Midfielders are the heartbeat of a football team as they have to attack as well as defend. When we talk about the Top 10 Most Valuable Midfielders in World in 2025, players like Jude Bellingham, Pedri, Fede Valvede, and Rodri are the talking points. There are also young midfielders who have been impressive this season, the prime example being FC Barcelona’s Marc Casado.
Top 10 Most Valuable Midfielders in World Football
When we talk about the midfielders, we have to remember players like Paul Scholes, Andrea Pirlo, Xavi, Toni Kroos, Andrés Iniesta, Zindane, Patrick Vieira, Sergio Busquets, Kaka, Frank Lampard, and many more. Players like Kevin De Bruyne and Luka Modric are still going strong and competing against the young guns.
10. Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool FC, €90m)
When we see Liverpool’s success this season, Mac Allister has played an important role in the midfield. His ball distribution and tactical intelligence are just too good. He also chips in with goals, and his work rate is one of his prime skills.
9. Martin Odegaard (Arsenal FC, €100m)
Arsenal captain Odegaard is known for his vision and creativity, particularly when building up attacks. As a leader and a playmaker, Odegaard has played a role in Arsenal’s recent good performances. Especially, he is the backbone of Arsenal’s team.
8. Declan Rice (Arsenal FC, €110m)
Two breaktaking freekick against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League has shown what Rice can do apart for being the Defensive attributes. After moving from West Ham, Rice has established himself as a key component in Arsenal’s midfield. His defensive capabilities coupled with his leadership abilities has proven useful in many situations.
7. Pedri (FC Barcelona, €120m)
Pedri’s impact on this FC Barcelona team is unmatched. His calmness in under pressure situations is quite remarkable. In the game against Dortmund, he came off the bench and helped struggling Barcelona control the game. He is also called the spiritual successor to Iniesta more than ever.
6. Rodri (Manchester City, €130m)
The first ever defensive midfielder to win the Ballon d’Or. Rodri played an important role in Spain’s Euro 2024 winning campaign. He is known for his passing abilities and long-range shots, and his tactical awareness is unmatched.
5. Federico Valverde (Real Madrid, €130m)
Fede Valverde is the engine of this Real Madrid team. His versatility makes him a great player in a host of different positional roles that can contribute defensively and offensively. Valverde has made well over 250 appearances for Real Madrid and has become a central part of Real Madrid’s domestic and European success.
4. Cole Palmer (Chelsea FC, €130m)
Since he joined Chelsea, Palmer has shown his capabilities to the world. He won the PFA Young Player of the Year award in 2024. He is the creative spark in the Chelsea team, who contributes with both goals and assists. Especially at a young age, he is one of the leaders in that Chelsea team.
3. Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich, €140.m)
Musiala is known for his free spirited dribbling and flaring style of play and has established himself as an up and coming star for Bayern Munich. His staying power and ability to find space and create goal opportunities make Musiala one of the best young players in Europe today.
2. Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen, €140m)
Wirtz is one of former champions of Europe, Germany’s gifted talents. He has genuine attacking talent and versatility and has made an impressive impact in the league as an attacking midfielder with creativity and composure.
Since debuting for Bayer Leverkusen at 17, Wirtz has played over 130 appearances and scored around 30 goals, quickly catching the attention of many top European clubs, including Bayern Munich.
1. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid, €180m)
At only 21 years old, Bellingham has already established himself as a go-to figure at Real Madrid with his leadership qualities, positional play, and ability to deliver in crucial moments.
In his debut season, Bellingham scored 23 goals and assisted 13, successfully contributing to a La Liga and Champions League double. Fans and pundits alike cannot help but admire Bellingham’s emotional connection and passion for the club.
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