Ligue 1, the top-tier football league in France, boasts a plethora of talented players who contribute to its global appeal. That being said, there’s hardly any league in European football where nine of the ten most valuable players in the league belong to one particular club, such is Paris Saint-Germain’s stronghold over the league. However, as the league continues to grow in popularity, these players will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping its future.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at the 10 most valuable players in the French Ligue 1.
Note: In line with the figures from Transfermarkt.co.uk, we use the Euro (€) as the currency, and transfers that took place till September 2024 have been fact-checked with other sources.
#10 Désiré Doué | Age: 19 | Paris Saint-Germain
Market Value: €40 million
Few European clubs have a stronger pedigree for producing wonderkids than Stade Rennes. Over the past few years, the likes of Eduardo Camavinga, Ousmane Dembélé and Mathys Tel have all made a major impact in the first team as teenagers before being snapped up by the continent’s elite for sizable fees.
The latest gem off the conveyor belt is Désiré Doué, a name that resonates with excitement in the world of football. The 19-year-old young French prodigy who has captured the attention of fans and experts alike with his scintillating performances last season, earned his big money move to the French capital this summer.
Doué’s rapid rise through the ranks at Rennes was marked by his impressive performances, showcasing his technical ability, vision, and creativity. Moreover, his ability to effortlessly glide past defenders and deliver precise passes made him a standout player.
As he continues to progress and gain experience, the football world eagerly awaits the full realisation of his immense potential.
#9 Jonathan David | Age: 24 | LOSC Lille
Market Value: €45 million
At 24 years of age, Jonathan David is staking a claim as one of the most in-form strikers in European football at the present moment.
Having ended last season with 26 goals and nine assists for the Ligue 1 club, the 24-year-old started this season off in typical form with 11 goals in 15 Ligue 1 appearances. He’s also scored an incredible six goals in 10 Champions League appearances including a penalty in a 1-0 win against Real Madrid, two goals in a 3-1 away win against Atletico Madrid and the opener against Juventus in a 1-1 draw. Establishing himself as one for the big occasions.
While his exceptional athleticism and clinical finishing makes him a formidable threat in front of goal; his blistering pace, and dribbling abilities allows him to exploit spaces behind the defense, creating opportunities for himself and his teammates.
Although his aerial ability could be further improved, David’s overall skillset and potential makes him a highly sought-after talent in the modern game.
#8 Gonçalo Ramos | Age: 23 | Paris Saint-Germain
Market Value: €50 million
The former SL Benfica centre forward has quickly emerged one of the most promising strikers in European football.
His breakthrough moment came during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where he was unexpectedly thrust into the starting lineup due to Cristiano Ronaldo’s recurring injuries; and in a stunning display, he scored a hat-trick against Switzerland in the round of 16, becoming the youngest Portuguese player to achieve this feat.
His impressive performances for Benfica and the Portuguese national team earned him a big money move to Paris Saint-Germain during the 2023/24 winter transfer window.
Tactically intelligent, Ramos excels in both buildup play and the final third. He is adept at dropping deep to receive the ball, linking up with midfielders, and then making penetrating runs into the box. While his clinical finishing ability, both with his feet and head, makes him a constant threat to opposition defenders.
Although the 23-year-old has struggled for regular game time this season, considering he spent nearly three months on the sidelines with an ankle injury, Ramos is still averaging one goal contribution every 50 minutes for PSG this season.
#7 Ousmane Dembélé | Age: 27 | Paris Saint-Germain
Market Value: €55 million
Ousmane Dembélé, once considered a French football prodigy but a victim to recurring injuries, however, whenever fit, he still captivates audiences with his electrifying pace, dazzling dribbling skills, and exceptional crossing ability.
Once the subject of a €135 million move to FC Barcelona, the French international only played in 127 La Liga games across six full seasons at the club, with injury setbacks and disciplinary issues proving to be a stumbling block.
However, having made the switch to Paris Saint-Germain during the summer of 2023, the 27-year-old has amassed 14 goals and 21 assists in 62 appearances for the club across all competitions.
It is safe to say that Dembélé’s journey has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows, but his undeniable talent and unwavering determination makes him a player to watch, as he enters his peak years as a professional footballer.
#6 Vitinha | Age: 24 | Paris Saint-Germain
Market Value: €55 million
From Bruno Fernandes to Bernardo Silva to João Palhinha, Portugal have produced a bucket load of elite midfielders in recent years, and the latest one to emerge as a world-class footballer is Vítor ‘Vitinha’ Ferreira.
At 24 years of age, he has already established himself as one of the finest central midfielders on the continent, and looks set to play a pivotal role for Paris Saint-Germain as they enter the post-Kylian Mbappé era under Luis Enrique.
