At just 17 years old, Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal has rewritten the rules of football’s transfer market, officially becoming the most valuable player in the world according to both Transfermarkt and the CIES Football Observatory. His meteoric rise has left established superstars trailing in his wake, setting new benchmarks for youth, talent, and market impact.
A New Record for Market Value
Transfermarkt now values Yamal at €200 million, a figure that surpasses the likes of Erling Haaland, Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappé, and Vinícius Júnior.
The CIES Football Observatory, using a more comprehensive model that factors in age, contract length, and performance, estimates his value at an unprecedented €402.3 million ($438.5 million), nearly double that of any other player globally.
Why is Yamal so Valuable?
Extraordinary Performance: In the 2024-25 season, Yamal scored 18 goals and provided 21 assists in 55 matches, leading Barcelona to both LaLiga and Copa del Rey titles.
International Impact: He has already starred for Spain, scoring decisive goals in major tournaments, including the Nations League and the European Championship.
Long-term Security: Barcelona has locked him down with a contract until 2031 and a €1 billion release clause, making any transfer virtually impossible and further inflating his value.
Commercial Magnet: Yamal’s global appeal extends beyond the pitch, driving shirt sales and digital engagement that eclipse even established stars.
Unmatched Maturity: Despite his age, Yamal displays the leadership and composure of a seasoned veteran, commanding games and orchestrating attacks for both club and country.
Most valuable Scorer in the world
| Player | Transfermarket (€M) | CIES Value |
| Lamine Yamal | 200 | 402.3 |
| Erling Haaland | 180 | 239.6 |
| Jude Bellingham | 180 | 233.8 |
| Kylian Mbappé | 180 | 192.5 |
| Vinícius Júnior | 170 | 130.4 |
For perspective, even Lionel Messi’s peak market value in 2018 was €180 million—Yamal has already eclipsed that at 17.
Yamal’s ascent is unprecedented: while most teenagers are still fighting for minutes, he is dictating the tempo of elite matches and redefining what is possible for a player his age. His story is not just about potential—it is about a present-day dominance that has shattered the traditional timeline for footballing greatness.
Also Read: Mbappe vs Lamine Yamal: Who’s Better? Career & Season Stats Compared
“Yamal is a remarkable player who stands apart from the best in the world. His unique style captivates fans, and we can only hope he remains injury-free and retains his youthful exuberance.” — Tobias Blaseio, Transfermarkt Market Value Coordinator.
Lamine Yamal is not just the future—he is already the most valuable asset in world football, rewriting history before his 18th birthday.
