No Mbappé, Wirtz or Saka - The most valuable starting XI in this season's Champions League

The Champions League is considered by many football fans and players alike to be the pinnacle of sporting achievement in football and in many ways surpassing all domestic success and even the glory of winning a World Cup. Much of that is down to the history and prestige of the European competition or the sheer amount of money that the tournament makes from advertising and television deals. But for most, the reason the Champions League outweighs all other competitions in football is simply because it's where the world can watch all of the best players in the world lock horns and compete to be called the very best in the continent. And a quick glance at the market values of Europe’s most valuable players would certainly underline that point. 

Among the top 50 most valuable players in world football at this moment in time, only eight players will not play any role in Europe’s premiere competition, with the highest valued among them being Chelsea star Cole Palmer. And there’s little doubt that the England international and his team mates at Stamford Bridge will be doing all they can to ensure qualification for next year’s tournament. But which Champions League contenders finish above all others in their respective positions? Let’s take a look at the list of world class players in this season’s tournament and see which ones make our all-star starting XI for this year’s Champions League. 

Which players make up the most valuable starting XI in the Champions League? 

As we can see in the graphic above, which displays the most valuable starting XI from teams competing in the Champions League this season, the 11 players in question have a staggering combined market value of €1.34 billion. At the top of the formation is Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, valued at €200 million, indicating his immense importance and status as one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe. Alongside him in attack is Real Madrid’s Vinícius Jr., also valued at €200m, and Lamine Yamal of Barcelona, valued at €150m, highlighting the quality and high market value of forwards in this season’s competition. In midfield, Jude Bellingham from Real Madrid stands out with a valuation of €180m, following his exceptional performances since joining the Spanish club. He is accompanied by Federico Valverde, another Madrid player valued at €130m, and Rodri from Manc City, who is also valued at €130m. This midfield trio exemplifies a blend of technical skill, physicality, and tactical awareness, qualities that make them indispensable for their respective clubs. And would be more or less unstoppable to beat, if they all played together in this hypothetical team. The defence features high-value players with Josko Gvardiol from Man City, valued at €75m, at left-back, alongside Ruben Dias from the same club at €80m, showcasing Man City’s significant investment in defensive talent. William Saliba from Arsenal, valued at €80m, joins Dias in the middle of the pitch, alongside Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold at €70m rounding out the backline. Between the posts is Borussia Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel completing the lineup, valued at €40m, and a testament to his solid performances and potential. 

Which Champions League stars missed out on the most valuable starting XI?

When we take another look at the list of most valuable players in the Champions League this season, we can see some notable omissions from our starting XI. The most obvious ones are Kylian Mbappé and Phil Foden, who both enjoyed impressive market values of €180m and €150m respectively. The only reason both forward players didn’t make the cut is simply because Mbappé’s market value is €20m less than Haaland’s, while Foden is older than Yamal and drops below him in the pecking order, despite having an identical market value. To no great surprise, a number of world class forwards also didn’t make the cut simply because they aren’t the most valuable players in the world in their specific positions, such as Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka (€140m), Florian Wirtz (€130m) of Bayer Leverkusen or Bayern Munich star Jamal Musiala (€130m). However, impressive performances in this season’s tournament and perhaps even a winners medal at the end of the campaign could ensure a spot on the starting XI come May.