Manchester City and Norway star Erling Haaland has experienced a significant increase in his market value following his participation in the FIFA World Cup this summer. According to Transfermarkt, the 26-year-old is now recognized as the joint-most valuable player in world football, sharing the top spot with Lamine Yamal at a valuation of €220 million. Kylian Mbappe follows in third place with a value of €200 million.
Haaland’s rise in valuation stems from his instrumental role in guiding Norway to the quarter-finals of the tournament. This marked the first time the striker competed in the quadrennial event, as Norway had not qualified for the competition since 1998. Throughout his five appearances, Haaland scored seven goals, finding the net in each of his first four games. His most notable performance occurred during the Round of 16, where his two goals secured a victory against Brazil, eliminating the five-time champions. Norway’s tournament run eventually concluded in the quarter-finals following a 2-1 defeat to England.
Currently under contract with Manchester City until 2034, Haaland joined the club in 2022 for a €60 million fee, which triggered his release clause from Borussia Dortmund. Due to his extended involvement in the World Cup, the striker has been granted additional time off. Consequently, he was omitted from Manchester City’s squad for their pre-season tour in Asia, missing matches against Inter Milan, a K-League All-Star XI, and Atletico Madrid. The club anticipates that Haaland and other players who reached the later stages of the tournament will rejoin the squad ahead of their Community Shield match against Arsenal on August 16, where manager Enzo Maresca will look to secure his first piece of silverware.
