Lamine Yamal becomes the most valuable footballer in the world, surpassing Mbappé and Haaland
Barcelona wonderkid leads global rankings with €279.7M valuation, study reveals
Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal is now the most valuable player in world football, according to a report published this Thursday (24) by the Football Benchmark Group. The 18-year-old Spanish forward tops the list with an estimated market value of €279.7 million, overtaking global icons such as Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland.
Yamal’s Rise: From Sixth to First in Five Months
Yamal’s soaring valuation represents an increase of €121.8 million since February. His meteoric rise in value is attributed to a combination of his youth, on-field performance, international exposure, and the length of his contract with Barcelona.
In the previous edition of the study, Yamal was ranked sixth. Now, he not only leads the ranking but has also established a comfortable gap from his closest competitors.
Global Stars Trail Behind
The updated top five list includes some of the biggest names in world football:
- Lamine Yamal (Barcelona) – €279.7 million
- Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid) – €236.9 million
- Erling Haaland (Manchester City) – €182.6 million
- Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid) – €174.5 million
- Vinicius Jr. (Real Madrid) – €171.5 million
Notably, Vinicius Jr., previously in the top three in February, has slipped to fifth, while Bellingham has moved ahead of his Real Madrid teammate after a standout season.
What the Study Measures
The Football Benchmark Group bases its valuations on multiple factors beyond just goals and assists. Key elements include a player’s age, individual and club performances, international appearances, and contract status. Yamal, already a regular for both Barcelona and the Spanish national team, meets all these criteria with standout marks.
A New Era of Market Value?
Yamal’s rise to the top of the valuation charts signals a potential generational shift in global football economics. While experienced stars like Mbappé and Haaland remain dominant on the pitch, clubs and analysts are clearly placing a premium on long-term potential and age.
With a valuation pushing €280 million, Yamal has set a new benchmark and could well shape future transfer records if a move were ever to materialize.a
