Spain v England: €3bn showdown brings football’s elite valuations together

Spain host England at the Metropolitano on Sunday evening in the final game of the Nations League group stage, with the combined market value of the two squads estimated at about €3bn.

According to a report by AS, the fixture resembles a footballing version of Madrid’s Cibeles fashion show, with a significant number of the game’s most prominent and highly valued players gathered at one venue.

Transfermarkt estimates the Spain squad managed by Luis de la Fuente at 1.432bn euros, while the England team coached by Thomas Tuchel is valued at 1.482.50 billion euros.

Lamine Yamal is the leading figure among the players involved after joining the Spain camp last Friday. The Barcelona forward has started the season with 13 goals and 12 assists and remains the world’s most valuable player, with a market value of €220m.

Barcelona have three other players in the match who are valued at more than €100m. Pedri is listed at €150m, Fermin at €110m and Pau Cubarsi at €100m.

England’s most valuable player is Jude Bellingham, whose recent performances have helped place his market value at €160m. Elliott Anderson, Declan Rice and Rogers are each valued at €120m, taking the number of England players above the €100m mark to four.

The goalkeeping departments also provide a notable contrast. Spain’s three goalkeepers – all included among the nominees for the Yashin Award for the world’s best goalkeeper – have a combined market value of €107m. Joan Garcia is valued at €45m, David Raya at €30m and Unai Simon at €22m.

England’s three goalkeepers are valued at less than €50m in total. Trafford is listed at €35m, Pickford at €13m, while Steele completes the group.

Pau Cubarsi is not the only highly valued defender on display. Spain’s defensive options also include Dean Huijsen, valued at €60m, and Quansah, who is worth €50m.

Age gap explains Kane-Yamal valuation divide

One of the clearest differences in market value is between Ballon d’Or winner Harry Kane and Yamal. Kane is valued at €60m, compared with €220m for the Spain forward, although the gap is largely explained by their 14-year age difference.

Yamal celebrated his 19th birthday on 13 July. Fifteen days later, Kane marked his 33rd birthday.

The combined list of leading players extends into other areas of the pitch. Full-backs Pedro Porro and Cucurella are valued at €45m and €60m respectively, while attacking midfielders Eze, Barrios and Baena are worth €60m, €70m and €45m.

Among the wide players, Nico is valued at €40m and Gordon at €80m, adding further weight to a fixture containing a notable concentration of elite market values at the Metropolitano.