The 2026 World Cup is upon us! As the biggest tournament in the entire sporting landscape, the globe is now awaiting its inauguration with baited breath.
But who will be the most valuable players taking part at this year’s World Cup according to Transfermarkt? We have already examined goalkeepers, defenders and midfielders – now, it’s the forwards’ turn.
We’ll be including both wingers and strikers in this list. Additionally, we won’t be listing their individual market values – Transfermarkt only offers estimates, not accurate figures.
Vinicius Jr
Vinicius Jr is at a bit of a career crossroads at the moment. Largely loathed by sections of the Real Madrid fanbase, his future is up in the air at the Bernabeu.
Nevertheless, despite his issues off the field, Vinicius still remains one of the best players in the world. With 16 goals and six assists to his name in La Liga this season, the Brazilian international is a force to be reckoned with.
At 25 years of age, he is still a few years away from his theoretical prime. However, his current deal is due to expire in 2027 – this is the only thing holding him back in a list such as this.
Michael Olise
Since he left Crystal Palace, Michael Olise has rapidly progressed into one of the best wingers in the world. With adroit ball control and peerless set-piece ability, he has been an absolute tour de force for Bayern Munich in 2025/26.
With 15 goals and a whopping 21 assists in the Bundesliga, few players can claim to have led such a successful season in the previous campaign.
Not only this, he is only 24 years of age and his current contract won’t expire until the summer of 2029 – it is no surprise to see him show up on a list of this ilk.
Kylian Mbappe
Arguably football’s top superstar at the moment, Kylian Mbappe is a household name across the globe – but he isn’t the most valuable forward in the world, according to Transfermarkt.
Like Vinicius, he has led a relatively unsuccessful season. It isn’t often that Real Madrid go an entire season without silverware, but it happened last campaign – as such, we saw Mbappe’s value fall somewhat.
Nevertheless, Mbappe still has three years left on his existing deal with Los Blancos. Furthermore, he remains one of the best players in the world, making his position on this list something of a lock.
Lamine Yamal
It is no surprise that Lamine Yamal landed a place on this list – the only thing that surprised us is that he wasn’t number one! Not only is he one of the best players in the world, he is still yet to have his 19th birthday.
On top of this, Barcelona have him under contract at the Camp Nou until 2031. He isn’t going anywhere any time soon – at least, not unless someone offers the Catalonian giants a gargantuan sum of money.
Not only this, last season was a successful one for him on an individual level. He scored 16 goals and notched up 12 assists, collecting the La Liga title to boot.
Erling Haaland
Erling Haaland remains the best striker in the world. Despite failing to win the 2025/26 Premier League title, he still managed to pick up both the League Cup and the FA Cup.
On top of this, the Norweigian international also scored an almighty 27 goals and notched up eight assists in the Premier League, as well as scoring eight goals in the Champions League.
Manchester City are fully aware of how important he is to their efforts – they have tied him down to the club until the summer of 2034.