World Cup Rising Stars: Morocco's Ayyoub Bouaddi Shines as Bradley Barcola and Others Boost Their Market Value
Tracking Player Values During the 2026 World Cup
As the 2026 World Cup unfolds across North America, GOAL, partnered with eToro, is monitoring the market value shifts of ten of football's most promising talents. Some players have seen their prices soar, while others experienced slight declines. Here's a detailed look at these players' journeys so far.
Deniz Undav | VfB Stuttgart & Germany | £35m
Three years ago, Deniz Undav was struggling for game time at Brighton, overshadowed by teammates like Evan Ferguson and Danny Welbeck. His loan move to VfB Stuttgart in 2023 transformed his career, becoming permanent the following year. He ended the 2025-26 Bundesliga season as Germany’s top scorer with 19 goals, second only to Harry Kane overall. Despite not starting in Germany's 7-1 win over Curacao, Undav made an immediate impact off the bench, scoring and assisting within 25 minutes. Stuttgart secured his new contract before the tournament, likely preventing a bidding war just before he turns 30.
Current value: £35m (up £5m)
Ayyoub Bouaddi | Lille & Morocco | £60m
At just 18 years old with only three full international caps, Ayyoub Bouaddi impressed against Brazil in Morocco's Group C opener. His mature midfield display drew attention from Europe's elite clubs, including Arsenal and Real Madrid. His performances in Ligue 1 over the last year had already placed him on scouts’ radars, but his World Cup showing might spark a race to sign him this summer.
Current value: £60m (new entry)
Bradley Barcola | Paris Saint-Germain & France | £65m
Bradley Barcola faces a tough situation at PSG. Despite his undeniable talent, he has spent much of the 2025-26 season on the bench behind stars like Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Ousmane Dembele. At 23, he needs regular playing time. France coach Didier Deschamps kept him on the bench for the opener against Senegal, but when Barcola came on late, he quickly scored, showing his potential impact. Offers are expected if PSG considers selling.
Current value: £65m (up £5m)
Nico Paz | Como & Argentina | £72.5m
Nico Paz may be less familiar to some, but his rise has been impressive. Released by Real Madrid in 2024, he thrived under Cesc Fabregas at Como, scoring 12 goals last season—the highest tally for a midfielder in Serie A—and helped secure Champions League qualification. He occupies an attacking role alongside Lionel Messi for Argentina, although mostly as a late substitute during the World Cup.
Current value: £72.5m (down £2.5m)
Enzo Fernandez | Chelsea & Argentina | £85m
Enzo Fernandez, signed by Chelsea for £106.8m in 2023, remains a bright spot amid a turbulent period for the club. Under new manager Xabi Alonso, it's uncertain if Fernandez will stay or pursue a move, with Real Madrid reportedly interested. Chelsea’s lack of Champions League football weakens their negotiating position. Fernandez played all 90 minutes in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria, which could boost his transfer value.
Current value: £85m
Yan Diomande | RB Leipzig & Ivory Coast | £90m
Yan Diomande has been a hot topic among Europe's top clubs. The 19-year-old Ivorian forward impressed in the Bundesliga and at the World Cup, playing a key role in Ivory Coast’s 1-0 victory over Ecuador. His direct duels with Arsenal’s Piero Hincapie stood out. Clubs interested will likely face a £100m price tag from RB Leipzig, reflecting his rising profile.
Current value: £90m (up £10m)
Morgan Rogers | Aston Villa & England | £90m
England manager Thomas Tuchel faced a tough choice between Morgan Rogers and Jude Bellingham for the World Cup starting lineup. Bellingham started and performed well, leaving Rogers on the sidelines despite his consistent form helping Aston Villa reach the Champions League and win the Europa League. Rogers remains patient and ready to contribute, with top English clubs eyeing a potential transfer.
Current value: £90m
Elliot Anderson | Nottingham Forest & England | £105m
Elliot Anderson’s rise has been steep. From the fringes at Newcastle to a key player for England under Tuchel, he’s now a target for major European clubs. Manchester City and Manchester United are reportedly competing for his signature. His solid performance against Croatia at the World Cup could push his value even higher, potentially breaking British transfer records.
Current value: £105m (up £5m)
Julian Alvarez | Atletico Madrid & Argentina | £115m
When Manchester City sold Julian Alvarez to Atletico Madrid for £85m in 2024, few predicted how much he’d flourish afterwards. Now valued at £115m, Alvarez is attracting interest from Arsenal, Barcelona, and Real Madrid. At the World Cup, he hopes to make a bigger impact after a subdued substitute appearance in Argentina’s opener, where Messi dominated.
Current value: £115m (down £5m)
Michael Olise | Bayern Munich & France | £135m
Bayern Munich secured a bargain when they signed Michael Olise from the Premier League for around £50m in 2024. The French winger has since dazzled in the Bundesliga and Champions League. At the World Cup, Olise assisted Kylian Mbappe in France’s 3-1 victory over Senegal, further raising his value. Bayern will demand a high fee if any club tries to sign him.
Current value: £135m (up £10m)
Lamine Yamal | Barcelona & Spain | £195m
Few players match the value of 18-year-old Lamine Yamal. The Barcelona prodigy has shown glimpses of being one of the world's best. Despite carrying a minor injury into the World Cup, he appeared off the bench in Spain's goalless draw with Cape Verde and is expected to start against Saudi Arabia. His market value took a slight hit after limited minutes but remains immense.
Current value: £195m (down £5m)
