Yamal, Mbappe others as 2024/25 Season most valuable players
Yamal of Barcelona, Haaland of Manchester City and Mbappe of Real Madrid. Photo Credit- MSN
The 2024/25 football season has showcased five of the world’s most valuable players: Lamine Yamal (€200M), Jude Bellingham (€180M), Erling Haaland (€180M), Kylian Mbappe (€180M), and Vinicius Jr (€170M) each delivering standout performances that justify their elite valuations. From Yamal’s record-breaking heroics at Barcelona to Haaland’s relentless goal-scoring at Manchester City, these stars have shaped their clubs’ campaigns and set the stage for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. This piece is set to explore their 2024/25 season performances and achievements, highlighting their impact on club and international stages.
1. Lamine Yamal (€200M, Barcelona)
At just 17, Lamine Yamal has solidified his status as the world’s most valuable player, with a market value of €200 million (Transfermarkt) and up to €402.3 million (CIES). His 2024/25 season with Barcelona and Spain has been exceptional, leading Barcelona to the 2024/25 La Liga title and earning individual accolades. Yamal’s flair, dribbling, and maturity have drawn comparisons to legends like Lionel Messi, and his leadership at such a young age is unprecedented.
Yamal’s season was defined by his ability to influence games as a right winger, combining pace, vision, and finishing. His 4.6 successful dribbles per match rank him among the elite, and his 13 assists in La Liga led the competition. His standout performances, including a goal and assist in Barcelona’s 4-0 El Clasico win over Real Madrid, cemented his reputation as a game-changer. Despite his youth, Yamal played 6,859 minutes across all competitions, raising concerns about workload, but his consistency and injury-free season highlight his durability. His €1 billion release clause reflects Barcelona’s commitment to retaining their La Masia gem. Hence Yamal isn’t in the list 6 football’s most valuable players for money alone but also for team work.
2. Jude Bellingham (€180M, Real Madrid)
Jude Bellingham, aged 22, continued to be a cornerstone for Real Madrid in 2024/25, as such he is second in the list of most valuable players in football currently. Though his goal-scoring dipped compared to his debut 2023/24 season. His versatility as a midfielder, transitioning from a goal-scoring No. 10 to a tough-tackling No. 8, earned him praise despite Real Madrid’s struggles with injuries and squad integration. His market value of €180 million reflects his leadership and impact.
Bellingham’s season was marked by adaptation to a deeper midfield role following Kylian Mbappe’s arrival, reducing his shots taken but increasing his defensive contributions. His 18 goal involvements in fewer minutes than Mbappe (over 200 minutes less) highlight his efficiency. However, criticism arose due to Real Madrid’s inconsistent season, with a reported bust-up with teammate Antonio Rudiger reflecting squad tensions. Bellingham’s physicality and leadership make him a complete midfielder, but his lower goal tally (down from 23 in 2023/24) suggests room for growth in a more settled Real Madrid side.
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3. Erling Haaland (€180M, Manchester City)
Erling Haaland, 24, remains the world’s biggest goal-scoring machine, maintaining a €180 million valuation despite a slight drop in market value. His 2024/25 season with Manchester City saw him continue to break records, though specific match-by-match data is less comprehensive. His physicality, speed, and lethal finishing kept him among the elite, though he faced competition from older talents like Mbappe.
Haaland’s season was defined by his unmatched goal-scoring efficiency, with an estimated 0.9 goals per 90 minutes. His ability to score in crucial moments, such as hat-tricks in big matches, reinforces his reputation as a “big-game player.” However, his reliance on service from teammates like Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri (who suffered a knee injury in September 2024) occasionally limited his output. Haaland’s 37 Champions League goal contributions before age 22 outpace Bellingham and Mbappe, but his lack of international tournament exposure slightly dims his global impact compared to Mbappe or Yamal.
4. Kylian Mbappe (€180M, Real Madrid)
Kylian Mbappe, 26, joined Real Madrid from Paris Saint-Germain in 2024, fulfilling a long-pursued transfer. His debut season in La Liga was prolific, with a record-breaking goal tally for a Real Madrid debutant, but his integration into the squad faced challenges at the start of the season. His €180 million valuation reflects his elite status, though he trails Yamal in market value.
Mbappe’s speed, dribbling, and clinical finishing made him a standout, with a hat-trick in a 4-3 El Clasico defeat showcasing his big-game mentality. However, his adaptation to Real Madrid’s system under Carlo Ancelotti was rocky, with tactical discipline issues noted by analysts. His €20 million valuation drop (from €200M) only shows the poor form Real Madrid had in the 2024/25 season, finishing behind Barcelona in La Liga and losing to Arsenal in the UCL quarter finals. Mbappe’s over 35 goal involvements in his debut season are impressive, but his inability to outshine Yamal in key moments, like Euro 2024, the 2025 Nations League slightly tarnished his campaign.
5. Vinicius Jr (€170M, Real Madrid)
Vinicius Jr, 24, won the FIFA The Best 2024 award, voted by national team captains and fans, but his 2024/25 season was marred by a late-season dip in form, leading to a €30 million valuation drop (from €200M). His pace and dribbling remained elite, but he struggled to match his 2023/24 output (24 goals, 11 assists).
Vinicius Jr’s direct style and ability to beat defenders remained a cornerstone of Real Madrid’s attack, but his three La Liga goals in the second half of the season were a stark decline from his earlier form. His synergy with Mbappe was inconsistent, and Real Madrid’s injury crisis (e.g., David Alaba, Thibaut Courtois) impacted his service. Despite this, his 22 goal involvements and FIFA The Best award reflect his global standing, though Yamal’s emergence and Bellingham’s consistency outshone him in 2024/25.
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Conclusion
With Yamal, Bellingham, Haaland, Mbappe and Vinicius as most valuable players in 2025, this reveals a change in football’s economy. So gone and about to be lost are the days and times of Ronaldo and Messi. The time belongs to this young stars who consistently light up the football world and also the time to give them their flowers for their impact on the team.
