Combined value €1.6b
©TM/IMAGO
On Sunday, Barcelona and Real Madrid will face off for the first “El Clasico” of 2025 to see which of the Spanish giants can lay claim to the Spanish Super Cup. During their illustrious history, the La Liga pair have competed in at least 258 games in all competitions, of which Madrid won 106 and Barcelona won 101. Although this encounter may not be the most important in the sporting calendar, any opportunity to beat a historic rival is always one that both of these clubs take extremely seriously.
Sports aside, this match gives us a chance to look back at what many consider to be the greatest rivalry in all of European football. While other fixtures may boast better atmosphere or stronger geographical ties, few clubs can match the rich history and remarkable star power that Madrid and Barcelona have boasted for over 100 years. So when we look back at the history books and remember the many top talents who have played for both the clubs, if we judge them based on their highest ever market value then who will be in the all-time starting XI from both the clubs? Which player will be included? let’s take a look.
The most valuable Barcelona and Real Madrid starting XIs of all time
The graphic below displays a starting XI composed of the most valuable players representing Barcelona or Real Madrid based on their peak market values in the transfer market. The total combined value of the team is €1.6 billion, highlighting the immense quality and financial stature of the players at these two prestigious clubs. The forward line is led by Kylian Mbappe, who was valued at €180m when he moved to Spain last year, on the left is Vinicius Junior, who is currently valued at €200m, and on the right is Barcelona’s young sensation Lamin Yamal Are. Which is currently valued at €180m. Lionel Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers in history, was ranked No. 10 with a maximum valuation of €180m while playing for Barcelona in 2018.
Pairing Federico Valverde in midfield with Madrid is Jude Bellingham, who have current market values of €180m and €130m respectively. His current market value is not only the highest of any midfielder to play for any Spanish giant, but also places him first and seventh respectively among every midfielder who has ever played the game and given market value. Which somehow underlines the immense quality of both the players. He is also well above other current players, such as Pedri (€100m currently), Eduardo Camavinga (€100m in 2024) and Aurelien Tchoumeni (€100m in 2024).
Although Madrid may have enjoyed a clean sweep in midfield, when it comes to defense we see Barcelona making a triumphant return. The Catalan club have two players on either side: Jordi Alba can still lay claim to being the most valuable left-back at any club, having enjoyed a market value of €80m in 2018, while Jules Kounde has a current market value of €60m. Is. He is in the first position on the right. In the center of defense we have a blast from the past in Raphaël Varane (market value of €80m in 2018), which contrasts greatly with young Barcelona star Pau Cubarcy, who is currently worth €70m despite being only 17. Enjoy a market value of Rs. Old. The goalkeeper’s spot has been taken by Barcelona’s Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who was valued at €90m at his peak in 2019, making him the second-most valuable shot-stopper of all time.
Where is Cristiano Ronaldo?
While the starting XI pictured above is unquestionably some of the best players to ever grace Spanish football, it is undoubtedly missing one glaring name: Cristiano Ronaldo. Few players can claim to be as decorated as the former Real Madrid star, while only one other player in the world can compare to what the Portuguese forward has achieved during his career. So why didn’t Ronaldo make the cut? Well, unfortunately for the forward, his market value at his peak for Madrid reached a high of €120m in 2014 and remained there or thereabouts until 2018. During that period, Ronaldo was considered the most valuable player in the world along with Messi. However, football has progressed rapidly since then and with more money in the game, this has meant that transfer fees and market values have also increased with each passing year. Thus, Ronaldo’s peak market value of €120m places him 27th on the list of most valuable players of all time, and well behind the attacking line that Madrid and Barcelona can create together.