Top 100 Male Players in World Football with Highest Estimated Transfer Value Revealed
The CIES Football Observatory in Switzerland has released its annual list of the top 100 male players in world football with the highest estimated transfer value for 2024. The values are determined using a statistical algorithm based on over 6,000 transfers worldwide. Here are the key takeaways from the list:
Bellingham Tops the List
Midfielder Jude Bellingham, who joined Real Madrid from Borussia Dortmund for €103m in the summer, is the most valuable player on the list with an estimated transfer value of €267.5m. He has been in exceptional form, scoring 17 goals in 22 games across all competitions and leading the goal-scoring charts in LaLiga with 13 goals.
Real Madrid’s Young Talent
Three of the top four players on the list are Real Madrid starlets. Vinícius Júnior (€250.3m) and Rodrygo (€247.9m) are ranked third and fourth respectively. This showcases the depth of young talent at Real Madrid and ensures their front line will be strong for years to come.
Premier League and LaLiga Dominate
Nine out of the top 10 players on the list come from either the Premier League or LaLiga, representing four clubs: Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester City, and Arsenal. Barcelona’s Gavi (€235.7m) is the only player from the club in the top 10. Manchester City has Erling Haaland (€251.2m), Phil Foden (€225.7m), and Julián Álvarez (€221.8m) on the list. Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka (€222.5m) and Martin Ødegaard (€201.6m) also make the top 10.
Other Leagues in the Mix
While the top 100 is dominated by the Big Five leagues in Europe, there are some standout players from other leagues. Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala (€191.7m) is the only player from outside the Premier League or LaLiga in the top 10. The German Bundesliga is represented by Musiala and Florian Wirtz (€150.2m) of Bayer Leverkusen. Napoli’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (€115.3m) is the top player from Serie A.
Hidden Gems Beyond the Big Five
Although the Big Five leagues dominate the list, there are promising young talents to be found outside of those leagues. Benfica’s António Silva (€114.1m) is the highest-valued player from outside the Big Five leagues and the top-rated defender. Palmeiras’ Endrick (€82.7m) is the top prospect outside of Europe.
Arsenal’s Goalkeeper Tops the Goalkeeping Rankings
Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale (€79.6m) is rated as the most valuable goalkeeper in the world, despite not being the club’s current No. 1. He is joined by Borussia Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel (€77.2m) as the only two goalkeepers in the top 100.
Soaring Transfer Valuations
The CIES list highlights the skyrocketing transfer valuations in football. Compared to the previous year’s list, the number of players valued above €100m has nearly doubled from 20 to 39. The value of the 100th player on the list has also increased significantly, from €53.4m to €71.3m. This reflects the inflation in transfer fees seen in recent years.
Overall, the CIES list provides valuable insights into the current market value of male players in world football and showcases the talent and potential of young stars across various leagues.