Barcelona and Argentina legend Lionel Messi is widely regarded as one of the greatest soccer players of all time. Throughout his career, he has broken numerous records and established himself as the leading scorer, assist-provider, and trophy winner for both Barcelona and Argentina. Even in his late 30s, Messi continues to captivate fans with his skill and artistry on the field.
While Messi is undoubtedly the most iconic No. 10 in the game, his market value has decreased with age. According to Transfermarkt, Messi is currently valued at €25 million ($27.2 million), which is not enough to rank him among the top five most valuable No. 10s in the world.
Let’s take a look at the top five most valuable No. 10s in the world, excluding Messi:
5. James Maddison (Tottenham Hotspur): Valued at €75 million ($81.7 million), James Maddison has been a standout player for Tottenham Hotspur since joining the club. With two goals and three assists in nine games this season, Maddison has been a key contributor to Spurs’ success.
4. Xavi Simons (RB Leipzig): Worth €80 million ($87.1 million), Xavi Simons is a highly talented attacking midfielder currently on loan at RB Leipzig from Paris Saint-Germain. Known for his dribbling skills and playmaking abilities, Simons has made a significant impact at Leipzig.
3. Rafael Leao (AC Milan): Valued at €90 million ($98 million), Rafael Leao has been a key player for AC Milan, particularly in Serie A. With one goal and four assists in seven league games this season, Leao has proven to be a valuable asset for the Rossoneri.
2. Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan): With a market value of €110 million ($119.8 million), Lautaro Martinez is a prolific striker who has played a crucial role in Inter Milan’s success. Scoring three goals and providing three assists in eight games this season, Martinez continues to impress with his performance on the field.
1. Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen): The most valuable No. 10 in the world, Florian Wirtz is worth a staggering €130 million ($141.6 million). Known for his exceptional talent and creativity, Wirtz played a key role in Bayer Leverkusen’s unbeaten Bundesliga campaign in the 2023-24 season.
In conclusion, while Lionel Messi may no longer be the most valuable No. 10 in the world, there are several talented players who have stepped up to fill that void. Each of the top five most valuable No. 10s brings their own unique skill set and contribution to their respective teams, showcasing the depth of talent in the world of soccer.