Worth a Combined €1.35b: No Mbappé, Olise or Saka — The New-Look Most Valuable Starting XI in the World
Worth a combined €1.35 billion, the newly unveiled most valuable starting XI in world football reframes the contemporary landscape of elite talent across Europe’s top five leagues. With Transfermarkt’s recent Serie A market value update, the evaluation of each player has been fine-tuned based on recent form, fitness, and broader impact within the global game. This new assessment allows us to dive deep into a lineup that challenges conventional star power assumptions—most notably missing are household names like Kylian Mbappé, Eberechi Olise, and Bukayo Saka—yet it showcases a squad whose market value and potential are simply staggering.
Analyzing the New Most Valuable Starting XI: Defensive Fortitude
When constructing this star-studded lineup, players were chosen based on their preferred positions, and when two players shared equivalent market values, younger talents earned the nod. The selection kicks off with a goalkeeper who embodies both skill and promise: Manchester City’s Gianluigi Donnarumma, commanding a €45 million valuation.
The defensive line that shields this goalkeeper totals €325 million in market value, formed by a blend of youthful energy and proven ability. Paris Saint-Germain’s dynamic duo of Nuno Mendes (€75m) and Achraf Hakimi (€80m) take the full-back slots, perfectly balancing defensive resilience with offensive contributions. At the heart of the defense, Barcelona’s Pau Cubarsí partners Arsenal’s William Saliba. Cubarsí’s €80 million valuation edges out Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni—also valued at €80 million—primarily due to his younger age, highlighting the focus on long-term potential in this selection.
Midfield Marvels: Young Prodigies Dominate
The midfield trio is a perfect fusion of creativity, control, and youthful verve. Barcelona’s Pedri, with a notable €140 million valuation, operates centrally with relentless energy and vision. Joining him is Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham, who tops this selection with an imposing market value of €160 million, underscoring his status as one of football’s brightest prospects.
Sitting just ahead in the coveted number 10 role is Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala, valued at €130 million. His technical prowess and ability to link play make him an indispensable creative fulcrum. This midfield is not just talented but represents the three most valuable players overall, signifying the monumental importance of the engine room in modern football.
Not far behind but narrowly missing out are other top talents like Cole Palmer, Federico Valverde, and Declan Rice, each commanding valuations around €120 million, a testament to the fierce competition in this midfield battleground.
The Attacking Trio: A £1.35 Billion Threat
Worthy of the highest praise and valuation, the attack showcases the joint-most valuable players on the planet. Leading the frontline is Manchester City’s striking powerhouse Erling Haaland, who commands a staggering market value of €200 million. His presence ensures a clinical endpoint for this exceptional lineup.
Complementing Haaland are two of the sport’s most electrifying wingers. On the left, Vinicius Jr. of Real Madrid boasts a €150 million valuation, combining flair, pace, and decisive finishing. On the right, the sensational Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal matches Haaland’s valuation at €200 million, making this forward trio the most valuable segment in the entire starting XI. Their firepower and youthful exuberance promise to redefine attacking football for years to come.
The Curious Absence of Mbappé, Olise, and Saka
One of the standout stories from this lineup is the conspicuous omission of Kylian Mbappé, whose market value is tied with Haaland at €200 million. Despite his marquee status and proven clutch performances, Mbappé misses out purely due to his age relative to Haaland—being two years older ultimately cost him a place in this youth-leaning squad.
Similarly, promising talents like Olise and Saka—who have drawn significant attention and market value increases—were edged out by others with higher valuations or younger age profiles. This speaks to the ruthless competitiveness and evolving preferences in how player potential and current valuation shape team constructions today.
What This New XI Tells Us About Football’s Future
The assembled €1.35 billion starting XI paints a vivid picture of football’s future. Clubs are increasingly investing in younger players with high ceilings, prioritizing potential and longevity as much as current skill. The lack of older established superstars in favor of dynamic youngsters illustrates a shift in market philosophy, one where raw talent and growth trajectory often outweigh past glories.
Moreover, the blend of players from different leagues—La Liga, Premier League, Serie A, Ligue 1, and the Bundesliga—reinforces the notion that talent is globally dispersed and that scouts and clubs are becoming more adept at identifying and nurturing future superstars regardless of geography.
Conclusion
This affordable yet immensely talented squad, worth a combined €1.35 billion, redefines how we perceive value in football. The absence of some famous names highlights that market value is fluid, influenced by age, form, and potential just as much as reputation. With stars like Haaland, Yamal, and Bellingham leading the charge, this new-look XI offers a glimpse into the exciting, evolving future of the beautiful game. As these young talents mature, they’re poised to become the next generation of football legends, making this lineup not just rich in value, but rich in promise.# Worth a Combined €1.35b No Mbappé, Olise or Saka – The New-Look Most Valuable Starting XI in the World
The new-look most valuable starting XI in the world is worth a staggering combined €1.35 billion—and notably excludes some popular names such as Kylian Mbappé, Eberechi Olise or Saka.
