7 footballers with the highest market value when they retired

Fans usually remember football players' careers for their remarkable moments, awards, and personal abilities displayed during matches. Another significant factor, especially in today's game, is the value of a player in the market. A player's market worth shows their significance to their team, their impact on the game, and their potential value in transfers. In this blog post, we discuss seven soccer players who had the highest market value when they retired. Let's explore the professional lives of Raphael Varane, Toni Kroos, Philipp Lahm, Enock Mwepu, Zinedine Zidane, Thiago Alcântara, and Sergio Agüero to understand their worth.

1. Raphael Varane

Retirement Market Value: €40 Million

Raphael Varane is renowned for his calmness, grace, and exceptional skills as a top-class defender. Having spent the majority of his professional life at Real Madrid, Varane has left a significant impact on one of the largest clubs globally. Even upon retiring, he maintained a high market value, and the reasons are clear.

Varane gained recognition at Real Madrid after transferring from Lens in France in 2011 when he was 18 years old. Throughout the years, he cemented his position as a defensive powerhouse, playing an essential part in the team's achievements in the 2010s. Partnering with Sergio Ramos, Varane created a strong bond at the center of Real Madrid's defense, earning four UEFA Champions League trophies, three La Liga championships, and numerous other national and international accolades. His irreplaceable value came from his outstanding game reading skills, ability in the air, and strong tackling.

On the global stage, Varane played a vital part in France's victory at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, enhancing his status as one of the top center-backs worldwide. Despite retiring sooner than anticipated, his market worth continued to be substantial as a result of his reliable displays and leadership attributes. Varane possessed all the qualities that top clubs sought in a defender, which is why his market value stayed high throughout his career.

2. Toni Kroos

Retirement Market Value: €50 Million

Toni Kroos, the talented midfielder from Germany, ended his career in professional football with a market value that showcased his exceptional skills in the middle of the field. Kroos is mostly recognized for his remarkable passing abilities, vision, and talent in setting up plays, which have established him as one of the most desirable midfielders in global soccer.

Kroos started his professional journey at Bayern Munich, where he rapidly became a crucial part of the team. He achieved numerous Bundesliga championships and also won the UEFA Champions League while playing for Bayern. Nevertheless, it was his transfer to Real Madrid in 2014 that truly raised his position to that of a top-tier midfielder. During Real Madrid's impressive streak in the UEFA Champions League from 2016 to 2018, Kroos played a crucial role in the team's success, helping them win the championship three times in a row.

Kroos's skill in setting the pace of the game, maintaining possession, and executing precise passes established him as a top midfielder of his era. He played a significant role in Germany's 2014 World Cup win, bringing leadership and creativity to the midfield.

When he retired, Kroos's market worth remained high, showcasing his steadiness, skills, and soccer savvy. Even in retirement, Kroos will always be remembered for his impact on the game and his vital role in Real Madrid's successful period.

3. Philipp Lahm

Retirement Market Value: €15 Million

Philipp Lahm, commonly known as "The Magic Dwarf," was among the most adaptable players in the history of football. Lahm served as the captain for Bayern Munich and the German national team, guiding Germany to victory in the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Although Lahm's market value wasn't as high as some others on the list when he retired, his presence on the field was immeasurable.

Lahm was famed for his ability to adapt, being able to function as a right-back, left-back, or holding midfielder. His flawless sense of position, superb tackling skills, and unwavering dedication to hard work were outstanding. Lahm started his professional journey at Bayern Munich and, aside from a brief loan period at VfB Stuttgart, he remained with the Bavarian team throughout his career.

Throughout his professional life, Lahm achieved numerous Bundesliga championships, DFB-Pokal wins, and clinched the UEFA Champions League trophy in 2013. In Bayern Munich's memorable treble-winning season, he played a crucial role in securing the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, and Champions League titles all in one year.

Many were surprised by Philipp Lahm's choice to retire in 2017 at the height of his abilities, and his market worth stayed high because of his adaptability and guidance. Lahm's high level of football knowledge and tactical comprehension was a valuable asset throughout his entire career.

4. Enock Mwepu

Retirement Market Value: €18 Million

Enock Mwepu's career was regrettably ended due to health issues, however, his market worth at the point of his retirement showcased his potential and the talent he demonstrated as a versatile midfielder. Before his premature retirement, the Zambian player, endearingly called "The Computer" for his intelligent style of play and strategic understanding, was gaining popularity in European soccer.

Mwepu started his European journey at RB Salzburg, where he promptly showcased his midfield skills covering both ends of the pitch. His displays in the Austrian Bundesliga secured him a transfer to Brighton & Hove Albion in the English Premier League in 2021. At Brighton, Mwepu displayed his ability to adapt to different roles, physical power, and proficiency in techniques, swiftly winning over the fans.

