The best soccer stars in the world are among some of the most valuable commodities on the planet, but you won’t find a single defender among them. They are mostly forwards or midfielders, and at their best, they are adored by fans and can make all the difference in their team’s performance. On the back of Kate Richardson’s acknowledged analysis skills, we take a look at the most valuable soccer stars and costly transfers of all time.
Neymar – Most Expensive Transfer of All Time
The most valuable soccer stars and the most costly transfers do not go hand in hand. Whereas transfer costs are historical, reflecting what clubs paid to secure a player’s services, the list of the 10 most valuable stars below reflects what they are considered to be worth today.
For that reason, you won’t find Neymar listed among the headings below. Nonetheless, his transfer from Barcelona to Paris Saint Germain for €222 million in 2017 was and still is, the biggest transfer of all time.
6th Most Expensive – Federico Valverde (Real Madrid / Uruguay)
Federico Valverde is currently one of the best midfielders in La Liga and the world. When he first came to Real Madrid from Peñarol at the age of 16 in July 2016, he played for Real’s reserve team, Castilla.
He then went on loan to Deportivo La Coruña. He returned to the Bernabéu in 2018, but it wasn’t until 2019 that he broke into the first team. He is now one of the game’s best, valued today at £110 million (€130 million).
Joint 5th Most Valuable – Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich / Germany)
Jamal Musiala must have been the bargain of the century when Bayern Munich acquired him from Chelsea in July 2019 for a fee of £200k. He played for the England national team at all junior levels, from the U15s to the U21s, and is now firmly embedded in the German senior national side. He is highly rated by ex-Bayern coach and current German national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, who says of him,
“He has unbelievable potential. It’s extraordinary. He has great finishing qualities. Unbelievable attacking qualities include his dribbling with the ball. He justified my trust [in him]. He’s doing very well. He has the foundation for an outstanding career.”
Today, this midfield footballer is valued at £110 million (€130 million).
Joint 5th Most Expensive – Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen / Germany)
Florian Wirtz plays football for Bayer Leverkusen and Germany. Like Jamal Musiala, he came via a transfer for only £200k. In his case, he came from FC Köln. Another highly rated attacking midfielder, the Kölner Express newspaper, has said he is ” The best midfielder to come through the club in 30 years.”
He is one of the key members of the German national side and will be instrumental in helping Germany to challenge for the 2026 World Cup. As with Jamal Musiala, Wirtz is reportedly worth £110 million (€130 million).
4th in the 10 Most Expensive – Bukayo Saka (Arsenal / England)
Bukayo Saka is one of the best wingers in world soccer today. He joined Arsenal’s Hale End academy when he was 7 and has played his football at the Emirates ever since. He is one of the most highly regarded players in the English Premier League.
As well as being revered by Gunners’ fans, he is also an invaluable player for the England national team. Value-wise, 23-year-old Saka is said to be worth £118 million (€140 million).
Joint 3rd of the 10 Most Valuable – Phil Foden (Manchester City / England)
Another highly sought-after Premier League soccer star, Phil Foden of Manchester City and England, can play as a winger or wide midfielder. In August 2024, he scored his highest tally of goals in a season – 27 in all competitions. He was voted the PFA Players’ Player of the Year. On our world’s most expensive player list, he is valued at £126 million (€150 million).
Joint 3rd of the 10 Most Expensive – Lamine Yamal (Barcelona / Spain)
Lamine Yamal made his first appearance for Barcelona in 2023 when he was 16 years of age. He was the youngest player to start a game for Barca and the youngest to score both for his club and La Liga.
Another exceptionally talented footballer who plays on the wing, Yamal, has appeared at all levels for the Spanish national side, for whom he has won 17 senior caps, scoring 3 goals. On the expensive footballer list, his is worth £126 million (€150 million).
Joint 2nd Most Valuable- Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid / France)
Kylian Mbappe is thought by many soccer pundits to be the best player in the world, even though he is not the most expensive. He scored some incredible goals while at PSG, after which Real Madrid was fortunate indeed to secure his services via a free transfer shortly after the departure of Los Blancos most decorated player, Karim Benzema.
Mbappe is also the French national team’s standout player and is hoping to lead his country to victory in the 2026 World Cup. Also rated as one of the best soccer stars the world has ever seen, Cristiano Ronaldo said, “Mbappé is the future and the present,” he told Marca in 2020. “He’s a fantastic player, very fast, and he will be the future.” Mbappe weighs in as the joint-most valuable footballer at £152 million (€180 million).
Joint 2nd Most Expensive – Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid / England)
Rated equal second alongside Real Madrid teammate Kylian Mbappe in the world’s most valuable footballer stakes, Jude Bellingham is also said to be worth £152 million (€180 million).
His move from Borussia Dortmund to the Bernabéu in July 2023 for £113 million was one of the costliest soccer transfers of the year. Since joining Los Blancos, his midfield skills have developed even further, and his worth today is estimated to be £152 million (€180 million).
Joint 1st Most Valuable football player – Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid / Brazil)
Vinicius Junior joined Brazilian Serie A club Flamengo in 2006 at the age of 6. He spent his youth career with them until he was 18. at which stage he signed for Real Madrid in 2018. At the time of writing, he has made 191 appearances for Los Blancos senior side, scoring 57 goals, many of which have been quite spectacular.
He has also played for Brazil at all levels, and many fans are hoping to see him partner Neymar at the 2026 World Cup. The now 24-year-old was the favourite to win the 2024 Ballon d’Or award but was pipped at the post by Rodri of Manchester City. He is, however, the 7 to 2 favourite to win the 2025 award. Vinicius Junior is rated the joint most valuable exponent of the game (alongside Erling Haaland) at £166 million (€200 million).
Joint 1st Most Valuable- Erling Haaland (Manchester City / Norway)
Erling Haaland may not have the all-around skills of greats like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, but he is an incredible goal-scoring machine. Since joining Manchester City, his goal-scoring talent has blossomed even further. He is the fastest in the Premier League to reach 50 goals and has won 2 back-to-back Premier League Golden Boots.
At the age of 24, he stands in 13th place among the Champions League’s top goal scorers with 46 goals, but with many years left in his career (injuries and form permitting), he hopes to surpass the current top scorer, Cristiano Ronaldo’s 140. He heads the list of the most valuable players in the world, with Vinicius Junior at £166 million (€200 million).
One of the Most Popular Betting Activities in the World
Punters love betting on sports – especially big events. Grand slam tennis, test cricket matches and world championship boxing are among the favourites. But the most popular sport of all for betting is football. Big clubs like Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, and Inter Milan attract European and UK bettors by the horde. Betting on soccer is now so popular that the Independent newspaper published an article explaining how to bet on football.
It’s important to do your research well, which is where MightyTips’ Kate Richardson’s analytical expertise comes into play. Knowing your football history and what changes occur whenever a transfer window opens are key factors. Especially when you opt for the biggest odds to win today accumulator bets.
