Before the opening of the transfer market which risks being impacted by the World Cup, the CIES Football Observatory in Neuchâtel has revealed the top 100 players with the highest transfer value. A ranking which is based on the Observatory’s statistical model. The age, performance and potential of each person are taken into account. Like last year, it is Lamine Yamal (18 years old) who is in the lead. Its market value is currently estimated at €358.1 million. A crazy figure but which is down compared to 2025, where its value was set at €402.3 million.
On the second step of the podium, we once again find Erling Haaland (25 years old). A place he already occupied last year. This time, CIES values the Norwegian striker at €227.3 million. This is a little less than in the previous edition (€239.6 million). For third place, there is a change. Kylian Mbappé (27 years old) gained one place, who was fourth last year behind Jude Bellingham. This time, the captain of the Blues, author of numerous goals for Real Madrid this season, has the bronze medal. Its market value is now estimated at €165.7 million, compared to €192.5 million a year ago.
France in force
Next comes his compatriot Michael Olise (24), absolutely stunning with Bayern Munich. The former Crystal Palace player is worth €140.5 million for CIES. He is followed by Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa, 23 years old, €136.8 million) and Désiré Doué. Winner of a second Champions League with PSG, the striker who is celebrating his 21st birthday is valued at €133.2 million. In seventh position, we find Kenan Yildiz (Juventus, 21 years old, €133 million). Nico O’Reilly (Man City, 21 years old, €125 million), Arda Güler (Real Madrid, 21 years old, €124.8 million) and Pau Cubarsi (Barça, 19 years old, €124.6 million) are in the top 10. Florian Wirtz (Liverpool, 23 years old, €124.1 million) is just behind in 11th position.
For the rest of the ranking, we can note that other French players appear in the top 100. Hugo Ekitike (€118.3 million), Ryan Cherki (€100.5 million), Warren Zaire-Emery (€100.4 million), William Saliba (€97.4 million), Bradley Barcola (€76.8 million), Dayot Upamecano (€70.3 million) and Aurélien Tchouameni (69.2 M€) are in the ranking. On the other hand, no Ousmane Dembélé. Ligue 1 is well represented with PSG. In addition to Doué, WZE and Barcola, João Neves (€117.1 million), Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (€100.9 million), Willian Pacho (€80.9 million), Vitinha (€75 million), Nuno Mendes (€70.9 million). It should also be noted the presence of Endrick, loaned to OL and whose value is estimated at €95.4 million.
