Soccer
5 Most Valuable Players Who Wear the No. 10 Jersey: Lionel Messi Fails to Make the Cut
Published3 hours ago on October 15, 2024
Barcelona and Argentina icon Lionel Messi is arguably the greatest player in the history of soccer. In his prime, he smashed records for fun, emerging as Barcelona and Argentina’s all-time leading scorer, assist-provider, and trophy winner. Now, in his late 30s, the Inter Miami star continues to make fans fall in love with the sport, one touch, one feint, one defense-piercing pass, and one goal at a time.
Messi remains the most recognizable No. 10 in the game, and he will continue to be associated with the number long after he retires. However, thanks to Father Time, he is no longer the most valuable No. 10 in the world. As per Transfermarkt, Messi is currently worth €25 million ($27.2 million), which is not enough to even earn him a place on the list of the top five most valuable No. 10s in the world.
Continue reading to meet the most valuable No. 10s out there and explore how they have fared this season.
#5 James Maddison (Tottenham Hotspur): €75 million ($81.7 million)
In fifth place, we have Tottenham Hotspur No. 10 James Maddison. According to Transfermarkt, the English playmaker is currently worth a massive €75 million ($81.7 million), making him the most valuable No. 10 in the Premier League. Maddison, 28, sees his contract with Spurs expire on June 30, 2028.
Maddison, who joined Tottenham Hotspur last summer, has enjoyed a bright start to the 2024-25 season. Playing nine games in all competitions, he has pitched in with two goals and three assists. Overall, he has played 39 games for the Lilywhites across tournaments, clocking six goals and 12 assists.
#4 Xavi Simons (RB Leipzig): €80 million ($87.1 million)
One of the most exciting young players in the world, RB Leipzig attacking midfielder Xavi Simons is worth €80 million ($87.1 million), as per Transfermarkt. Simons is currently on loan at Leipzig from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). His contract with Les Parisiens runs out on June 30, 2027.
The 21-year-old Netherlands international is an excellent dribbler, a gifted passer, and also has a knack for the spectacular. This season, he has played nine games for Leipzig, scoring twice and providing two assists. He was at Leipzig in 2023-24 as well. Simons scored 10 goals and claimed 15 assists in 43 games last term.
#3 Rafael Leao (AC Milan): €90 million ($98 million)
AC Milan left-winger Rafael Leao is the third-most valuable No. 10 in the world. As per the data from Transfermarkt, the Portugal international is worth a cool €90 million ($98 million). Leao sees his contract expire on June 30, 2028.
Leao has hit the ground running in the 2024-25 season, especially in Serie A. Since the start of the campaign, he has played seven Serie A games for Milan, scoring once and providing four assists.
Leao has been with Milan since joining from LOSC Lille in the summer of 2019. Overall, he has played 219 games for the Rossoneri, scoring 59 goals and providing 54 assists.
#2 Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan): €110 million ($119.8 million)
The only out-and-out center-forward on this list, Inter Milan frontman Lautaro Martinez is worth a staggering €110 million ($119.8 million), emerging as the most valuable No. 10 in Serie A. Martinez is one of the most important players at Inter Milan and has a long-term contract with the reigning Italian champions. The Argentine’s contract with the club does not expire until June 30, 2029.
Martinez has been firing on all cylinders since he moved from Racing Club in the summer of 2018. The two-time Serie A winner has played 290 games for the club in all competitions, scoring 132 goals and providing 46 assists. This season, he has played eight games, chipping in with three goals and three assists.
#1 Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen): €130 million ($141.6 million)
Arguably Bayer Leverkusen’s best player as they won the Bundesliga title without losing a single game in the 2023-24 season, Florian Wirtz is worth a massive €130 million ($141.6 million), making him the most valuable No. 10 in the world. The 21-year-old, who plays as an attacking midfielder, is contractually tied to Leverkusen until June 30, 2027.
Wirtz has enjoyed a strong start to the 2024-25 Bundesliga campaign. Playing six games, Wirtz has scored four goals in six games. He has also chipped in with two goals in two UEFA Champions League matches. Since joining Leverkusen in July 2020, Wirtz has played 162 games for Leverkusen’s senior team, scoring 47 goals and providing 51 assists.
