Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham has been named ‘the world’s most valuable player’ after his sensational start to life in Spain. The midfielder has scored 23 goals and registered 12 assists in 42 appearances in all competitions this season, asserting himself as one of the best talents on the planet.
Bellingham has excelled since being deployed in more attacking areas by Los Blancos boss Carlo Ancelotti, and his consistently excellent displays have prompted suggestions that he could be in the conversation for the Ballon d’Or.
The ex-Borussia Dortmund playmaker will be hoping to consolidate those claims when he takes to the pitch for the Champions League final this weekend, as well as over the summer when representing England at the Euros.
Bellingham’s display has also seen him become CIES Football Observatory’s most-expensive player in world football, with his transfer value estimated to be £236million (€280m).
Manchester City star Erling Haaland sits in second place with £217.2m, followed by Madrid duo Vinicius Junior (£204.9m) and Rodrygo (187.8m), highlighting why the Santiago Bernabeu outfit are favourites to beat Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final this weekend.
Premier League stars then feature prominently in the rest of the list, with Barca starlet Lamine Yamal (£119.8m) and Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz (£113.8m) the other players from other leagues to feature in the remainder of the top ten – and both are expected to see their valuations soar further next season as they continue their development.
City playmaker Phil Foden claims fifth spot on the list after a dazzling campaign that has seen him tipped to win the Player of the Season award. The England international is ruled to have a value of £173.4m, and he has justified the estimation with 19 goals in 35 league appearances.
Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka is valued just behind his international teammate, with the Gunners’ academy product claimed to be worth £166.1m – though he remains priceless in the eyes of manager Mikel Arteta and his adoring supporters.
Content Source: www.express.co.uk