The World Cup is right around the corner, meaning only a few days remain before fans are treated to the most coveted competition in the beautiful game. Many of the world’s best players will take center stage, but some nations are blessed with more valuable players.
A new study done by CIES Football Observatory has identified the total estimated value of each of the 32 participating countries in Russia. The numbers for each team comes from calculating the value of each squad member.
Aside from the footballer’s age and contract, the performance of the player and his respective club weigh heavily on CIES’ estimation. As a result, it comes as little surprise to see the European and South American giants top the table.
In first place is none other than France, one of the favorites for the upcoming tournament. Les Bleus’ total estimated value is $1.7bn, with Kylian Mbappe being the highest player at $220m.
In second is England, a team that is not a title-contender but boasts some of Europe’s best talents. The Three Lions’ value is calculated at $1.6bn mainly due to the values of Harry Kane ($237m) and Dele Alli ($202m).
Brazil comes in at third with a $1.5bn tag. Reigning World Cup champion miss out on the top five – the last two spots went to Spain ($1.14bn) and Argentina ($1.1bn) respectively – but die Mannschaft came in at a respectable sixth due to their rounded-up $1.1bn valuation.
Portugal ($774m) come in at eight, with Cristiano ($121m) being their most expensive commodity. Senegal ($378m), ranked 12th on this list, is the highest-valued African nation in the 2018 World Cup.
On the other end of the spectrum sit Saudi Arabia and Panama. They boast a modest value of $25m and $18m respectively. The total value of all the players headed to Russia is $15bn. Check out the top 10 in the list below.
- France: $1.7bn
- England: $1.6bn
- Brazil: $1.5bn
- Spain: $1.14bn
- Argentina: $1.1bn
- Germany: $1.1bn
- Belgium: $985m
- Portugal: $774m
- Uruguay: $624m
- Croatia: $491m
