SportsLens explores some of the cities that produce the best footballers, based on their collective market value.
This summer promises to be monumental for international football, with the highly anticipated Euros and Copa America tournaments on the horizon.
Argentina currently holds the top spot in the world rankings, with France, England, Belgium, and Brazil closely trailing. However, which cities are renowned for producing the finest football talent?
It’s important to mention that this list is solely based on the current market value of players actively playing in the sport today.
Top 10 Cities That Produce The Best Footballers
10. Amsterdam – £325.1 million
Amsterdam ranks among the top ten cities globally for nurturing football talent. One standout example is Xavi Simons, born in Amsterdam, who holds the title of the city’s most valuable player, with a staggering market value of £68.6 million.
Other notable talents from Amsterdam include Jeremie Frimpong, who has had an outstanding season with Bayer Leverkusen, and the promising Ryan Gravenberch, who moved to Liverpool this season.
9. Birmingham – £329.3 million
Birmingham earns a spot on the list primarily due to the exceptional talent of Jude Bellingham. The 20-year-old has delivered world-class performances in his debut La Liga season for Real Madrid, boasting an impressive market value of £154.4 million.
Moreover, notable talents like Jack Grealish, Morgan Gibbs-White, and Jacob Ramsey have also emerged from the vicinity of Birmingham, further highlighting the city’s footballing prowess.
8. Manchester – £373.9 million
Manchester, one of just three English cities featured on the list, owes its place to the calibre of players it produces, exemplified by talents like Phil Foden. Foden has had a standout season, contributing to a combined total of 31 goals and assists, and is currently valued at £111.5 million.
Additionally, noteworthy footballers from Manchester include United duo Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo, with the latter originating from Stockport – the same area as Foden.
7. Lisbon – £459.8 million
In Lisbon, a city rich in football talent, one standout player is Bernardo Silva. Known for his exceptional skills and captivating style of play, Silva’s market value of £68.6 million is the highest among players from his native city.
Lisbon boasts other talented footballers like Nuno Mendes, who plays for PSG, João Palhinha, Fulham’s tough-tackling holding midfielder, and Everton striker Beto.
6. Rio de Janeiro – £469.2 million
Rio de Janeiro has a rich history of nurturing incredible football talent, with recent standout Bruno Guimarães making waves for Newcastle United since his arrival. Guimarães boasts a market value of £72.9 million, ranking as one of Brazil’s highest.
Other notable names hailing from Rio de Janeiro include Premier League duo Douglas Luiz and Mathues Nunes, although the latter represents Portugal at international level.
5. Montevideo – £499.1 million
Montevideo, Uruguay, is the birthplace of Federico Valverde, an exceptional talent currently playing for Real Madrid. Valverde boasts a market value of £85.8 million.
Moreover, Montevideo in Uruguay has given rise to other notable talents, such as defensive midfielder Manuel Ugarte and Napoli’s left-back Mathías Olivera.
4. Madrid – £513.8 million
The Spanish capital serves as a breeding ground for some of Europe’s top football talent. One standout name is Manchester City’s Rodri, widely regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders in the world. His ever-increasing market value currently stands at £94.4 million.
Despite playing for Morocco internationally, Achraf Hakimi was born in Madrid, along with Atletico’s Marcos Llorente.
3. São Paulo – £533.6 million
Arguably the most prominent figure to emerge from São Paulo is Neymar, who has previously been considered one of the world’s top players alongside Messi and Ronaldo. Brazil’s all-time record goalscorer may not have experienced the longevity of some of the greats, but he is a reflection of the city’s vibrancy.
The player with the highest market value originating from São Paulo is Gabriel Jesus, whose current worth stands at £60 million.
2. Paris – £590.2 million
Paris claims the second spot, bolstered by the presence of Kylian Mbappe, who was born in the northeast of the city. Mbappe, considered one of the world’s top players at only 25 years old, boasts a market value of £154.4 million, which is the-joint highest in world football alongside Jude Bellingham.
Paris also boasts talents like Barcelona defender Jules Koundé and Bayern Munich winger Kingsley Coman.
1. London – £1.4 billion
London claims the top spot for producing the best footballers based on market value, according to Transfermarkt. Players like Bukayo Saka, valued at £111.5 million, and Harry Kane, valued at £94.3 million, make significant contributions to this world-beating total, which trumps its nearest competitor by almost £900m.
Other standout players from London include Declan Rice, Reece James, and Eberechi Eze.
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