Most valuable soccer players for summer 2025 revealed: Lamine Yamal dominates, Kylian Mbappe climbs but Vinicius slips – Surprisingly no PSG in sight

With a month left in the 2025 summer transfer window, the landscape of world soccer has been shaken by Transfermarkt’s updated ranking of the most valuable players on the planet. The latest list includes some familiar faces, but also brings a few surprises. No PSG player makes the top 10, Kylian Mbappe climbs, and Vinicius Jr. drops down the pecking order, but perhaps the biggest story is that the new leader is still a teenager.

In a stunning rise that seems ripped straight from a video game, 17-year-old Lamine Yamal has become the most valuable soccer player in the world, according to Transfermarkt’s July 2025 rankings. Fresh off a historic campaign with Barcelona—in which he played 55 matches, scored 18 goals, and delivered 25 assists—Yamal’s valuation has skyrocketed to €200 million (approx. $218 million).

He’s not just playing like a seasoned professional; he’s shaping up to be the future of both club and country, having helped Spain win Euro 2024 and guided Barcelona to La Liga and Copa del Rey glory.

“Yamal has shown maturity beyond his years and has already become the beating heart of Barcelona’s attack,” analysts have said, praising the teenager’s mix of pace, vision, and composure. At just 18, he’s now the undisputed most valuable player in global soccer.

Real Madrid dominates the rankings

Though Barcelona boasts the top on the list, Real Madrid is the most dominant club in the top 10, with four players featured: Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius, and Federico Valverde. Bellingham and Mbappe are both valued at €180M ($196M), tied for second alongside Manchester City’s Erling Haaland.

Mbappe, who finally joined Madrid from PSG last summer after years of speculation, was welcomed as the heir to Cristiano Ronaldo at the Bernabeu. Despite arriving on a free transfer, his current market value represents pure profit should Madrid ever entertain a sale.

Jude Bellingham continues to impress with his well-rounded midfield dominance, racking up 14 goals and 14 assists last season. Meanwhile, Vinicius’ drop to fifth (valued at €170M/$185M) reflects slight inconsistency despite 21 goals and 18 assists in 2024/25.

Surprise omissions and Premier League pride

Bukayo Saka, the jewel of Arsenal, is the lone Premier League player on the list, holding a value of €150M ($163M). His importance to both club and country, especially after a standout Euro 2024 showing for England, cements him as a rare winger with both flair and dependability.

Meanwhile, fans of Paris Saint-Germain may be shocked to find no PSG players in the top 10. The highest-ranked Parisians are far behind, with Desire Doue appearing only in 20th place.

Most valuable players in summer 2025