Money is a big part of football in the 21st century. And, in keeping with the importance of the financial aspect of the game, we have assembled a list of the most expensive players in every position.
Here is the full line-up:
Contents
- 1 Most expensive players in the world XI
- 1.1 GK: Kepa Arrizabalaga (Chelsea) €80 million
- 1.2 RB: Joao Cancelo (Man City) €65 million
- 1.3 CB: Harry Maguire (Man Utd) €87 million
- 1.4 CB: Matthijs De Ligt (Juventus) €85.5 million
- 1.5 LB: Benjamin Mendy (Man City) €57.5 million
- 1.6 CM: Paul Pogba (Man Utd) €105 million
- 1.7 CM: James Rodriguez (Real Madrid) €75 million
- 1.8 CAM: Jack Grealish (Man City) €117 million
- 1.9 RW: Philippe Coutinho (Barcelona) €160 million
- 1.10 ST: Kylian Mbappe (PSG) €180 million
- 1.11 LW: Neymar (PSG) €222 million
Most expensive players in the world XI
GK: Kepa Arrizabalaga (Chelsea) €80 million
The Spaniard is the most expensive goalkeeper in the world and was signed after Thibaut Courtois departed for Real Madrid in the final stages of the transfer window. He has since failed to cement a starting spot with the Blues, and is currently second to Edouard Mendy.
RB: Joao Cancelo (Man City) €65 million
Although he currently features as a left-back for Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, Cancelo made the move from Juventus as a right-back. The Portuguese is among the best full-backs in the world and has shown his worth in an unfamiliar position as well.
CB: Harry Maguire (Man Utd) €87 million
The Manchester United captain was signed from Leicester City for a record fee, and has become a regular for the Red Devils at the back. Despite all the criticism he has received during his time at the club, he is among the best English defenders in the Premier League.
CB: Matthijs De Ligt (Juventus) €85.5 million
The Dutch international was signed from Ajax, after an unbelievable run in the Champions League which led them to the semi-finals in the 2018/19 season. He is still young and can become a top defender in the coming years.
LB: Benjamin Mendy (Man City) €57.5 million
The Manchester City defender was convicted on charges of sexual assault and rape and failed to live up to the hype on the pitch due to consistent injuries and poor form as well. As a result, the most expensive left-back in the world has not been a worthwhile investment, to say the least.
CM: Paul Pogba (Man Utd) €105 million
Making the move from Juventus to Manchester United, Paul Pogba has been a hit-and-miss signing for the Red Devils. He is their record signing and has been quite inconsistent with his form for the club. He has had patches of brilliance but has also had to deal with poor spells too.
CM: James Rodriguez (Real Madrid) €75 million
The Columbian joined Real Madrid from Monaco as one of the most expensive midfielders of all time. However, he failed to live up to the price tag with Los Blancos, falling victim to consistent injuries and poor form.
CAM: Jack Grealish (Man City) €117 million
Grealish became the most expensive British transfer of all time when he was signed by Manchester City from Aston Villa. But since joining the Sky Blues, he has failed to replicate the form he showed with the Midlands club.
RW: Philippe Coutinho (Barcelona) €160 million
The former Liverpool man was brought in to replace his compatriot, Neymar, at Barcelona. But, things didn’t work out for him at Camp Nou and he was sent out on loan to Bayern Munich, where he won the treble, and he is now back in the Premier League with Aston Villa.
ST: Kylian Mbappe (PSG) €180 million
The French forward made the move from Monaco to PSG for a huge fee and has lived up to the price tag with some remarkable performances. He is currently in talks to potentially extend his deal even further with the club.
LW: Neymar (PSG) €222 million
The Brazilian is the most expensive signing in the history of football, making the move from Barcelona to PSG in 2017. He has since reunited with Lionel Messi, who made the same move as a free agent this past summer.