The Most Valuable Soccer Stars Of 2023: Who's Worth The Most?

Highlights

• The market value of soccer players is determined by various factors, including age, talent, contract status, and achievements, among others. The ten most valuable players are all 25 years old, representing the next generation of superstars.
• Players like Victor Osimhen, Pedri Gonzalez, and Phil Foden have already established themselves as top performers in their respective teams and have the potential to further improve and increase their market values.
• These young players have lucrative endorsement deals with brands like Adidas, Nike, New Balance, and Cernucci, showcasing their marketability and commercial appeal. They are not only exceptional on the pitch but also successful off it.

Soccer is not just a sport, but a religion; the players are often viewed as demigods that dazzle and produce magic on the soccer pitch. One of the vital aspects of the business side of soccer is the market value of players.

A player's market value is determined by a number of factors such as their age, talent, contract status, experience, marketability, achievements, and, in some cases, the super agents that represent them play a part. The ten most valuable soccer players are all the same age (25), and subsequently are likely to define the next generation of superstars.

They have the potential to improve over time, and see their values rise even higher. These players, however, are already performing at a very high level on some of the best teams in the game.

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10 Victor Osimhen - $125 Million

One of Nigeria's best exports, the striker's explosive pace, aerial dominance, and clinical finish make him one of the most sought-after African players. He was born in Lagos, Nigeria, and began his professional career in Germany.

He then moved to France, where he played for French team Lille – before making a big move to top Italian club Napoli, for a club record fee of $74 million. Osimhen helped Napoli win the Italian championship, their first in 33 years; he was recognized as the best striker in the championship.

These achievements saw his value rise exponentially, putting him on the radar of some of the best teams in the game. The Nigerian president awarded him a national honor to mark his contributions to youth development and sports.

9 Pedri Gonzalez - $137 Million

A mature mind in a young body, his elegance has seen him draw comparisons to legends; this Spanish midfielder is already revered even amongst the game's senior players and still has many promises to deliver. Pedri joined Spanish giants FC Barcelona in 2020 and has since made several appearances for the club, winning championships and cup tournaments.

Pedri won the 2021 Kopa Trophy, an award for being the best-performing player under the age of 21. The youngster is one of the faces of the German sportswear company Adidas, with whom he signed a lucrative sponsorship deal in 2021.

8 Phil Foden - $139 Million

Phil Foden is a young midfielder, plying his trade for English outfit Manchester City. A versatile player with one of the most talented pairs of feet in soccer, he is already seen as a leader on the squad.

Foden has already bagged a cabinet full of trophies for a young athlete. The Midfielder trained at the Manchester City academy before bursting onto the scene in 2016; he is also a force in the international scene, and has played several times for the English national soccer team.

Phil Foden boasts a profitable endorsement deal with American brand Nike, and leading urban jewelry brand Cernucci.

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7 Bukayo Saka - $144 Million

Dubbed "The pride of Arsenal" by the club's fans, his valuation of $144 million reflects just how highly he is regarded in the game. His rise to prominence began at the North London club, where he made his professional debut at the age of 18.

His work ethic and dedication set him apart from many of his peers; off the pitch, he presents himself with humility and professionalism. Saka signed a sponsorship deal with American footwear and apparel company New Balance, and also partners with Fiverr.

With Nigerian parentage, the player opted to represent England internationally and has already earned several caps for the English national team.

6 Pablo Gavi - $148 Million

When passion crossed paths with skill, it birthed Pablo Gavi, and the young Spanish sensation gained the admiration of fans and rivals alike with his talent and ability on the pitch. He has already secured his place as a talismanic figure for his club, Barcelona.

Although his market value sits at $148 million, his club inserted $1 billion to his release clause, which shows how invaluable he is. With age and potential by on his side, Gavi will likely climb up the list in the coming years.

5 Jamal Musiala - $158 Million

Jamal Musiala has already made a name for himself as one of the most promising young soccer players at just 20 years of age. Born in Germany to a Nigerian father and English mother, Musiala possesses an impressive mix of skill, agility, and versatility.

Having started his professional career in Germany at Bayern Munich, he quickly caught the eyes of everyone in the soccer space. Musiala's market value stands at $158 million; he is considered untouchable by the club.

Musiala is signed to partner with Nike and other brands, such as video game creator EA Sports.

4 Jude Bellingham - $161 Million

Not many young players have been afforded the honor of having their shirt number retired by their former team at such a young age, except for this youthful soccer master, Jude Bellingham. His former club, Birmingham, retired his number 22 shirt in 2020 to show appreciation for what he has achieved with the club.

Lauded for his physicality, technicality, and leadership traits, the English midfielder joined Spanish giants Real Madrid for $109 million in 2023, where he adapted to life immediately; he already has the whole stadium chanting his name. Jude's market value stands at $161 and is set to soar as he continues to hone his skills and cements his reputation on the global stage.

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3 Vinícius Júnior - $166 Million

Vinícius Júnior made it into the top three of this list; this nimble-footed winger embodies the Brazilian joga bonito style of play. Júnior lights up every game with his blistering pace, exceptional dribbling skills, and an eye for goal – he is a nightmare for defenders.

Júnior has already established his legacy as an excellent player after achieving so much success with Real Madrid, and winning Europe's intercontinental championship with the Spanish outfits. His market value of $166 million perfectly aligns with his incredible skill set and potential.

2 Kylian Mbappé - $193 Million

One of the most recognizable faces in the world Mbappé needs no introduction, as he is every bit a global sensation. Arguably the best player in the world, his outstanding performances at the 2018 and 2022 soccer World Cups have skyrocketed his marketability.

Mbappé is the youngest goalscorer in a soccer World Cup final, and the only player to ever score a hat trick in a final. Mbappé is already an established cult hero, was named among Time's 100 most influential people in the world, and is ranked third on the Forbes list of the world's highest-paid athletes.

In France, he has been designated as the best player in the French championship a record four times. Despite his young age, he was named the Captain of the French team, a testament to his leadership trait.

He is the face of American Sportswear brand Nike, and also endorses Hublot and Oakley.

1 Erling Haaland - $206 Million

Erling Braut Haaland, a name synonymous with goal-scoring exploits. A predator of immense physical prowess and sheer determination, the Norwegian striker's reputation precedes him at such a young age.

Valued at $206 million, it is no surprise that he tops this list, given his unmatched consistency. He joined Manchester City in England, where he set a record for the most goals scored in a single championship season in his debut season.

It is no wonder former players, other managers, and pundits are raving about the striker and ravishing him with praise following his goal-scoring exploits in England. Erling Haaland is the face of the soccer game EA Sports FC 24; he has partnership deals with Samsung, Viaplay Hyperice, and Nike, with whom he signed a ten-year contract.

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