Known for his technical ability, vision, and creativity in midfield, his ability to dictate the tempo of the game, create scoring opportunities, and contribute defensively has made him an invaluable asset to the Parisian club.
With his exceptional skills, work ethic, and youthful exuberance, Vitinha is poised to continue his upward trajectory and make a significant impact on both club and international football in the years to come.
#5 Nuno Mendes | Age: 22 | Paris Saint-Germain
Market Value: €55 million
Nuno Mendes, an exceptional young talent, has quickly established himself as one of the most promising left-backs of his generation. Having climbed through the ranks at Sporting CP’s youth academy, where his immense potential was evident from a young age.
Mendes’ exceptional skills, including his blistering pace, precise crossing, and defensive prowess, caught the eye of top European clubs, and in August 2021, he joined Paris Saint-Germain on loan, making the move permanent the following year.
At PSG, Mendes has continued to impress, showcasing his ability to contribute both offensively and defensively. His attacking flair and ability to provide dangerous crosses have made him a valuable asset to the team, while his defensive solidity has helped solidify PSG’s backline.
With his exceptional talent, dedication, and the potential for further growth, Nuno Mendes is undoubtedly a player to watch in the years to come.
#4 Achraf Hakimi | Age: 26 | Paris Saint-Germain
Market Value: €60 million
There’s hardly a full-back in world football currently as polished as PSG’s Moroccan international Achraf Hakimi.
Renowned for his exceptional attacking prowess and blistering pace, the 26-year-old’s ability to maraud down the right flank, deliver pinpoint crosses and cutting inside to unleash powerful shots, makes him a constant threat to opposition defenses.
Hakimi’s explosive speed allows him to quickly transition from defense to attack, catching opponents off guard; while his excellent dribbling skills enable him to beat defenders with ease and create goal-scoring opportunities.
While his defensive contributions have been questioned at times, he has shown significant improvement in recent seasons, particularly in his positioning and tackling. However, his attacking flair remains his primary strength, and his ability to contribute with goals and assists consistently makes him a valuable asset to the Parisian club.
#3 João Neves | Age: 20 | Paris Saint-Germain
Market Value: €60 million
Portuguese football has produced some supremely talented players over the years and, in João Neves, they look to have another sparkling talent. Named Primeira Liga midfielder of the month on six occasions in the 2023/24 season at the age of 19, the former Benfica man is among the highest-rated young footballers in Europe.
Known for his exceptional passing range, dribbling skills, and ability to create scoring opportunities, his performances have drawn comparisons to some of the greatest midfielders of all time, and he is widely regarded as a future star for both club and country.
Beyond his technical prowess, Neves possesses a calm and composed demeanor on the field. His intelligence and tactical awareness allow him to dictate the tempo of the game and make decisive passes. As he continues to mature and gain experience, Neves has the potential to become one of the world’s finest midfielders for years to come.
#2 Warren Zaïre-Emery | Age: 18 | Paris Saint-Germain
Market Value: €60 million
Warren Zaïre-Emery, PSG’s prodigious talent has seen a rapid rise in the world of football. At just 16 years old, he made his professional debut for PSG, becoming the club’s youngest-ever player. His impact was immediate, as he soon became the youngest goalscorer in the club’s history and the youngest player to start a UEFA Champions League knockout stage match.
The 18-year-old’s exceptional skills, maturity beyond his years, and unwavering dedication to the game have made him a key figure in PSG’s midfield. His ability to dictate the tempo of play, create scoring opportunities, and contribute defensively has earned him praise from fans, pundits, and fellow professionals alike.
Beyond his club commitments, Zaïre-Emery has also represented France at various youth levels, showcasing his talent on the international stage. With the world at his feet, this young prodigy is poised to become one of the most influential players of his generation.
#1 Bradley Barcola | Age: 22 | Paris Saint-Germain
Market Value: €65 million
The former Olympique Lyonnais winger is currently one of the most promising young talents in Europe. His performances for Lyon since making his debut during the 2021/22 season caught the eye of several top clubs, and in 2024, he made a high-profile move to Paris Saint-Germain.
At PSG, Barcola has continued to showcase his immense potential, contributing significantly to the team’s success. The 22-year-old has already contributed with 10 goals and two assists in just 16 league appearances for the French champions.
Known for his blistering pace and exceptional dribbling abilities, Barcola is capable of producing moments of magic from time to time. While despite his slender frame, the 22-year-old is surprisingly strong and capable of holding his own in both ground and aerial duels.
Although there are some facets of his game like decision-making, end product and defensive work rate that need more polishing, with his exceptional talent, dedication, and hunger, Barcola is poised to become a key figure in French football for years to come.
Leave a Reply