CIES List: Mbappe, Vinicius, and Haaland top list; but how many Nigerians make top 100?

Nigeria arguably has the best talent on the African continent, but it failed to reflect in the last football observatory by the International Centre for Sports Studies (CIES)

The International Centre for Sports Studies(CIES) has released a report on the 100 most expensive footballers. Paris Saint-German superstar Kylian Mbappe tops the list with a valuation of €205.6million, while Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jnr. and Manchester City’s Erling Haaland complete the top three at €185.3million and €152.5million respectively.

The English Premier League makes up 41% of the list, with Manchester City the club with the most players-12. Record Balon d’Or winners Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi failed to make the list. And the reason is not far-fetched, as both are aging and their returns are diminishing.

However, only two African players made the top 100. Egypt’s Mohammed Salah and Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen were the only two players in the top 100. In fact, Osimhen is ranked 97th, with a valuation of €51million.

Barcelona defender Sergino Dest, Lille striker Jonathan Davies, Timo Werner, Yeremi Pino, and Donyell Malen are just some of the players ranked above Osimhen.

The values of the players are calculated by age, contract duration, performances on the pitch, economic impact, inflation, progression of the career, and international status.