Manchester City striker Erling Haaland heads the list of the most valuable footballers yet to play at a FIFA World Cup, according to Transfermarkt.
The Norway international currently holds a market value of €200m, placing him €60m clear of any other player on the ranking.
Liverpool duo Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz are tied in second place, each valued at €140m.
Nigeria forward Victor Osimhen sits just behind the trio with a market value of €120m, while Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard completes the top five with the same valuation.
Dominik Szoboszlai rounds off the top 10 at €100m, Jan Oblak at €100m, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia at €90m, Marc-André ter Stegen at €90m and Luis Diaz at €85m.
Osimhen’s position on the list highlights the growing frustration around Nigeria’s absence from recent World Cup tournaments.
The Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2026 edition after losing the continental play-off final to DR Congo in November, extending their World Cup drought after missing the 2022 tournament.
Several Nigerian stars are yet to experience football’s biggest stage, including Samuel Chukwueze, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Calvin Bassey, Victor Boniface and Ola Aina.
Osimhen’s absence is not a reflection of his ability. Since making his senior debut in June 2017, the striker has developed into Nigeria’s leading attacking figure and one of the country’s most prolific scorers. With 35 goals in 46 appearances, he is already Nigeria’s second-highest goalscorer and is closing in on Rashidi Yekini’s long-standing record.
He also played a central role in recent Africa Cup of Nations campaigns and was crowned African Footballer of the Year in 2023. For now, a World Cup appearance remains the major gap in an otherwise remarkable international career.
