Footballers’ economic value has soared in recent years, with fresh and emerging talents commanding huge fees. Many clubs scout young players with the potential to become the next major football superstars early on, causing their parent club to place a high value on them.
As a result, the most valuable footballers are typically in their early twenties, and depending on their performance and consistency, their market value may climb and eventually earn them huge contracts with major European football clubs.
The world’s five most expensive footballers, according to Transfermarkt rankings include:
Jude Bellingham – £152 million (Real Madrid)
The 21-year-old is presently one of the top players in the world, and although beginning in midfield, he plays an important role for Real Madrid. Last season, the Englishman scored 23 goals and 13 assists in 42 Real Madrid matches, and his remarkable performance helped the Spanish club win the UEFA Champions League and La Liga.
Bellingham, who wears the historic number five jersey at Madrid, previously worn by club hero Zinedine Zidane, has met expectations since his £88.5 million signing from Borussia Dortmund in 2023 and has the potential to become a legend himself. Bellingham is valued at £152 million (€180 million) and his current deal expires on June 30, 2029.
Erling Haaland- £152m (Manchester City)
Haaland is one of the most prolific strikers in the world. After scoring 52 goals for Manchester City in his debut season, he once again delivered and retained the Premier League Golden Boot title, leading City to another league title triumph. Last season, the 24-year-old scored 38 goals and 6 assists in 45 games, in all competitions. Haaland’s contract at City expires on June 30, 2027.
Vinicius Junior – £152 million (Real Madrid)
The 24-year-old Brazilian is one of Real Madrid’s most important players and a top contender for the Ballon d’Or award after helping the Galacticos to their 15th UEFA Champions League victory and La Liga title last season, scoring 24 goals and providing 11 assists. Vinicius is worth £152 million (€180 million) and has been one of Real Madrid’s most prominent players in recent years. His current contract at Real Madrid expires on June 30, 2027.
Kylian Mbappe- £152 million (Real Madrid)
Kylian Mbappe, arguably one of the best players in the world and largely recognised as the best player since the ‘Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi era of domination’, has enjoyed a trophy-laden career thus far, winning the 2018 World Cup, reaching another final in 2022, and winning six league titles.
The 25-year-old has 331 goals and 158 assists in 446 career games for club and country, earning 17 titles. Last season, he scored 44 goals and assisted 10 times for Paris Saint-Germain, where he spent six years.He recently secured a free transfer to Real Madrid when his contract at PSG expired. However, he is valued at £152 million (€180 million) and will try to win the UEFA Champions League title with Real Madrid before his current deal expires in 2029.
Phil Foden – £126 million (Manchester City)
Foden has played over 200 games for Manchester City, earning 17 trophies in his career, including a historic treble in 2022/23. His best season was last year, when he scored 27 goals and assisted 12 others to help City win their fourth Premier League title in a row. The 24-year-old attacker is valued at £126 million (€150 million), and his current deal with City expires on June 30, 2027.
