CIES Releases List Of Most Valuable Players In 2025 [Top 20]

The International Centre for Sports Studies (CIES) has released a ranking of the 100 players with the highest market value, with Real Madrid players occupying four slots in the top ten.

Leading the list is Jude Bellingham, who, according to the CIES, is the most valuable player in the world, with a remarkable valuation of 251 million euros ($258.58 million). His impressive market value positions him ahead of Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, who is valued at 221 million euros ($227.6 million).

Real Madrid’s influence continues with five players in the top 20—Fede Valverde is ranked 17th with a valuation of 114 million euros. Vinicius emerges as a strong contender, securing third place in the rankings with a valuation of 205 million euros. Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal comes in fourth at 180 million, just ahead of Kylian Mbappé, who is valued at 175 million euros.

Interestingly, despite being the reigning Ballon d’Or winner, Rodri finds himself ranked 73rd with a market value of 70.6 million euros. Factors such as his age—turning 29 in June—and a recent cruciate ligament injury may have influenced this positioning.

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Several younger Spanish players, including Balde (85 million euros), Fermín (84 million euros), and Samu Omorodion (73 million euros), have surpassed him in valuation.

Additionally, the ranking highlighted impressive talents across all positions. Bart Verbruggen of Brighton & Hove Albion claims the highest valuation for goalkeepers, while Josko Gvardiol from Manchester City leads among defenders, and Viktor Gyökeres of Sporting CP stands out for players from clubs outside the top five.

Below are the top 20 most expensive players in the world in 2025 according to CIES:

1. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid) – 251.4 million euros

2. Erling Haaland (Manchester City) – 221.5 million euros

3. Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid) – 205.7 million euros

4. Lamine Yamal (FC Barcelona) – 180.3 million euros

5. Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid) – 175.2 million euros

6. Bukayo Saka (Arsenal) – 157.3 million euros

7. Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen) – 151.2 million euros

8. Cole Palmer (Chelsea) – 150 million euros

9. Phil Foden (Manchester City) – 141.3 million euros

10. Rodrygo Goes (Real Madrid) – 130.1 million euros

11. Kai Havertz (Arsenal) – 125.2 million euros

12. Julián Álvarez (Atlético Madrid) – 118.3 million

13. Sávio Moreira (Manchester City) – 117.1 million

14. Jamal Musiala (Bayern München) – 116.6 million euros

15. Benjamin Šeško (RB Leipzig) – 115.7 million euros

16. Joško Gvardiol (Manchester City) – 114 million euros

17. Federico Valverde (Real Madrid) – 111.2 million euros

18. Rasmus Höjlund (Manchester United) – 108.3 million euros

19. Declan Rice (Arsenal) – 107.2 million euros

20. Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan) – 105.8 million euros

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