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In the transfer value updates by German sports data website Transfermarkt following the 2026 World Cup, Yamal’s and Haaland’s values both increased by €20 million ($22.8 million), reaching €220 million ($251 million), making them the world’s most expensive players.

That Yamal and Haaland reached this benchmark at the same time shows that market values are on a constant rise, and clubs are increasingly willing to spend big on young superstars.

The 2026 World Cup contributes significantly to this rise. Yamal, 19, stood out in Spain’s championship run, while 25-year-old Haaland continued to solidify his position as one of the world’s leading strikers.

Right behind them is Kylian Mbappe, valued at $228 million. The Real Madrid striker’s value also increased after an explosive World Cup, where he scored 10 goals for France to win the Golden Boot and set the tournament’s all-time scoring record.

Michael Olise is the biggest surprise among the most valuable players.

The Bayern Munich midfielder’s value increased from €150 million to €170 million ($194 million), moving him up to fourth place. He also had a great World Cup, setting the record for the number of assists in a single tournament since 1966.

Jude Bellingham ranks fifth with a $182 million price tag. The Real Madrid midfielder maintains his status as England’s main man and one of Europe’s top well-rounded players at the World Cup.

The top 10 also includes Pedri, valued at $171 million, and Vinicius Junior, Vitinha, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Joao Neves, all valued at $160 million. PSG contributes three players to the list, the most of any club. Georgia’s Kvaratskhelia is the only player not participating in the 2026 World Cup.

Several other players also enjoyed significant increases in value after the World Cup. Elliot Anderson is valued at $137 million, while Julian Alvarez is given a $126 million price tag.

Two superstars from the previous generation, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, were valued at $17 million and $11 million respectively.

This list reflects current market value based on age, form, contract, development potential, and other factors, not actual transfer fees. Therefore, a player may be sold for a higher or lower price than the valuation.

Erling Haaland (R) finishes on Norway’s 1-2 loss to England in the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals in Miami, Miami Garden, U.S., July 11, 2026. Photo by AFP

The International Centre for Sports Studies (CIES Football Observatory) provides even higher figures. According to its model, Yamal is the world’s most valuable player, with an estimated value of between $361 million and $420 million. Haaland ranks second at approximately $237 million to $276 million.

CIES uses statistical models based on a range of variables, such as age, contract duration, playing position, form, individual achievements, league strength, and resale potential. It hence does not provide a fixed number but rather an estimated value range.

Both lists reflect a general trend in world football, where players under 26, with long-term contracts and in top form, dominate. In Transfermarkt’s top 10, only Mbappe is 27 years old, while in CIES’s list, eight out of ten players were born in 2001 or later.