Europe’s most valuable star: Lamine Yamal

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Lamine Yamal’s value is soaring — the 17-year-old is no longer a prospect, he’s already among football’s elite, writes Dylan Johnson.

Barça are in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals, favourites to win the competition, at the top of La Liga and on track to win the treble. The 17-year-old has been at the forefront of Hansi Flick’s successful season.

Breaking record after record, Yamal has 38 goal contributions in 2024–25, including eight in 11 UEFA Champions League appearances. These are the numbers of an elite forward in the prime of their career — and he is barely in his second season as a professional.

Yamal’s performances at Euro 2024 only strengthened his case. He became Spain’s youngest-ever goalscorer in a major tournament and a decisive presence as La Roja marched to victory. It was a campaign that proved what many already suspected — he’s not just a prodigy anymore, but a player delivering at the highest level.

That is reflected in his market value. Since July 2024, Yamal’s valuation has doubled from €90 million to €180 million, making him one of football’s most valuable players. He is now the top name on any defender’s prep sheet, the face of a new generation, and the leading figure in a Barcelona side that has rediscovered its identity through youth and intelligence.

And he’s not doing it alone at Barça. Two other young talents — Pau Cubarsí and Pedri — have also seen their stock rise. Cubarsí, only 18, has become a reliable figure in Flick’s backline, and his market value has surged from €30 million to €70 million. For Pedri, the increase from €80 million to €120 million reflects a return to form and fitness. He remains one of the most composed midfielders in the world at just 22 years old.

The trio headline Sportingpedia’s analysis of the biggest market value increases since July 2024. The rest of the top ten includes a mix of Premier League stars and emerging talents from around Europe. Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, in particular, has enjoyed a breakout season. His value has climbed by €50 million — from €80 million to €130 million — after a campaign where he’s become the heartbeat of Chelsea’s attack.

Also in the Premier League, Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri has gone from promising academy talent to first-team regular, and his valuation has exploded from €8 million to €55 million. Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers has enjoyed a similarly steep rise, jumping by €35 million to €50 million. Ryan Gravenberch at Liverpool, valued now at €70 million, has revived his career in England after a slow spell at Bayern Munich.

In Portugal, Chelsea-bound Geovany Quenda has gone from unranked to €45 million thanks to standout displays for Sporting Lisbon. Egypt’s Omar Marmoush has also risen sharply, increasing from €22 million to €75 million following a strong campaign in Germany and a positive start to his Manchester City career.

The collective value of the top 10 risers has increased by €470 million since last summer, with Premier League clubs accounting for half the list. Spain and England are the best-represented nations, each with three players.

But while some players soar, others have seen their value drop sharply. The biggest fallers include Leroy Sané and Douglas Luiz, who have each dropped by €32 million — from €70 million to €38 million. Sané’s inconsistency at Bayern and Luiz’s underwhelming transition to Juventus have contributed to their slide.

Bernardo Silva’s valuation has also taken a hit, falling by €25 million to €45 million. Despite remaining an important player at Manchester City, age and evolving squad dynamics have impacted his market worth. Frenkie de Jong, another Barcelona player, has dropped by €25 million to €45 million, with injuries and tactical uncertainty holding him back.

Victor Osimhen’s value has decreased from €100 million to €70 million after moving to Galatasaray, while Eduardo Camavinga’s has fallen by €30 million at Real Madrid. Matthijs de Ligt, Gabriel Jesus, Lucas Paquetá, and Jack Grealish round out the group of players whose market value has tumbled.

Lamine Yamal’s rise reflects more than just potential — it shows he’s already among the game’s elite. As player values shift across Europe, his consistency, impact, and maturity at just 17 make him the standout in a new wave of talent shaping the future of football.

Read the full report at Sportingpedia…

Photo: Alex Caparros/Getty Images

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Dylan Johnson