Most expensive players XI in football: Updated for 2023

Most expensive players XI in football: 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: 

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Most expensive players in the world XI updated for 2023

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: Achraf Hakimi (PSG) €68 million

The Moroccan made the move from Inter Milan to PSG for a massive €80 million fee, eclipsing the previous record set for Joao Cancelo. Hakimi has been consistent since his arrival at the French club, and is among the best right-backs in the world right now.

CB: Harry Maguire (Man Utd) €87 million 

The former Manchester United captain was signed from Leicester City for a record fee, but failed to live up to his price tag. He has now been stripped of the club’s captaincy, and has been demoted to a rotational option with Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez the first-choice central defenders at the club right now.

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 has since made the move to Bayern Munich from the Bianconeri, and remains one of the top central defenders in the world.

LB: Marc Cucurella (Chelsea) – €65.3 million

After only one season with Brighton, Chelsea swooped in to sign the Spaniard for a record fee worth €65.3 million. Cucurella has been competing with Ben Chilwell for playing time, and has not quite been able to dispose the England international as the first-choice option on the left side of defense yet.

CM: Declan Rice (Arsenal) €116.6 million

The former West Ham United captain is now the most expensive British player of all-time, with a record move to Arsenal for €116.6 million. The defensive midfielder was one of the most sought-after names in the Premier League, and has now secured one of the most expensive transfers of all-time.

CM: Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea) €121 million

After earning the best young player award at the 2022 World Cup, Enzo Fernandez made a club record move to Chelsea from Benfica during the January 2023 transfer window. The Argentine has signed an eight-year contract with the Blues, and is expected to be a vital part of their future.

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. After initially struggling to replicate his form, he has now grown into the starting option for Pep Guardiola and has won the treble with the Sky Blues as well.

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. 

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