The International Centre for Sports Studies – known to most as CIES – has drawn up its list of the 100 most valuable footballers in the world.
CIES’ player values are affected by age and contract length among other factors, which means that a player with four years left on their deal who is younger might have a higher value than a player who produces more but has a year left and/or is older.
As Calciomercato.com relay, the name of Jude Bellingham stands out at the top, who according to the analysis is worth €267.5m having settled in brilliantly at Real Madrid following his big-money move from Borussia Dortmund.
Real are the real protagonist of the rankings, given that Los Blancos have three players in the top 10 and all well above €200m. Kylian Mbappe’s position is surprising (due to his contract expiring next June): the Frenchman is 27th with a current value of €106.2m.
Unfortunately none of the Serie A players managed to get back into the top 20, but some stars of the Italian league even ranked ahead of Mbappè and among these Rafael Leao, who managed to win his personal derby with Lautaro Martinez.
According to CIES, the Portuguese player from Milan occupies the 22nd position on the list with a current valuation of €114.2m, while the Inter captain is down in 33rd with €102.9m.
Leao is not the Serie A player with the highest valuation though, as Kvaratskhelia is one spot above him in 21st.
I love Rafa but let’s be honest here, Lautaro is a way better footballer. His flop at the 2022 WC was an anomaly, otherwise he’s world class.
No doubt. He’s also older and has less time on his contract, hence the lesser dollar valuation.
Good point. Market value ≠ actual talent and quality
I really don’t know what to think of Rafa. He is abviously talented. However he just isn’t doing what everyone is raving about. Is it Pioli, is it Rafa?
When he makes a run he can’t be stopped, but his finishing is crap. He doesn’t provide anything in the penalty area. Never does Aerial work. Doesn’t look for loose balls. Doesn’t place himself in any position to redirect a cross or pass. Really starting to think he will never be as good as people say he is.
I must still say dude has the tools to be a legend.
Pulisic is a better player
i get that its based on contract length and age but it is an awfull list like rodrygo cannot be so high up and rashford 135m is hilarious