CIES announces the top 10 most expensive players in the world currently, with 3 out of the top 4 playing for Real Madrid.
1. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid – £236 million): The English midfielder has surprised even coach Carlo Ancelotti with his quick adaptation to Real Madrid. If Bellingham helps Real win the Champions League and shines at EURO 2024, England is likely to have another Ballon d’Or winner after Michael Owen.
2. Erling Haaland (Man City – £217.2 million): Haaland is currently the best center forward in the world. Man City is doing everything to keep the Norwegian player, as his contract includes a release clause worth €200 million next summer.
3. Vinicius (Real Madrid – £204.9 million): Vinicius is also considered a contender for this year’s Ballon d’Or. He will have a great opportunity to reach the pinnacle if he wins the Champions League and performs well at Copa America.
4. Rodrygo (Real Madrid – £187.8 million): Real Madrid is fortunate to have two of Brazil’s best attacking players. Rodrygo’s remarkable progress in recent years owes much to coach Carlo Ancelotti.
5. Phil Foden (Man City – £173.4 million): At the age of 24, Foden has already won 6 Premier League titles. He is a cornerstone of both Manchester City and the England national team for many years to come.
6. Bukayo Saka (Arsenal – £166.1 million): Saka possesses speed, technique, and excellent finishing ability. The Arsenal star has shown maturity since his stumble at EURO 2021.
7. Julian Alvarez (Man City – £143.3 million): Alvarez is capable of starting for any club. However, he has accepted being a substitute for Haaland at Man City.
8. Lamine Yamal (Barca – £119.8 million): At the age of 16, Yamal has been valued at over £110 million, a figure no player his age has achieved before.
9. Martin Odegaard (Arsenal – £115.3 million): The “conductor” of Arsenal has impressed in the last two seasons and helped the Emirates team secure a runner-up position in the Premier League.
10. Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen – £113.8 million): Wirtz is a key factor in helping Leverkusen secure a double in the 2023/24 season, including an unprecedented undefeated Bundesliga title in German football history.
