5 World Cup stars whose market value has skyrocketed
The 2022 FIFA World Cup delivered on the lofty expectations placed on it from start to finish. For many, Qatar 2022 was one of the best World Cup editions ever.
The competition also witnessed the emergence of several young stars who showcased their talents on the biggest stage. These youngsters were outstanding in the tournament, which led to an increase in their market valuation.
We look at five outstanding players from Qatar 2022 whose market value has increased immensely.
Source: Bleacher Report Football
#5 Azzedine Ounahi (Morocco) $3.71m - $15.9m
Morocco made history at Qatar 2022 by becoming the first African nation to reach the semifinals of the FIFA World Cup. The Atlas Lions finished top of a group consisting of Belgium, Croatia, and Canada.
They then eliminated Spain and Portugal in the Round of 16 and quarterfinals, respectively. One standout star from the Moroccan team was Azzedine Ounahi.
He, alongside Sofyan Amrabat, was the engine of Morocco's midfield. During the competition, Ounahi had 83% dribble success rate (the best for any player at the tournament).
38 players have attempted 10+ take-ons at the 2022 World Cup:
◉ 83.3% success rate
◎ 12 take-ons attempted
◎ 10 take-ons completed
Azzedine Ounahi has the best success rate. 🩰
#FIFAWorldCup https://t.co/5HYESIjmKG
Prior to the tournament, the 22-year-old who currently plays for Ligue 1 outfit Angers had a market value of $3.71m. But that value has now risen to $15.9m, due to his performances in Qatar.
Ounahi is already on the radar of top clubs around Europe. According to reports, Barcelona, Leicester City, West Ham, and Wolverhampton Wanderers all have their eyes on him.
Barcelona,Leicester, Wolves and West Ham are among top clubs interested in Angers midfielder Azzedine Ounahi after World Cup display. [@FabrizioRomano]
🚨 Barcelona,Leicester, Wolves and West Ham are among top clubs interested in Angers midfielder Azzedine Ounahi after World Cup display. [@FabrizioRomano] https://t.co/ReU9SFFyKM
#4 Josko Gvardiol (Croatia) $63.7m - $79.6m
Croatia's Josko Gvardiol was one of the revelations at the 2022 World Cup. The 20-year centre-back was a dominant figure at the heart of the Croatian defense.
Gvardiol showed a lot of maturity and confidence throughout the tournament and was one of the best defenders at the World Cup. He recorded the most clearances in the competition (37) and also became his county's youngest goalscorer at a World Cup.
🤩
Joško Gvardiol was the best defender of the FIFA World Cup 2022! 🇭🇷🤩💪
#JoškoGvardiol #FIFAWorldCup #Croatia https://t.co/5mnwH0ZSI0
The RB Leipzig star was already on the radar of top clubs in Europe before the tournament. There was serious interest from Chelsea, but a move didn't materialize and Gvardiol extended his contract till 2027 with Leipzig.
However, his brilliance at Qatar has further increased his valuation to $79.6m. Gvardiol will definitively be one of the most sought-after players in the January transfer window.
#3 Cody Gakpo (Netherlands) $47.8m - $63.8m
There was a lot of hype around Dutch forward Cody Gakpo heading into the World cup, and the 23-year-old did not fail to deliver.
Gakpo was one of the most in-form players in Europe prior to the tournament. The PSV Eindhoven youngster registered 13 goals and 17 assists in 24 matches before the season went on break.
3 goals in 5 games for the Netherlands during the 2022 World Cup.
🤌 30 goal involvements in 24 games for PSV this season.
🇳🇱 3 goals in 5 games for the Netherlands during the 2022 World Cup.
🤔 The next Dutch star to arrive at Old Trafford?
Cody Gakpo is hot property! 🔥 https://t.co/YtIqqAXUKv
He continued his brilliant form in Qatar, scoring in all of the Netherlands' group stage encounters. Any club who wants to get his services must be ready to break the bank as his valuation has risen from $47.8m to $63.8m.
#2 Julian Alvarez (Argentina) $34m - $53.1m
Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez had an astounding World Cup campaign. The 22-year-old did not begin the competition as a starter, but broke into the starting XI and scored crucial goals which led Argentina to the trophy.
He was the highest-scoring Premier League player in the tournament (four goals) and one of La Albiceleste's best players in the competition.
Alvarez joined Manchester City last summer from River Plate and will not be joining a new club anytime soon. But his market value has increased by $19.1m, the second-most of any player at the Mundial.
#1 Enzo Fernandez (Argentina) $37.2m - $58.4m
Enzo Fernandez was crowned the 'Best Young Player' of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The 21-year-old defensive midfielder played a huge role in Argentina's triumph in Qatar.
Enzo Fernández made 10 successful tackles in the 2022 World Cup final, more than any other player on the pitch.
Signing off in style. 🏆🏆
#FIFAWorldCup https://t.co/iFtGn088UX
His market value has seen a jump since his campaign in Qatar. Fernandez, who was valued at around $37.2m prior to the World Cup, now has a staggering market valuation of $58.4m.
Liverpool have shown huge interest in securing his services. The Argentine, who joined Benfica last summer, could depart the Portuguese club less than six months after joining.
🚨 Benfica have turned down a 100m euro (£88m) bid from an unnamed club for Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez, who has been linked with Liverpool and Real Madrid, and will not sell for below the 21-year-old's 120m euro (£106m) release clause.
[Source: Record] https://t.co/xo0Ncb9O4P