Most valuable XI in the world: Musiala joins Bellingham & Foden - Pedri & Valverde miss out
Following the market value updates in the major leagues ahead of the 2022 World Cup, the world’s most valuable XI also has a new look. Compared to September, the total value has increased from €1.06 billion to around €1.1b, mainly due to further market value upgrades for the best young talents in the world of football. In June, the overall figure was as high as €1.03b. As a result of the most recent changes, there have also been shifts in the top 100 of the most valuable players on the planet.
Messi, Haaland & Co. - The 100 most valuable footballers in the world (2022)
For the first time, Bayern Munich midfielder Jamal Musiala, who improved his market value by €20m to €100m compared to the last revaluation, is part of the XI and one of eight players to crack the €100m mark. With the exception of the defenders and goalkeeper, every player in the world’s most valuable XI is worth at least €100m after the updates. Barcelona midfielder Pedri and Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde, also ranked at the same market value level, even miss out on the XI in favour of their younger competitors.
There was a change at the top of the market value ranking as well. For the first time in the history of Transfermarkt market values, which have been determined since 2004, the Premier League has the most valuable footballer in the world in its ranks: Erling Haaland has replaced Kylian Mbappé. The Man City striker has seen his market value rise from €150m to €170m after a rousing start. Since 2004, that title had been held by Ronaldinho (Barcelona), Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid), Neymar (PSG) and Mbappé (PSG). Now, Haaland joined the group.
Most valuable XI in the world: no outfield player older than 25
The upgrades for Musiala, Jude Bellingham, Pedri and Phil Foden manifest the general trend that the most talented young players also hold the highest market values. In the world’s most valuable XI, no outfield player is older than 25, which also applies to Man City defender Rúben Dias, who is the most valuable centre-back in the world. The exception in terms of age is 30-year-old Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, with a market value of €60m. In defence, Reece James, who has been upgraded by €10m, replaces Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold, who holds the same market value but is two years older.
How Transfermarkt market values work
The Transfermarkt market values are calculated, taking into account various pricing models. A major factor is the Transfermarkt community, whose members discuss and evaluate player market values in detail. In general, the Transfermarkt market values are not to be equated with transfer fees.
The goal is not to predict a price but an expected value of a player in a free market. Both individual transfer modalities and situational conditions are relevant in determining market values. Examples of this are listed below. Transfermarkt does not use an algorithm (you can find the detailed market value definition here).
- Date of birth/Age:
- Feb 26, 2003 (21)
-
Nat.:
- Current club:
- Bayern Munich
- Contract until:
- Jun 30, 2026
- Position:
- Attacking Midfield
- Market Value:
- €110.00m
- Date of birth/Age:
- May 28, 2000 (23)
-
Nat.:
- Current club:
- Manchester City
- Contract until:
- Jun 30, 2027
- Position:
- Right Winger
- Market Value:
- €130.00m
- Date of birth/Age:
- Jun 29, 2003 (20)
-
Nat.:
- Current club:
- Real Madrid
- Contract until:
- Jun 30, 2029
- Position:
- Attacking Midfield
- Market Value:
- €180.00m
- Date of birth/Age:
- Jul 21, 2000 (23)
-
Nat.:
- Current club:
- Manchester City
- Contract until:
- Jun 30, 2027
- Position:
- Centre-Forward
- Market Value:
- €180.00m
Pedri
Federico Valverde
Rúben Dias
Matthijs de Ligt
Alphonso Davies
Reece James
Thibaut Courtois
Kylian Mbappé
Vinicius Junior
Manchester City
Chelsea FC
Bayern Munich
Borussia Dortmund
Real Madrid
Paris Saint-Germain
FC Barcelona
