Surprises in the most expensive XI of each European league

The value of football players fluctuates each season due to various factors such as age, previous season performance, and club transfers. Emerging talents often see their market value soar exponentially, while players nearing the end of their careers experience a decline in value.

As the new season approaches, the top stars are gearing up to perform each week. Europe continues to attract the world’s most talented players, leading to high-value squads in the major leagues. According to Transfermarkt, here is the most expensive starting eleven from each of the five most followed competitions:

The Most Expensive Eleven in LaLiga EA SPORTS

LaLiga has acquired one of the most valuable footballers globally, Kylian Mbappé, who is valued at €180 million. He joins an elite group alongside Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham, who also have high market valuations.

Although Spanish clubs invest less in the transfer market compared to other European leagues, they still manage to attract top talent. Mbappé has joined Real Madrid at no transfer fee, and Atlético de Madrid are making headlines with the acquisitions of Julián Álvarez, Le Normand and Sørloth.

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LaLiga and the Premier League have long competed for the title of the best football competition in Europe. In Spain, the most valuable eleven players are worth a combined total of €1.123 billion, making it the second most valuable lineup.

Real Madrid dominate this lineup with six players: Militão, Tchouaméni, and Camavinga (who share the same valuation and position), along with Bellingham, Valverde, Vinícius, and Mbappé. Barcelona are represented by three players: Araújo, Balde, and Lamine Yamal. Atlético de Madrid and Valencia complete the eleven with Nahuel Molina and Mamardashvili, respectively.

The most expensive XI in the Premier League

The financial power of English Premier League clubs is formidable. The English market is known for its substantial investment in strengthening squads, with many deals occurring within the league itself, creating a closed-loop system that facilitates the frequent movement of players.

Nevertheless, the “Big Six” teams continue to spend heavily on international talent, exemplified by Manchester United’s acquisitions of Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt. Manchester City stand out as particularly dominant in the market, having recently confirmed the sale of Julián Álvarez for €75 million, plus an additional €10 million in performance-related add-ons.

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Manchester City and Arsenal, the top two teams from the previous season, dominate the starting XI almost entirely, with the exception of the right-back position, which is filled by Liverpool’s Alexander-Arnold. City’s Norwegian striker Erling Haaland shares the title of the world’s highest-rated player with Bellingham, Vinícius, and Mbappé. The Premier League’s starting XI is valued at €1.175 billion, making it the most expensive lineup.

The most expensive XI in the Bundesliga

Bayern Munich’s decade-long dominance has been challenged by a Bayer Leverkusen side masterfully managed by Xabi Alonso. After securing eleven consecutive titles, Bayern have now seen their crown taken by the Spaniard and his side.

Two seasons ago, Borussia Dortmund came close to dethroning Bayern on the final matchday, but this year, the moment has finally arrived for Leverkusen. With 25 wins in 29 games, 4 draws, no defeats, and 79 points—16 ahead of both Bayern and Stuttgart—Leverkusen achieved a perfect season.

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This achievement has led to Bayern Munich losing ground in the Bundesliga’s most valuable starting eleven. For eleven years, this lineup has been dominated by players from the champions, but this year sees more variety.

Despite this shift, six players from Kompany’s team still make the list: Kobel from Borussia Dortmund; Tapsoba, Frimpong, and Wirtz from Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen; and Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig. The Bundesliga’s most valuable starting eleven is now worth €815 million.

The most expensive XI in Serie A

The Italian league has seen a shift in dominance and is currently experiencing a period of intense competition for top spot. Juventus previously led the race, winning nine consecutive titles from the 2011-12 season to the 2019-20 season. Inter Milan ended that streak in the 2020-21 season, and since then, Milan, Napoli, and Inter have each claimed the title.

This heightened competitiveness means no single team dominates the starting eleven. Instead, the lineup features players from six different clubs: three from Milan, three from Inter, two from Juventus, and one each from Fiorentina, Atalanta, and Napoli.

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Inter Milan star Lautaro Martínez, who won the World Cup with Argentina, is the player with the highest market value in Serie A. His valuation of €110 million surpasses the €100 million mark that Victor Osimhen managed last season. The combined value of the eleven most expensive players in Serie A is €675 million.

The most expensive XI in Ligue 1

The French league is currently undergoing a period of talent exodus. PSG has seen the departure of all their stars, including Messi, Neymar, and, most recently, Mbappé, who moved to Real Madrid this summer.

Despite these losses, PSG still dominates the lineup of the most valuable players, with ten of the top positions held by their former players. The only exception is Jonathan David from Lille, who remains in the lineup.

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The loss of talent has resulted in no player in Ligue 1 being valued at more than €100 million, with Zaïre Emery and Achraf Hakimi being the most valuable players at €60 million each. Consequently, Ligue 1 now has the lowest-valued starting eleven among the five major European leagues, with a total value of €570 million.