Football as a game has evolved from just performances on the pitch. Every key aspect a player brings to a club adds more and more value and it is being shown in the form of his transfer market value. This value depends on a whole lot of parameters such as Age of the player, contract duration, performance on the pitch, economic impact, inflation, international status and brand value.
Taking all these variables into considerations CIES Football Observatory made a list of the 10 most valuable footballers in the world. Let’s take a look
1. Marcus Rashford (Manchester United) – €165 million
The 23-year-old Englishman is the world’s most valuable footballer. His contributions on and off the pitch have earned him this tag.
He had his best season on the pitch last time with 20+ goals in all competitions. Also his service and his determination to feed the poor and hungry won him an MBE honor.
2. Erling Haaland (Borussia Dortmund) – €152 million
A pure striker is what Haaland reminds you of. Finishing, pace, strength, vision you name it you have it. Sometimes you just have to wonder if the Norwegian is really a human or a goal-scoring machine.
We. Are. Ready. 🇳🇴 pic.twitter.com/EntuSQEFcD
— Erling Haaland (@ErlingHaaland) March 22, 2021
Haaland became the first player to score for two sides in the UCL and after his to Dortmund from Salzburg he has lit up the Bundesliga. Rumors are he’s already preparing for his next move to the biggest clubs in the world
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3. Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool) – €151.6 million
Form is temporary, Class is permanent. These words apply perfectly to the 22-year-old scouser. After missing the start of this season due to covid infection, Trent endured a slow start.
Are you not entertained!? 💪🏽 pic.twitter.com/xpdQjfJeWg
— Trent Alexander-Arnold (@TrentAA) April 10, 2021
But he started picking up his form and showed glimpses of his usual best. However, his defensive side of the game is still questioned. If he could rectify it and improve, no doubt he will go down as one of the best right-backs of all time.
4. Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United) – €151.1 million
If you ever wanna know how much impact a man can have on a team you want to know Bruno Fernandes. The Portuguese playmaker lifted Manchester united from mediocrity to elite level.
Happy with the perseverance shown by the team last night. We keep going! 💪🏻🥋 #mufc pic.twitter.com/uQ1rDIbt1E
— Bruno Fernandes (@B_Fernandes8) April 5, 2021
When he came in with a hefty price tag, there were many expectations and he lived to all of them, if not exceeded. His pass, vision, skill and the ability to never give up makes him the best in his position in the world in transfer value.
5. Kylian Mbappe (Paris St Germain) – €149.4 million
Yes, it’s a bit odd to find him fifth. But it is what it is. Kylian Mbappe’s contract running out 2022 might be a major factor.
❤️💙…. #FCBAYERNPSG pic.twitter.com/oRsshfpPle
— Kylian Mbappé (@KMbappe) April 7, 2021
It’s unreal that Mbappe is only 22 and nearly won everything there’s to be won in football. Touted as heir to the footballing throne, he’s expected to finish a move to Real Madrid to win the elusive Champions League, which will surely make him the most valuable football player in the world.
6. Jadon Sancho (Borussia Dortmund) – €148.3 million
The English man broke all barriers with his bold move to Germany. His confidence to request a transfer away from Manchester City at 17 years of age is immense.
😤🔥 FOR THE FANS! @BVB pic.twitter.com/eH2WqdIaQy
— Jadon Sancho (@Sanchooo10) February 20, 2021
What’s more, he followed it up by setting the German league on fire with his performances. His passing, dribbling, finishing abilities make him one of the best wingers in the world . already proven as a generational talent, a return to the British shores may be in store for him this summer
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7. Joao Felix (Atletico Madrid) – €141.5 million
Past decade has seen Portugal produce loads of world-class talent and Joao Felix is one of them. Though he had a slow start to life at Atletico Madrid after a big-money move from Benfica, he’s slowly living up to his potential. Adjusting to a new country, team and new tactics is not that easy and his struggles in the first season were easy to understand.
🔙🤩
🔴⚪ #AúpaAtleti pic.twitter.com/QTJLIxafWC
— Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) February 16, 2021
Once Diego Simeone had time to work with him, he’s only gotten better. As a second striker and a part playmaker, he’s terrorizing defenses in La Liga this time around. Good to see him rank above Ronaldo on the list of most valuable footballers. We are pretty sure Portugal and Atletico are in great hands.
8. Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich) – €139.2 million
Davies probabaly had the best breakthrough season anybody could ever dream of. An academy full-back at the start of last season, he had to wait for his chance. Once it presented itself, the Canadian took them with both hands.
Ready to go again tonight…game day let’s goo 💪🏾 #AD19⚡️ pic.twitter.com/d8JnSAPbFu
— Alphonso Davies (@AlphonsoDavies) March 29, 2021
In a Bayern Munich team flickering with stars, he simply stood out. His willingness to go up the pitch every time and the equal hunger to run back and defend made him the best left-back in the world for last season. A fringe player to a sextuple winner, some story that.
9)Raheem Sterling (Manchester City) – €136.9 million
The English winger was a rough stone at Liverpool. When he decided to move to the blue side of Manchester he was vilified by the scouse.
Semis booked 🧘🏿♂️ pic.twitter.com/2Sb2gENZ50
— Raheem Sterling (@sterling7) March 20, 2021
But the pacy winger justified his move. Pep Guardiola’s tutelage truly made him into a diamond. Though pace was his natural gift, with vigorous training under the watchful eyes of pep, he has become a world-class finisher and passer. With domestic titles already under his belt, he’s hungry for continental ones now.
What is crazy to see is 4 Englishman in the list of the most valuable footballers. England fans must be losing their minds right now.
10)Kai Havertz (Chelsea) – €136 million
A young German playmaker and a big-money signing Kai Havertz had a slow start to life in England. His technical ability and versatility made him a superstar at Bundesliga . coming into a new league he wasn’t able to replicate the same.
Step 1 pic.twitter.com/kijbcfYRMf
— Kai Havertz (@kaihavertz29) April 8, 2021
Also having a rookie coach in frank Lampard didn’t help his cause. However, with the change in the coaching staff, Thomas Tuchel a fellow German arrived at Stamford bridge. He was tasked with bringing the best out of German pair Havertz and Timo Werner. Havertz has truly found his game under Tuchel and is playing with more freedom now showing us his world-class potential and why he is most valuble german footballer on the list.
Well, a list ok most valuable footballers without Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Welcome to football in 2021.
What was also shocking to see is the Neymar was not a part of this list, and arguably it was transfer that changed the transfer market forever.
