Ten Most Valuable Footballers in 2025

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are missing from the list of the top ten valuable footballers in 2025. 

The market value of football players has never been higher than it is currently, thanks to the substantial amount of money involved in the sport. 

From Kylian Mbappé to Jude Bellingham, these are some of the best players currently on high wages, thereby increasing their market value. 

Of course, these players deserve these wages as they are the crème de la crème of footballers in the world right now. 

However, this is not the only reason for their high market value. A player’s market value is determined by the length and value of his current contract, age, performances for both club and country and status. 

Having established how a player’s transfer market value is calculated, we take a look at the ten most valuable players in the world right now. 

10. Federico Valverde (€130.00m) 

Valverde may not be the biggest profile at Real Madrid, but he is just as valuable as the biggest player on the team. 

The Uruguayan is one of the longest-serving players in Los Blancos’ current squad after making his first-team debut in 2018. 

Since he was promoted from Castilla to the first team, Valverde’s quality has always shown on the pitch. 

He might not be the most skilful player in the squad, but he’s a coach's delight, thanks to his hard work and versatility. 

A two-time Champions League winner, Valverde’s current contract at Real Madrid runs until 2029. 

9. Jamal Musiala (€140.00m) 

At No. 9 is Bayern Munich’s wonder boy, Jamal Musiala, valued at €140.00m, as per TransferMarkt. 

Still only 22, Musiala is one of the brightest youngsters in the world right now. An important player for both Bayern and Germany, Musiala has five Bundesliga titles to his name and also a Champions League title. 

He is seen as the future of German football, with his current contract at Bayern Munich not expiring until 2030. 

8. Florian Writz (€140.00m)

In eighth place is Liverpool’s latest signing, who has the same value as Musiala. Writz is also another German youngster, and he is seen in the same bracket as his fellow countryman at Bayern. 

He recently joined Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen for a British transfer record fee of €125.00m. 

During his time at Leverkusen, Writz was a key figure, playing a pivotal role on the team that ended Bayern’s dominance and won Die Werkself’s first Bundesliga title. 

7. Pedri (€140.00m)

Pedri, seen as the new Xavi, is seventh on the list. The 22-year-old has been a key figure for both Barcelona and Spain since he broke out in 2020. 

Pedri is known for his ability to dictate play from the middle of the park. He is one of Barca’s most valuable assets, which explains the €1b release clause in his contract. 

A Euro winner and two-time LaLiga champion, Pedri’s contract at Barcelona expires in 2030. 

6. Bukayo Saka (€150.00m) 

Arsenal’s star boy, Bukayo Saka, sits at No. 6 with a market value of €150.00m. While he may not have won as many titles as the other players on this list, Saka is an important player for both Arsenal and England. 

Still 23, Saka has been a key figure at Arsenal since he broke out in 2019. He was part of the Arsenal team that finished second behind Liverpool and Manchester City in the last two seasons. 

At the international level, Saka has represented England at two major tournaments- Euro 2020 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup. 

5. Vinicius Jr. (€170.00m)

In fifth place is Vinicius Jr, who is valued at €170.00m. While this is a high figure, it is still not the highest in the Real Madrid squad, which is surprising, considering he finished second in the Ballon d’Or rankings last year. 

Nonetheless, Vinicius remains a key figure in Real Madrid’s squad. In fact, one could argue that he has been Madrid’s best player in the last two years.

With his contract running out in 2027, Madrid will be eager to tie down a player who has two Champions League trophies and three LaLiga titles since joining the club. 

4. Kylian Mbappe (€180.00m) 

Just ahead of Vinicius is his teammate, Kylian Mbappe, who is valued at €180.00m. Mbappe joined Madrid on a free transfer from PSG last summer, going on to break the record for most goals scored by a Real Madrid player in their debut season with 39 goals in all competitions. 

Although his goals did not help Madrid win anything last season, it was still a campaign to remember for the former Monaco star. 

Before arriving in Madrid, Mbappe was arguably the biggest player in the world behind Messi and Ronaldo. 

His move to Spain only raised his profile further. At the international level, Mbappe is already a bona fide star, with two World Cup final appearances. 

He made history at the 2018 World Cup as he joined Pelé as one of the teenagers to score in a World Cup Final. 

Four years later, Mbappe became the first player since Geoff Hurst in 1966 to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final, although France lost to Argentina on penalties. 

3. Erling Haaland (€180.00m)

Erling Haaland sits in third place with the same valuation as Mbappe. The Man City star is the best striker in the world, and that is not likely to change anytime soon. 

Haaland’s record speaks for itself. Since arriving in England, he has won the Premier League twice, the League and also the Golden Boot. 

2. Jude Bellingham (€180.00m) 

At No.2 is Jude Bellingham, who is also valued at €180.00m. Bellingham’s rise has been amazing to watch since bursting on the scene at Birmingham. 

The England international currently plays for Real Madrid following his move from Borussia Dortmund in 2023. In his debut season at Real Madrid, he won the Champions League and League titles. 

Although he could not replicate the feat last season, Bellingham remains one of the best players in the world. 

At the international level, he is a key figure for England, featuring at Euro 2020 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup for the Three Lions. 

1. Lamine Yamal (€200.00m)

The most valuable player in the world at this moment is none other than Lamine Yamal. Yamal has been a sensation since he made his debut for Barcelona in 2023. 

However, it was his performances over the last 12 months that made him a superstar. Still only 18, Yamal is already one of the top three players in the world. 

His heroics in last season’s Champions League will also not be forgotten. With the youngster taking over the iconic No. 10 jersey at Barcelona and signing a new contract worth €335,000 per week, Yamal’s stock will only continue to rise for the next decade.