Ligue 1 McDonald’s, the topflight of professional club football in France, boasts a plethora of talented players who contribute to its global appeal.
That said, there’s hardly any league in Europe where nine of its ten most valuable players belong to one 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.
In this article, we take a look at the 10 most valuable players playing in Ligue 1 McDonald’s.
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 | Paris Saint-Germain FC
Market Value: €40 million
Few European clubs have a stronger pedigree for producing wonderkids than Stade Rennais. 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 of Les Rouge et Noirs as teenagers before being snapped up by the continent’s elite.
The latest gem off the Rennes conveyor belt is Désiré Doué, a name that resonates with excitement in the world of football. The 19-year-old young French prodigy, who captured the attention of fans and experts with his scintillating performances last season, earned his big-money move to the French capital last summer.
Doué’s rapid rise through the ranks at Rennes was marked by his impressive performances, as he showcased his technical ability, vision, and creativity. Moreover, his ability to effortlessly glide past defenders and deliver precise passes further made him a standout player.
As he continues to progress and gain experience, the football world eagerly awaits the full realisation of Doué’s immense potential.
#9 Jonathan David | 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 moment.
Having ended last season with 26 goals and nine assists for Lille, the Canada international has bagged this season 11 goals in 15 league appearances, having also scored six goals in ten Champions League appearances, which include a penalty in a 1-0 win against Real Madrid, two goals in a 3-1 away win against Atlético 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 make him a formidable threat in front of goal, David’s blistering pace and dribbling ability allow him to exploit spaces behind the defence line, creating opportunities for himself and his teammates.
Although his aerial ability could be further improved, David’s overall skill set and potential make him a highly sought-after talent in the modern game.
#8 Gonçalo Ramos | Paris Saint-Germain FC
Market Value: €50 million
The former Benfica centre-forward has quickly emerged one of the most promising strikers in European football.
Ramos’s breakthrough moment came during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where he was unexpectedly thrust into the starting lineup due to Cristiano Ronaldo’s recurring issues. In a stunning display, he scored a hattrick against Switzerland in the Round of 16, becoming the youngest Portuguese player ever to achieve this feat. His impressive performances for Benfica and the Portugal national team earned him a big-money move to PSG during the 2023/24 summer transfer window.
Tactically intelligent, Ramos excels in both build-up 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 finishing ability—with both 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, it’s impressive he has been averaging one goal contribution every 50 minutes for PSG this season.
#7 Ousmane Dembélé | Paris Saint-Germain FC
Market Value: €55 million
Ousmane Dembélé, once considered a French football prodigy, has been a victim to recurring injuries ever since leaving Borussia Dortmund. Though, whenever fit, he still captivates audiences with his electrifying pace, dazzling dribbling skills, and exceptional crossing ability.
Once the subject of a €135m move to FC Barcelona, the France 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, ever since making the switch to PSG in 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 roller coaster of highs and lows, but his undeniable talent and unwavering determination make him a player to watch, as he enters the peak years of his career.
#6 Vitinha | Paris Saint-Germain FC
Market Value: €55 million
From Bruno Fernandes to Bernardo Silva to João Palhinha, Portugal have produced a bucketload 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, Vitinha 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 in the post-Kylian Mbappé era under Luis Enrique. Known for his technical ability, vision, and creativity in midfield, the Portugal international’s 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 | Paris Saint-Germain FC
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, his massive potential has been evident from a very young age.
Mendes’s exceptional skills, including his blistering pace, precise crossing, and defensive prowess, caught the eye of top European clubs, and in August 2021 he joined PSG 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 their backline.
With his exceptional talent, dedication, and the potential for further growth, Mendes is undoubtedly a player to watch in the years to come.
#4 Achraf Hakimi | Paris Saint-Germain FC
Market Value: €60 million
There’s hardly a fullback in world football at the moment who is as polished as the Morocco 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 cut inside to unleash powerful shots makes him a constant threat to opposition defenders. Hakimi’s explosive speed allows him to quickly transition from defence to attack, catching opponents off guard, while his excellent dribbling skills enable him to beat defenders with ease and create goalscoring opportunities.
While his defensive contributions have been questioned at times, Hakimi 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 consistently contribute with goals and assists makes him a valuable asset to both club and country.
#3 João Neves | Paris Saint-Germain FC
Market Value: €60 million
Portuguese football has produced some supremely talented players over the years. In João Neves, they seem to have unearthed another sparkling talent. Named the Primeira Liga’s midfielder of the month on six occasions in the 2023/24 season at the age of 19, the former Benfica man is already among the highest-rated young footballers in Europe.
Known for his exceptional passing range, dribbling skills, and ability to create scoring opportunities, Neves’s 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 demeanour 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 | Paris Saint-Germain FC
Market Value: €60 million
This prodigious talent has seen a rapid rise in the world of football. At just 16 years old, he made his professional debut for PSG, thus 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.
Zaïre-Emery’s exceptional skills, maturity beyond his years, and unwavering dedication to the game have already 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, the 18-year-old is already a fully fledged France international, 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 | Paris Saint-Germain FC
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 PSG.
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 ten goals and two assists in just 16 league appearances for the French champions.
Known for his blistering pace and exceptional dribbling, Barcola is capable of producing moments of magic from time to time. Despite his slender frame, he is surprisingly strong and capable of holding his own in both ground and aerial duels.
Although there are some facets of his game that need more polishing, like decision-making, end product, and defensive work rate, with his exceptional talent, dedication, and hunger, Barcola is sure to become a key figure in French football for years to come.
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