Lamine Yamal Tops CIES 2026 Most Valuable Players List, Dembele Surprises with Absence

Lamine Yamal has been officially named the most valuable football player in the world by the CIES Football Observatory for 2026. The young Barcelona prodigy has seen a dramatic rise in his market value over the past year, surpassing established stars like Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe. His performances on the field, combined with growing popularity off it, have made him an extraordinary asset for Barcelona.

Yamal’s breakout season included a La Liga triumph and consistent development under coach Hansi Flick. Beyond his contributions on the pitch, he has gained attention through social media, including viral content on his YouTube channel, which has further boosted his profile. CIES has valued the 18-year-old at an astonishing €343 million, far ahead of Haaland at £221 million and Mbappe at £174 million.

One of the biggest surprises in the 2026 list is the absence of Ousmane Dembele. Despite recently winning the Ballon d’Or and achieving numerous team trophies, including Ligue 1 and the Champions League, he failed to make the top 100. Analysts suggest that recurring injuries and limited appearances this season have heavily impacted his market valuation.

The list itself is dominated by young talents, signaling a focus on potential and long-term growth rather than just current accolades. Other notable names in the top rankings include Michael Olise, Florian Wirtz, Joao Neves, Arda Guler, and Pedri. Franco Mastantuono of Real Madrid stands out as the youngest player on the list at just over 18 years old, while Raphinha is the oldest at 29.

CIES’s 2026 valuation emphasizes player potential over individual trophies. Dembele’s absence illustrates how age, injuries, and future prospects can outweigh even prestigious awards like the Ballon d’Or. Meanwhile, Yamal’s meteoric rise reflects the modern football market’s focus on emerging stars capable of long-term impact.