The four World Cup semifinalists—Spain, England, Argentina, and France—have demonstrated how collective success can significantly enhance the individual appeal of their players. Outstanding performances throughout the tournament have made many of them prime targets for Europe’s elite clubs ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window.
The surge in player valuations following a FIFA World Cup is nothing new.
James Rodríguez emerged as one of football’s brightest stars after winning the Golden Boot at the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Following his remarkable performances for Colombia, Real Madrid signed him from AS Monaco during the 2014 summer transfer window for a reported fee of €75–80 million (approximately Rp1.2 trillion).
Enzo Fernández also secured a blockbuster transfer after starring for Argentina at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He joined Chelsea from Benfica during the January 2023 transfer window for €121 million (approximately Rp1.9 trillion), setting what was then the highest transfer fee in Premier League history.
Similarly, Joško Gvardiol experienced a dramatic rise in market value following his impressive performances for Croatia at the 2022 World Cup before completing a move to Manchester City. At the time, his market value climbed to €75 million (approximately Rp1.3 trillion).
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It comes as no surprise that, with the transfer window set to open following the 2026 FIFA World Cup, players such as Lamine Yamal, Mikel Oyarzabal (Spain), Julián Álvarez (Argentina), Jude Bellingham (England), and Dan Ndoye (Switzerland) are expected to be among the most sought-after names on the market.
Yamal has been the most talked-about player throughout the 2026 World Cup. Although he has not been among the tournament’s most prolific scorers, his dribbling ability, creativity, vision, and maturity in decision-making have continued to boost his market value.
Yamal himself has never been overly concerned with individual statistics.
“The most important thing is that we win. As long as we keep progressing, I’ll be very happy. What matters most is the team and advancing to the next round,” he said.
Yamal is under a long-term contract with Barcelona until June 30, 2031. His deal includes a €1 billion (approximately Rp18.4 trillion) release clause, while his salary increases progressively to €16 million per season.
Mikel Oyarzabal further strengthened his reputation by scoring the opening goal in Spain’s semifinal victory over France. The Real Sociedad forward has scored five goals at the 2026 World Cup, bringing his tally for the Spanish national team to 30 goals in 60 appearances.
Oyarzabal is currently under contract until June 30, 2028. The agreement, which was extended in February 2023, includes a €75 million release clause.
Argentina has also found a new hero in Julián Álvarez.
His spectacular extra-time goal against Switzerland became one of Argentina’s most important strikes of the tournament. Beyond his goalscoring ability, the Atlético Madrid forward has impressed with his defensive contributions through relentless pressing, tackling, and intelligent movement that creates space for Lionel Messi and Lautaro Martínez. Those performances have further cemented his reputation as one of the most complete modern strikers in world football.
England has also benefited greatly from Jude Bellingham’s performances.
Despite playing as a midfielder, his goalscoring productivity has placed him among the contenders for the tournament’s Golden Boot.
The rise in market value has not been limited to players representing the semifinalists. Several standout performers from eliminated nations have also attracted significant attention.
Dan Ndoye of Switzerland impressed with his display against Argentina, troubling their defense and scoring the equalizer. Mostafa Ziko of Egypt emerged as one of the tournament’s biggest surprises after delivering clinical performances against Argentina. Meanwhile, although Norway fell short of reaching the semifinals, Erling Haaland maintained his reputation through his consistent goalscoring form.
It will be fascinating to see how the 2026 summer transfer window unfolds once the World Cup concludes.***
