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€626 Million Worth of Talent Still Awaiting Their First World Cup Minutes
Priya Nambiar | July 15, 2026 4:20 AM CST

As the World Cup edges closer to its climax, the tournament has already seen several players enhance or maintain their market values through strong performances. However, there remain some high-profile footballers with impressive valuations who have yet to step on the pitch even once.

In the lead-up to the semi-finals, Transfermarkt released a list highlighting the most valuable players who have not played a single minute in the competition so far.

At the top of this ranking sits Martin Zubimendi, whose market value has been pegged by Transfermarkt at €75 million, alongside England’s rising star Kobbie Mainoo, valued at €70 million.

From a German standpoint, RB Leipzig’s young midfielder Assan Ouédraogo also features on this list, with a market valuation of €28 million. Altogether, the twenty most expensive players who have remained unused substitutes throughout the tournament represent a combined market value of €626 million.

With the semi-finals around the corner, these footballers will be hoping for a chance to make an appearance before the World Cup concludes.

📸 Photo Credit: Florencia Tan Jun / Getty Images (2026)


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