Summary
England is the most valuable international football team, with a golden generation of youthful talent delivering consistent results on the global stage.
France, the 2018 World Cup victors, has a star-studded lineup and a track record of developing world-class players.
Norway, Nigeria, and Senegal are also among the top 30 most valued teams, with squads that include young, exciting talents as well as some of the world’s best players.
In the high-stakes world of international football, where nations clash and legends emerge, a team’s worth is more than a statistic. It demonstrates a country’s football competence, reflects its ability to create world-class talent, and predicts its potential to make waves on a worldwide scale.
However, it is not only about money. It’s all about the stories behind the numbers. It is about England’s golden age of young talent, France’s star-studded squad that is a force to be reckoned with, and Portugal’s mix of world-class players and promising youngsters. It’s about Brazil’s great tradition of football excellence, Germany’s football machine that continually produces top-tier talent, and Argentina’s storied team that continues to carry on a rich legacy.
But which countries have the most skill today? Transfermarkt has unveiled the world’s 30 most valuable international football teams, with three currently worth more than £1 billion each.
30-21: Most Valuable International Teams in World Football.
Rank
Team
Value
30
Mexico
£173.43m
29
Poland
£174.82m
28
Cameroon
£183.8m
27
Austria
£187.42m
26
Algeria
£205.59m
25
Serbia
£207.32m
24
Greece
£208.33m
23
Ivory Coast
£209.3m
22
Ukraine
£213.14m
21
Switzerland
£231.52m
Mexico has just into the top 30, followed by Poland, owing to the value of players such as Robert Lewandowski, one of the world’s best strikers. Cameroon trails Austria, which has talented players like David Alaba making their mark on the European arena. Algeria is then ranked 26th, with Riyad Mahrez leading the way.
Dusan Vlahovic is one of Serbia’s most valuable players, and the country currently ranks 25th, trailing only 2004 European champions Greece and Ivory Coast. There isn’t much separating them from 22nd-placed Ukraine, but there is about £20 million between the Yellow-Blue and Switzerland.
20-11: Most Valuable International Teams in World Football.
Rank
Team
Value
20
Turkey
£250.40m
19
Senegal
£251.92m
18
Croatia
£266.67m
17
Colombia
£267.68m
16
Ecuador
£276.54m
15
Uruguay
£287.24m
14
Morocco
£308.28m
13
Denmark
£334.68m
12
Norway
£424.5m
11
Belgium
£449.71m
Turkey and Senegal are in the top 20, with the former’s roster including a mix of domestic and international players like Hakan Calhanoglu and Arda Guler. Croatia, despite its great performances in international events, only finishes 18th in the world in terms of overall squad value, a situation exacerbated by Luka Modric’s continuous deterioration. They do, however, have Josko Gvardiol, one of the most promising young defenders in international football.
Colombia behind their South American rivals Ecuador, with players like Moises Caicedo and Willian Pacho adding value to their roster due to price inflation. Uruguayan football is also in excellent shape, as seen by its £287.24 million valuation, as is Moroccan football, which boasts players such as 2024 Champions League winner Achraf Hakimi. If Rasmus Hojlund continues to improve at Manchester United – or elsewhere if reports are to be accepted – the overall worth of Denmark’s national squad is likely to climb as well. However, they are currently trailing Norway and Belgium, both of which benefit greatly from the high market value of a small number of stars.
10Sweden
Estimated market value: £454.77m
When you have two of the hottest number nines in international football representing your country, it is simple to see your value increase. Sweden has a history of producing top strikers, such Henrik Larsson and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but the current stars are Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres.
The Newcastle United and Sporting CP talents are widely expected to leave their present clubs, with Arsenal previously interested in both and Manchester United currently dominating the hunt for Gyokeres. Nonetheless, their reputation and value have been critical to Sweden’s climb up the valuation scale.
Belgium: Squad Statistics
Confederation
UEFA
Squad Size
34
Average age.
