed by offering Mbappe astronomical fees and huge control in the club.
However, his heroics at the 2022 FIFA World Cup gained him a stronger following and cemented his status as a genuine generational talent.
2. Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
Age: 23
Market value: €180m
Haaland is one of the hottest properties in football, as almost every top club in Europe wanted him. English Premier League champions Manchester City eventually won the race for the Norwegian’s signature.
It’s not surprising that Haaland commands a hefty market value as the striker scored 49 goals and made 8 assists in all competitions last season as Man City won the treble.
3. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
Age: 20
Market value: €150m
Jude Bellingham has eventually come of age this season. The English midfielder has been in mesmerising form throughout this season as he made 13 appearances, scored 13 goals, and made 3 appearances in all competitions.
Bellingham is undoubtedly one of the best midfielders in the world, and it is unlikely that he will move to England to play. But any club that is willing to prize him away for Madrid must be willing to pay a premium free.
That’s why he is one of the football players with the highest market value.
4. Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid)
Age: 23
Market value: €150m
Vinicius Junior is one of the best wingers in the world and deadliest dribblers in football; no wonder he commands such a high market value.
The Brazilian attacker was in mesmerising form throughout last season as he made 51 appearances, scored 21 goals, and made 20 appearances in all competitions.
His heroics last season led Real Madrid to the La Liga and Supercopa titles. The UEFA Champions League awaits as Vinicius and Real face Liverpool.
5. Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
Age: 22
Market value: €120m
Talk about one of the hottest properties in football at the moment, one of the key players for both national team and club, and one of the most talented right wingers in football, then you’ve got Bukayo Saka.
The Arsenal was crucial as the Gunners mounted an impressive title challenge last season. His age, talent, and overall contribution to his team make him one of the most sought-after players in the world.
6. Victor Osimhen (Napoli)
Age: 24
Market value: €120m
Victor Osimhen is a proven and consistent goal scorer, who won the Young Player of the Season and Golden Boot awards at Napoli, helping the team win their first title in decades.
He scored 26 goals in 37 games, becoming the highest-scoring African in the Serie A and breaking Samuel Eto’o’s record for the most goals by an African player in a single Italian championship season.
He finished last season as the top scorer with 26 goals, becoming the first African to achieve this feat.
It is no surprise that the towering Nigerian striker is one of the players with the highest market value, considering the price that Al Hilal was offering to sign him.
7. Phil Foden (Manchester City)
Age: 23
Market value: €110m
Foden is Manchester City’s future jewel. Despite his age, he already has 5 Premier League titles, among other trophies.
The midfielder continues to improve rapidly and plays in a way that belies his age. Due to his age and potential, he is among the top 10 most valuable players in the world.
Foden scored 14 goals and provided 11 assists in 45 appearances in all competitions in 2021/22. And with Kevin de Bruyne injured, he will step up to assume a more significant role at City.
8. Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
Age: 28
Market value: €100m
Manchester City’s €100m bid for Harry Kane was rejected by Tottenham last summer. And this summer, Bayern Munich spent a whopping €90 million to procure the services of Harry Kane.
The English captain is the oldest person on the list of football players with the highest market value, aged 30.
The former Tottenham player is known for making intelligent movements and has remarkable composure in front of goal. He is extremely fast, skillful, and can create chances, which makes him a world-class centre-forward.
9. Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich)
Age: 20
Market value: €110m
Jamal Musiala was so impressive as a young player that he was poached by Bayern Munich from Chelsea’s academy and offered first-team opportunities, which he took and excelled at.
At the 2022 World Cup, despite Germany’s early exit, the 19-year-old proved himself to be one of the brightest young talents in the world, with exceptional technical skills, acceleration, awareness, and scoring ability.Â
This season, Musiala has shone brightly for Bayern, making him among the hottest stars in football right now.
10. Pedri (FC Barcelona)
Age: 20
Market value: €100m
Despite being only 20, Pedri is an integral part of both the Spanish national team and Barcelona.
The Spaniard possesses a natural talent and ability to read the game, a strong work ethic, passing skills, and the ability to adapt to different playing styles and formations.
He was handed a juicy contract by Barcelona, and a hefty release clause was slapped on it, emphasizing why he is one of the footballers with the highest market value in 2023.
