Top 10 most valuable players shaping the 2025/26 LaLiga season
LaLiga’s top 10 most expensive players in 2025. Photo Credit- Transfermarkt
As the 2025/26 LaLiga season begins, the Spanish top flight continues to cement its status as a global hub for football’s brightest talents. According to Transfermarkt’s latest market value rankings, LaLiga boasts four of the world’s five most valuable players, a testament to the league’s ability to nurture and attract superstars. From teenage prodigies to established global icons, the top 10 most valuable players in LaLiga, led by Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal at €200 million, represent a blend of youthful exuberance and seasoned brilliance. This piece is set to explore the stories, performances, and potential of these priceless gems, and how they’re set to define LaLiga’s future.
Lamine Yamal (€200M)
At just 18, Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal has rewritten the record books, becoming the first Spanish player to command a €200 million market value. The winger’s meteoric rise began two years ago, and his 2024/25 season; 18 goals and 25 assists in 55 games propelled him to global stardom. Leading Spain to the European Championship and Barcelona to the LaLiga title, Yamal’s flair, vision, and composure is like a false representation of his age. His recent contract extension to 2031 shows how important he his to Barcelona’s project under Hansi Flick. With no signs of slowing down, Yamal is not just LaLiga’s most valuable player but a symbol of its future.
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Jude Bellingham (€180M)
Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham, valued at €180 million, is the heartbeat of a star-studded squad. The 22-year-old Englishman, who CIES Football Observatory crowned the world’s most valuable player at €251.4 million in January 2025, continues to thrive under Xabi Alonso’s tutelage. Bellingham’s versatility; blending defensive grit, creative passing, and goal-scoring prowess has made him indispensable. His standout performances in LaLiga and the Champions League have drawn comparisons to Zinedine Zidane, and his leadership on and off the pitch signals a long reign at the top. As Real Madrid chase another title, Bellingham’s influence will be pivotal.
Kylian Mbappe (€180M)
Kylian Mbappe’s move to Real Madrid was the transfer saga of the decade, and the 26-year-old Frenchman has begun to justify his €180 million valuation. After a rocky start in 2024/25, Mbappe found his stride, clinching the LaLiga Golden Boot with a world-class goal-scoring record. His blistering pace and clinical finishing remain unmatched, though integrating with teammates like Vinicius Junior has been a work in progress. With Alonso demanding more defensive work, Mbappe’s evolution could see him challenge Yamal for the top spot by season’s end.
Vinicius Junior (€170M)
Despite a €30 million drop from his peak €200 million valuation, Vinicius Junior remains a cornerstone of Real Madrid’s attack at €170 million. The 25-year-old Brazilian’s electric dribbling and flair were less consistent in 2024/25, partly due to Mbappe’s arrival disrupting his role. Still, his flashes of brilliance in the Champions League reminded fans of his potential. According to critics, for a player of his class, he was just not good enough last season, but with a new campaign under Alonso, Vinicius is set for a resurgence. His battle with Yamal for LaLiga’s wing supremacy will be one to watch.
Pedri (€140M)
Barcelona’s Pedri, valued at €140 million, is back to his best after injury-plagued seasons. The 22-year-old midfielder’s €20 million value increase reflects his stellar 2024/25 campaign, where his silky passing and tactical intelligence anchored Barcelona’s title charge. Often compared to Andres Iniesta, Pedri’s ability to dictate tempo and unlock defenses makes him a linchpin for Flick’s side. With a fully fit season ahead, the Canary Islander could elevate Barcelona’s midfield to new heights, especially in big matches like El Clasico.
Federico Valverde (€130M)
Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde, at €130 million, is the unsung hero of their midfield. The 27-year-old Uruguayan’s relentless work rate, long-range passing, and thunderous strikes have made him a fan favourite. Valverde’s consistency; he played every LaLiga game last season sets him apart, and his role as a box-to-box dynamo complements Bellingham and Mbappe perfectly. As Real Madrid aim to reclaim the title, Valverde’s stamina and versatility will be crucial in Alonso’s high-pressing system.Julian Alvarez (€100M)
Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez, valued at €100 million, has brought a new dimension to Diego Simeone’s side. The 25-year-old Argentine, a World Cup winner, combines clinical finishing with tireless pressing, fitting seamlessly into Atletico’s gritty ethos. His €10 million value increase reflects his impact since joining from Manchester City, with 12 goals in his debut LaLiga season. Alvarez’s duel with Mbappe in Madrid derbies promises fireworks, and his rising stock could see him climb higher on this list by 2026.
Raphinha (€90M)
Raphinha’s €90 million valuation marks a €10 million rise, rewarding his renaissance under Flick. The 28-year-old Brazilian winger, once on the fringes at Barcelona, delivered double-digit goals and assists in 2024/25, silencing doubters. His direct running and improved decision-making have made him a vital cog in Barcelona’s attack alongside Yamal. Fans on social have hailed Raphinha’s “infallible” form, and his synergy with Pedri could make Barcelona’s right flank a nightmare for defenses.
Rodrygo (€90M)
Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, also valued at €90 million, faces a defining season. The 24-year-old Brazilian’s €10 million value drop reflects a lackluster 2024/25, where he struggled for consistency amid Mbappe’s arrival. According to critics, Rodrygo hasn’t met expectations for a €100 million player, yet his Champions League cameos showed glimpses of his potential. With Alonso’s attacking system offering a fresh start, Rodrygo’s pace and versatility could see him reclaim his spark, or face transfer rumors by summer.
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Pau Cubarsi (€80M)
At 18, Barcelona’s Pau Cubarsi rounds out the top 10 with an €80 million valuation. The young centre-back’s composure, ball-playing and defensive ability have drawn comparisons to Gerard Pique. His €10 million value increase reflects his breakout 2024/25 season, where he anchored Barcelona’s backline en route to the title. Cubarsi’s inclusion in the world’s most valuable XI underscores his potential, and his partnership with Ronald Araujo will be key to Barcelona’s trophy aspirations.
Conclusion
LaLiga’s dominance in the global market is striking, with six of the world’s most valuable XI hailing from Spain’s top flight, according to Score90. Real Madrid (€1.4 billion) and Barcelona (€1.13 billion) boast the league’s priciest squads, but Atletico Madrid’s rise, driven by Alvarez, shows the competition’s depth. Emerging talents like Villarreal’s Alex Baena (€55M) and Athletic Bilbao’s Mikel Jauregizar (€30M) further highlight LaLiga’s ability for producing stars.
The 2025/26 season, kicking off with fixtures like Real Madrid vs CA Osasuna and Barcelona vs RCD Mallorca, promises to showcase these players’ brilliance. Whether it’s Yamal’s wizardry, Bellingham’s leadership, or Mbappe’s goals, LaLiga’s top 10 most valuable players are not just numbers, they’re the heartbeat of a league that continues to captivate the world. As fans eagerly await the opening whistle, one thing is clear: LaLiga’s priceless gems are ready to shine.