Mwepu's skill in dribbling, defensive contributions, and ability to score important goals made him a valuable addition to any squad. Although he was young, he showed maturity and composure on the field that went beyond his age. The €18 million market value he had when he retired indicated his potential and promising future.

Despite his career being ended prematurely, Enock Mwepu's skills and influence in soccer will not be forgotten, and he continues to motivate young footballers, particularly in Zambia and throughout Africa.

5. Zinedine Zidane

Retirement Market Value: €20 Million

Zinedine Zidane, considered one of the best football players in history, ended his successful career in 2006. Zidane's market value at the time he retired might not appear as impressive as present-day players, but it's crucial to take into account the football landscape in the mid-2000s. Zidane's worth was mainly linked to his impact, guidance, and unparalleled technical abilities.

Zidane has been a part of numerous prestigious teams such as Bordeaux, Juventus, and Real Madrid. Zidane's reputation as a worldwide icon was solidified during his time at Real Madrid, where his exceptional dribbling, playmaking, and knack for scoring breathtaking goals became renowned. His winning volley in the 2002 UEFA Champions League final against Bayer Leverkusen remains one of the most unforgettable moments of his career and is widely regarded as one of the best goals in Champions League history.

In the global arena, Zidane guided France to victory in the 1998 World Cup, netting two goals in the final match. He played a crucial role in France's victory at UEFA Euro 2000. Zidane's skillful ball control, exceptional vision, and game-controlling abilities solidified his status as one of the era's top players.

Although Zidane's market value was lower compared to current players, his impact on the game was unmatched. He is still considered a legendary figure in football, with his influence as a player and coach still being recognized in the present day.

6. Thiago Alcântara

Retirement Market Value: €30 Million

Thiago Alcântara, recognized for his skillful play and excellent passing, has long been appreciated for his creativity in the midfield. At the point of his retirement, Thiago's market worth showcased his abilities as a playmaker and his flexibility as a midfielder who could adjust to various playing styles.

Thiago started his professional journey at FC Barcelona, where he completed his training at the renowned La Masia academy. After proving his potential, Thiago transferred to Bayern Munich in 2013 and achieved significant accomplishments. He claimed several Bundesliga titles at Bayern and played a crucial role in the club's successful 2019-20 season, securing the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, and UEFA Champions League titles.

Thiago's skill in managing the game's pace, his dribbling ability, and his passing range were crucial for Bayern Munich and the Spanish national team. In 2020, Thiago transferred to Liverpool and demonstrated his technical skills in the intense competition of the Premier League.

Thiago's retirement was marked by a market value of €30 million, an indication of his talents, years of professional experience, and career success. He was a game-changer with his creative skills, and his impact on the field will be commemorated for a long time.

7. Sergio Agüero

Retirement Market Value: €25 Million

Sergio Agüero, known as one of the most successful forwards in his era, has concluded his football career with a high market worth, credited to his remarkable scoring abilities and knack for influencing game results. Agüero played most of his professional career at Manchester City, where he emerged as the team's top goal scorer of all time and one of the most impressive forwards in the Premier League.

Agüero started his professional journey at Independiente in Argentina, then transferred to Atlético Madrid, establishing himself as a skilled and promising forward. He became a legend when he joined Manchester City in 2011. Agüero played a key role in Manchester City's 2012 Premier League title win, scoring the memorable last-minute goal against Queens Park Rangers to clinch the title.

Agüero's unmatched ability to score goals was evident throughout his career. His ability to always be in the right place at the right time was remarkable, and his finishing was precise. Agüero achieved five Premier League championships with Manchester City, as well as several domestic cup victories. His impact on Manchester City's ascendancy in English football is invaluable.

Agüero's €25 million market value upon retiring indicated his sustained goal-scoring prowess, which remained strong even towards the end of his career. Regrettably, due to health problems, he was forced to retire sooner than anticipated, but his reputation as one of the top strikers in the Premier League is firmly secured.

Final Thoughts

The soccer players listed previously all ended their careers with significant market worth, indicating their talent, reliability, and impact on the sport. Each player, from Raphael Varane's defensive skills to Toni Kroos's expertise in midfield, Philipp Lahm's adaptability, Enock Mwepu's promise, Zinedine Zidane's artistic flair, Thiago Alcântara's inventiveness, and Sergio Agüero's impressive goal-scoring ability, has made a lasting impact on the sport.

Although market value is only one factor in evaluating a player's value, the influence they had during games and the lasting impact they made cannot be calculated in terms of money. Their impact on football will keep motivating upcoming players and fans as well.