Value by position

The most valuable strikers and forwards in the world

By the Transfer Tracker Data Desk · Updated 17 October 2026

Most valuable forward: Lamine Yamal · Top 10 combined: €1.68bn

Goals are the scarcest, most expensive commodity in football, and it shows: forwards dominate the overall value charts. These are the game's most valuable attackers, led by Lamine Yamal at €230m, each linked to a full profile with live transfer intelligence.

How this ranking is put together

Every forward and winger in our database, ranked on current market value. Positions are read from each player’s registered role, so out-and-out strikers sit alongside wide forwards who play off the last line.

Who is the most valuable striker in the world?

Lamine Yamal is the most valuable forward in world football, valued at €230m.

Why are forwards worth more than defenders?

Goals decide matches and are the rarest, least reproducible skill in the sport, so the market has always paid the highest fees for the players who provide them. The most expensive transfers in history are almost all attackers.

More rankings

• The most valuable football players in the world
• The best young players in the world (under 21)
• The transfers most likely to happen right now

See the full ranking, updated live. Open on transfertracker.ai