*This content was translated by AI.
Analysts estimate that Lamine Yamal (19, FC Barcelona) and Erling Haaland (26, Manchester City) each have a market value reaching as high as €220 million (approximately 371 billion won).
According to the German football transfer specialist site Transfermarkt's updated market values released on the 23rd (Korean time), reflecting results from the 2026 FIFA North American World Cup, Yamal and Haaland saw their market values rise consecutively from €200 million (approximately 337.1 billion won) to €220 million immediately after the tournament. This marks a new all-time record for highest market value under Transfermarkt's standards.
The media noted, "Haaland led Norway to the quarterfinals. He recorded seven goals and one assist in five matches during the tournament, and has an astonishing tally of 62 goals in 52 senior international caps for the Norwegian national team." It further added, "With over 28 million social media followers, it is only natural that Haaland is evaluated as the world's most valuable player."
It continued, "The other player valued at €220 million is Yamal. Although he managed just one goal and one assist in this World Cup without delivering standout performances, his career achievements of winning both the World Cup and the European Championship (Euro 2024) by age 19 have contributed to elevating his market value."
Following them, the third-highest valued player globally was Kylian Mbappé (28, Real Madrid). His market value, which once reached €200 million in 2018, had previously dropped as low as €160 million (approximately 269.5 billion won), but recently returned to €200 million following the World Cup.
Additionally, Michael Olise (Bayern Munich) at €170 million (approximately 286.4 billion won) and Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid) at €160 million (approximately 269.5 billion won) rounded out the top five.
The player whose market value increased the most after the World Cup was England national team's Elliott Anderson (24, Manchester City). His value rose by an additional €35 million (approximately 59 billion won), reaching €110 million (approximately 185.3 billion won) in less than two months from €75 million (approximately 126.4 billion won) last June.
Due to the Korean national team's early exit in the group stage of the tournament, no player saw their market value rise after the World Cup. Conversely, no player experienced a decrease in market value either, which aligns with the media's convention of not downward-adjusting players' market values immediately after a tournament based solely on poor performance or results.
Currently, the highest-valued player on the Korean national team is Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain), who is set to transfer to Atlético Madrid, with a market value of €28 million (approximately 47.2 billion won).
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*This content was translated by AI.
