PSG’s €160M Monopoly: The 10 most expensive Full-backs at World Cup 2026

19.06.26 FT World Cup

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Elite fullbacks are redefining tactics at World Cup 2026 as new market valuations reveal football's most expensive wide defenders.

Modern football puts immense pressure on wide defenders. They no longer just track opposing wingers, they are now required to create big chances, offer numerical advantages in midfield and even chip in with vital goals.

According to the latest data from the football metrics platform Transfermarkt, the ongoing World Cup features backline stars with astronomical price tags proving just how vital these positions have become to international success.

The Right-Back rulers

The battle on the right flank is fiercely competitive but Moroccan superstar Achraf Hakimi stands entirely alone at the top. Valued at a whopping €80 million, his blistering pace and consistent elite performances make him one of the ultimate tactical weapons in the tournament.

1. Achraf Hakimi 27 - Morocco: €80.00 Million
2. Jurrien Timber 24 Netherlands: €70.00 Million
3. Reece James 26 England: €60.00 Million
4. Jules Koundé 27 France: €60.00 Million
5. Trent Alexander-Arnold 27 England: €60.00 Million
6. Tino Livramento 23 England: €45.00 Million
7. Wesley 22 Brazil: €40.00 Million
8. Michael Kayode 21 Italy: €40.00 Million
9. Josip Stanišić 26 Croatia: €40.00 Million
10. Jeremie Frimpong 25 Netherlands: €35.00 Million

The Left-Back leaders

On the opposite side, young talents are rapidly taking over the global stage. Powerful, technically gifted players dominate the left-back rankings, spearheaded by Portugal's explosive Nuno Mendes.

1. Nuno Mendes 23 Portugal: €80.00 Million
2. Nico O'Reilly 21 England: €70.00 Million
3. Riccardo Calafiori 24 Italy: €55.00 Million
4. Álvaro Carreras 23 Spain: €50.00 Million
5. Alejandro Balde 22 Spain : €50.00 Million
6. Marc Cucurella 27 Spain: €50.00 Million
7. Federico Dimarco 28 Italy: €50.00 Million
8. Jorrel Hato 20 Netherlands: €40.00 Million
9. Nathaniel Brown 22 Germany: €40.00 Million
10. Lewis Hall 21 England: €40.00 Million

Paris Saint-Germain holds the Monopoly

A quick look at the numbers shows that French giants Paris Saint-Germain hold a complete monopoly on elite wide talent.

Both Hakimi and Nuno Mendes sit comfortably at the top of their respective lists at €80 million each. This gives their national teams an incredible tactical edge allowing Morocco and Portugal to stretch opponents and switch play instantly.

Khaled Hegazy |

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Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

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