Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all transfer budgets of clubs have taken a hit and so have the transfer values of players. Some players have kept up top-form to keep their values high while some have not been at their best and have seen their values drop. Here are the top 10 most valuable footballers in 2021.
10. Kevin De Bruyne – $111.7 Million
Age: 29
Position: Midfield
Nationality: Belgium
Club: Manchester City
We start off our list with the midfield maestro Kevin De Bruyne. He has been rallying his club Manchester City to glory this season. With the league almost in the bag, the Belgian star will have his eyes set on winning his first-ever Champions League.
9. Raheem Sterling – $111.7 Million
Age: 26
Position: Winger
Nationality: England
Club: Manchester City
De Bruyne’s clubmate, Raheem Sterling has not been at his level best this season. However, the tail-end of the season is providing the best opportunity for the English winger to go ahead and get some goals in the Champions League and win his club their first ever CL.
8. Sadio Mane – $111.7 Million
Age: 29
Position: Winger
Nationality: Senegal
Club: Liverpool
One-half of Liverpool’s African wing duo, Sadio Mane, has been below par this season, to say the least. Compared to a prolific last season with 22 goals in all competitions and the Premier League triumph, Mane has not lived up to the expectations this season.
7. Trent Alexander Arnold – $111.7 Million
Age: 22
Position: Right Back
Nationality: England
Club: Liverpool
The first and only defender on our list is Liverpool’s young right-back, Trent Alexander Arnold. Not at his best this season, just like his clubmate Mane. Weak performances have shown in the club’s performance as they will go trophyless this season.
6. Jadon Sancho – $111.7 Million
Age: 21
Position: Winger
Nationality: England
Club: Borussia Dortmund
After a very average start to a season where he was expected to perform (after the Transfer Saga involving Manchester United), Jadon Sancho picked up form midway. He has 12 goals and 16 assists in all competitions this season.
5. Neymar – $123 Million
Age: 29
Position: Winger
Nationality: Brazil
Club: Paris Saint Germain
The Brazilian star, Neymar, has had a great season. With 14 goals and nine assists in all competitions, Neymar is set to play the Champions League semi-finals and also sees his team within touching distance to win the Ligue 1.
4. Mohamed Salah – $123 Million
Age: 28
Position: Winger
Nationality: Egypt
Club: Liverpool
The other half of Liverpool’s African winger duo, Mohamed Salah, is having another prolific season in front of the goal even though his club is not having a good season. He has already scored 20 goals in the league and is just behind Harry Kane in the Golden Boot race.
3. Erling Haaland – $123 Million
Age: 20
Position: Striker
Nationality: Norway
Club: Borussia Dortmund
The youngest player on our list, Norway’s Erling Haaland burst onto the scene last year with his deadly finishing skills. This year he has not disappointed while playing for his new club Dortmund. He has scored 37 goals and given 11 assists in all competitions this season.
2. Harry Kane – $134.1 Million
Age: 27
Position: Striker
Nationality: England
Club: Tottenham Hotspurs
Harry Kane is having one of his best seasons in the league as he tops the charts for both goals scored (21) and assisted (13). However, just like it has been for him at Tottenham, he is on course to having another trophyless season. He may leave in the summer, we have to wait and watch.
1. Kylian Mbappe – $178.76 Million
Age: 22
Position: Centre-Forward
Nationality: France
Club: Paris Saint Germain
Who else but the young World Cup winner to be the most valuable footballer in 2021. Kylian Mbappe has had another emphatic season with 37 goals and 10 assists in all competitions. His Champions League dream, which was quashed last season by Bayern Munich, is still alive this season. PSG are the favorites to win it and Mbappe will have to be on his best game.
