Kenan Yildiz becomes Türkiye’s most valuable footballer in history

Transfermarkt’s latest valuation update has crowned Juventus forward Kenan Yildiz as the most valuable player in Turkish football history.

The 20-year-old’s market value rose to €75 million ($87 million), a milestone that places him ahead of some of Türkiye’s biggest football exports in recent years.

From Serie A to global spotlight

Yildiz, who plays for Italian powerhouse Juventus in Serie A, continues to attract global attention for his technical skill and composure on the ball.

His new valuation surpasses that of Real Madrid’s young talent Arda Guler, whose market worth stands at €60 million ($69.6 million), making him the second-highest among Turkish players.

Modern Turkish stars dominate top ranks

The updated list highlights how Turkish players are increasingly shaping European football.

Hakan Calhanoglu, currently with Inter Milan, and Caglar Soyuncu, formerly at Leicester City, share the third and fourth spots, respectively, both valued at €45 million ($52.2 million).

Rising midfielders Orkun Kokcu, Cengiz Under, and Arda Turan also appear in the top 10, alongside defenders Ozan Kabak, Ferdi Kadioglu, and Merih Demiral.

Real Madrids Turkish midfielder #15 Arda Guler celebrates after scoring his teams second goal during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Group H football match at the Bank of America stadium in Charlotte, June 22, 2025. (AFP Photo)

Following the latest update, the ranking of the most valuable Turkish players in history is as follows:

1. Kenan Yildiz – Juventus – €75 million ($87 million)
2. Arda Guler – Real Madrid – €60 million ($70 million)
3. Hakan Calhanoglu – Inter – €45 million ($52 million)
4. Caglar Soyuncu – Leicester City – €45 million ($52 million)
5. Orkun Kokcu – Feyenoord – €35 million ($41 million)
6. Cengiz Under – Roma – €35 million ($41 million)
7. Arda Turan – Atletico Madrid – €35 million ($41 million)
8. Ozan Kabak – Schalke – €32 million ($37 million)
9. Ferdi Kadioglu – Fenerbahce – €30 million ($35 million)
10. Merih Demiral – Juventus – €30 million ($35 million)

Türkiye’s footballing evolution reflected in numbers

The rankings underline a new generation of players representing Türkiye across Europe’s top leagues.

From Juventus and Inter to Real Madrid and Fenerbahce, these names now carry some of the continent’s highest valuations, marking a significant moment in the country’s footballing history.

October 08, 2025 02:05 PM GMT+03:00