XI worth over €1b
As the March international break gets underway, the long and winding road to the 2026 World Cup begins. Qualifiers will take place this spring, with teams across the globe vying to make it to USA, Canada and Mexico in just over a years time. Whilst the European qualification campaign is just beginning the South American qualifying group is already starting to take shape. Brazil managed a vital win over Colombia last week to move them up the rankings to third, whilst Argentina remain top of the group. The top six will qualify automatically with seventh place entering a play-off.
The two South American nations have been World Cup giants across the years. Argentina have only ever failed to qualify once (for the 1970 World Cup), whilst Brazil have always made it to the world’s greatest international tournament. The rival nations will clash again this Tuesday night at El Monumental in Buenos Aires in a World Cup qualifier. Once again there will be plenty of talent on show, but across the years, who are the most valuable players ever produced by Brazil and Argentina?
Since Transfermarkt began recording market values back in 2004, there have been eight players from either Argentina or Brazil that have been worth €100m+. From Argentina, the great Lionel Messi reached a record market value of €180m back in 2018, whilst striker Lautaro Martínez reached €110m in 2023. Forward Paulo Dybala also reached €110m in 2018, whilst Mauro Icardi hit €100m in the same year. For Brazil, winger Vinicius Junior is currently the joint most valuable player in the world at €200m. Back in 2018, Neymar reached €180m, whilst attacking midfielder Philippe Coutinho made it to €150m in the same year. Real Madrid winger Rodrygo also reached €110m back in 2023.
Most valuable XI from record market values from Argentine & Brazilian players
When we collate the most valuable XI from the record market values from both Argentine and Brazilian stars, it makes quite the team. In between the sticks is Liverpool keeper Alisson, whose value rose to €90m back in 2018 – the highest value ever for a goalkeeper. The two centre-halves are Marquinhos, who was worth €75m in 2021, and Arsenal’s Gabriel, who is worth €75m today. At left-back is Brazilian legend Marcelo – worth €70m in 2018. At right-back is the first Argentine in the side in Nahuel Molina, who had a market value of €50m in 2023.
In central midfield Argentina Alexis Mac Allister (€90m today), is joined by Brazilian Bruno Guimarães (€85m in 2023). Just ahead of those two is the magician Messi, whose career record market value was €180m in 2018. On the left is Vinicius (€200m), on the right is Neymar (€180m in 2018). Completing the line-up, through the middle up-front is Argentina striker Martínez – worth €110m in 2023. In total there are seven Brazilians in the line-up to four Argentinians.
