The 10 Most Valuable Footballers According to CIES

Yamal tops the new global Top 10

The CIES Football Observatory has published its latest update on transfer values in professional football, and the results point to a definitive generational shift. Unlike other consultancies, CIES’s algorithm integrates variables such as age, contract length, on-field performance, and market inflation, which has placed young prospects ahead of established legends.

The Throne Has a New King: Lamine Yamal

The most striking surprise in the report is the meteoric rise of Lamine Yamal. With an estimated value of €343.1 million, the FC Barcelona winger not only tops the list but also sets a historic valuation record for a player of his age. His ability to decide matches and his ironclad contract make him the most valuable asset on the planet.

Soccer Football - LaLiga - FC Barcelona v Deportivo Alaves - Spotify Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain - November 29, 2025 FC Barcelona's Lamine Yamal celebrates scoring their first goal REUTERS/Albert Gea TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

The Giants’ Podium: Haaland and Mbappé

In second place comes Erling Haaland (€255.1m). The Manchester City striker remains the ultimate goal-scoring reference, maintaining an extremely high valuation thanks to his youth and efficiency.

Soccer Football - Premier League - Manchester City v Liverpool - Etihad Stadium, Manchester, Britain - November 9, 2025 Manchester City's Erling Haaland celebrates scoring their first goal Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NO USE WITH UNAUTHORIZED AUDIO, VIDEO, DATA, FIXTURE LISTS, CLUB/LEAGUE LOGOS OR 'LIVE' SERVICES. ONLINE IN-MATCH USE LIMITED TO 120 IMAGES, NO VIDEO EMULATION. NO USE IN BETTING, GAMES OR SINGLE CLUB/LEAGUE/PLAYER PUBLICATIONS. PLEASE CONTACT YOUR ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVE FOR FURTHER DETAILS.. TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

The podium is completed by Kylian Mbappé (€201.3m), who, following his move to Real Madrid, remains the most decisive player of the “old guard” of young talents.

Kylian Mbappé after the final whistle in a match with France National Team.

La Liga dominance and European projection

Real Madrid showcases its financial and sporting strength by placing Jude Bellingham (€153.1m) and the talented Arda Güler (€130.3m) in the Top 10.

Meanwhile, the emergence of names such as Michael Olise and Florian Wirtz reflects how the Bundesliga and the Premier League continue to attract and revalue young talent.