25.8
Market Value
£454.77m
The average market value of players
£13.38m
Most valuable member
Alexander Isak – £101.17 million
9Germany
Estimated market value: £553.92m
Germany, a four-time World Cup victor, will always be a force in international football due to its lengthy history of legends and success in big events. Some fans and commentators believe Die Mannschaft’s finest days are behind them, but with Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala excelling for club and country, the team remains a force to be reckoned with.
Their team, which includes experienced stars like Joshua Kimmich as well as emerging prospects like Wirtz and Musiala, demonstrates the strength of their football infrastructure, which will never falter. Their high worth of £553.92 million reflects their consistent performance at the highest levels.
Germany: Squad Statistics
Confederation
UEFA
Squad Size
24
Average age.
28.3
Market Value
£553.92m
The average market value of players
£23.08m
Most valuable member
Florian Wirtz – £118 million
8Netherlands
Estimated market value: £609.13m
The Netherlands, recognized for their appealing form of ‘Total Football’ created by the famous Johan Cruyff, has returned to the world’s top. Virgil van Dijk, Matthijs de Ligt, and Frenkie de Jong are all becoming experienced players of their squad, which is valued a staggering £609.13 million.
What makes Oranje’s future unique is the plethora of young players who are now rising through the ranks and demonstrating their potential to play first-team football at the club level. Ryan Gravenberch – their most valuable member – and Xavi Simons come to mind. With a new generation of talents emerging on the world scene, Dutch football is once again generating headlines.
Netherlands – Squad Statistics
Confederation
UEFA
Squad Size
23
Average age.
27.2
Market Value
£609.13m
The average market value of players
£26.48m
Most valuable member
Ryan Gravenberch – £63.23 million.
7Italy
Estimated market value: £613.36m
The reigning European Champions, Italy, are in eighth place. The European country boasts a squad that combines experience and youth in a formidable mix. Players such as Jorginho give knowledge, while Riccardo Calafiori is responsible for their youthful appearance, so the Azzurri’s high worth reflects their recent success and the strength of Italian football.
With a large majority of their stars still in their prime, Italy’s average age is well in the middle of the pack when compared to the other top ten countries. Nicolo Barella, Inter Milan’s most valuable player, will seek to be as talismanic at international level as he is in Serie A moving forward.
Italy: Squad Statistics
Confederation
UEFA
Squad Size
24
Average age.
26.2
Market Value
£613.36m
The average market value of players
£25.56m
Most valuable member
Nicolo Barella – £67.45 million.
6Argentina
Estimated market value: £631.48m
Argentina, the current world champions, are next up. The South American nation is home to football legends such as Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi, and it is one of the most famous teams in football history. Their current group, led by Messi himself, is continuing to build on this rich tradition by contending in the latter stages of major competitions.
The premium assessment of La Albiceleste, led by Lautaro Martinez, demonstrates that they are still an international heavyweight. Lionel Scaloni’s team is acclaimed for its versatility, with plenty of defenders, midfielders, and talented forwards.
Argentina: Squad Statistics
Confederation
CONMEBOL
Squad Size
29
Average age.
27.5
Market Value
£631.48m
The average market value of players
£25.39m
Most valuable member
Lautaro Martinez – £80.1 million
5Brazil
Estimated market value: £770.85m
Brazil, the country with the most World Cup titles, continues its long legacy of football brilliance. Their roster, which includes Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo, is worth a remarkable £770.85 million, and it’s a genuine monument to the Selecao Brasileira’s continual production line of world-class talent, even though they’ve already surpassed the billion-pound threshold.
One notable distinction between Carlo Ancelotti’s first Brazil squad and those of recent months is the emphasis on experience. Casemiro has returned to the squad, while Endrick, 17, has been left out. Their average age has risen from 25.6 to 27 in only the most recent call-ups.
Brazil: Squad Statistics
Confederation
CONMEBOL
Squad Size
25
Average age.
27.0
Market Value
£770.85m
The average market value of players
£30.83m
Most valuable member
Vinicius Jr – £168.62 million.
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