Spain and Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal has been named the most valuable footballer in the world ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to the latest figures released by the CIES Football Observatory.
The 18-year-old winger sits comfortably at the top of the rankings with an estimated market value of €358 million, underlining his rapid rise as one of football’s brightest stars. His exceptional performances for both club and country have seen him emerge as one of the leading faces of the next generation.
In second place is Erling Haaland, whose valuation stands at €227 million. The Manchester City striker remains one of the most feared goalscorers in world football and continues to command enormous interest across the game.
Completing the top three is Kylian Mbappé, valued at €166 million. The Real Madrid forward remains among the sport’s biggest stars despite being surpassed by younger talents in the latest rankings.
The list also highlights the emergence of several exciting young players across Europe. Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise occupies fourth place with a valuation of €140.5 million, while Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers ranks fifth at €136.8 million.
Paris Saint-Germain youngster Désiré Doué follows closely behind with a market value of €133.2 million. Juventus forward Kenan Yıldız is next on the list at €133 million after a series of impressive displays in Italy.
Manchester City’s highly rated prospect Nico O’Reilly comes in eighth with a valuation of €125 million, narrowly ahead of Real Madrid playmaker Arda Güler, whose value is estimated at €124.8 million.
Rounding out the top ten is Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsí with a valuation of €124.6 million, highlighting the growing demand for elite young defenders in modern football.
Top 10 Most Valuable Footballers in the World
- Lamine Yamal – €358m
- Erling Haaland – €227m
- Kylian Mbappé – €166m
- Michael Olise – €140.5m
- Morgan Rogers – €136.8m
- Désiré Doué – €133.2m
- Kenan Yıldız – €133.0m
- Nico O’Reilly – €125.0m
- Arda Güler – €124.8m
- Pau Cubarsí – €124.6m
With the World Cup just around the corner, the rankings reflect the increasing influence of young talent on the global stage, with Yamal leading a new generation expected to shape international football for years to come.
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