Real Madrid News
Real Madrid trio see market values soar after impressive World Cup displays
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has not only enhanced the global reputation of several Real Madrid players, but also significantly boosted their market values.
The latest Transfermarkt update reflects the impact of the tournament, with Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe, and Marc Cucurella emerging as the biggest winners after outstanding performances for their national teams.
Bellingham records one of the biggest increases
Bellingham enjoyed one of the largest market value rises following the World Cup.
The England midfielder’s valuation increased by €30 million, taking him to €160 million, one of the biggest jumps in the latest update, surpassed only by compatriot Elliot Anderson.
Bellingham played a pivotal role in England’s run to third place, appearing in all eight matches while contributing seven goals and one assist.
His performances further strengthened his reputation as one of the world’s elite midfielders and a cornerstone of Real Madrid’s long-term project.
Mbappe returns to the €200 million mark
Meanwhile, Mbappe also enjoyed a significant increase, with his market value rising by €20 million to €200 million.
Although France narrowly missed out on the World Cup final, the forward delivered another remarkable tournament, scoring 10 goals and providing two assists in eight appearances to claim the tournament’s Golden Boot.
During the competition, Mbappe also became the all-time leading scorer in FIFA World Cup history, further cementing his status as one of football’s biggest stars.
Cucurella rewarded for outstanding tournament
New Real Madrid signing Cucurella is another major beneficiary of the latest valuation update.
The Spanish left-back, who played a key role in Spain’s World Cup triumph, saw his market value rise by €10 million, reaching €60 million.
His performances throughout the tournament showcased his defensive reliability, athleticism, and attacking contribution, fully justifying Real Madrid’s decision to sign him this summer.
Cucurella featured in every match of Spain’s successful campaign and contributed two assists on the way to lifting the trophy.
FIFA recognition
The trio’s impressive displays were recognised beyond the transfer market.
FIFA also included Mbappe, Bellingham, and Cucurella in the fan-voted Best XI of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, highlighting their influence throughout the tournament and underlining Real Madrid’s strong representation among the competition’s standout performers.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid record signing labelled once in a generation star: ‘One in every ten years’
Real Madrid had an exceptional summer transfer window, with the club bringing in as many as seven players for Jose Mourinho.
No signing was bigger than Yan Diomande, though, with the Ivorian becoming Los Blancos’ most expensive acquisition of all time.
The 19-year-old arrives at Madrid carrying enormous expectations, and the people who have worked closely with the young winger believe he can live up to them.
As quoted by MARCA, Thiago Freitas, operations director at Roc Nation, used an extraordinary comparison when discussing Diomande.
Diomande compared to Halley’s Comet
Roc Nation identified Diomande while he was still at Leipzig, and Freitas explained just how quickly the agency became convinced by his potential.
“We are always looking at the stars, but while looking at the stars, sometimes a comet appears,” Freitas said.
“I can say that Yan, among the stars, is like a comet, a Halley that you find every eight or ten years. And when the possibility of working with him came to us, we did not think twice.”
The agency subsequently built a personalised structure around Diomande to help his development, although convincing Leipzig to part with such a valuable young player was never expected to be straightforward.
“A player of this level, every club wants to keep. We knew it would be a great challenge, a difficult task to make this transfer happen,” he explained.
Real Madrid changed the transfer race
Freitas also revealed that several major clubs wanted Diomande before Madrid eventually secured his signature.
“Many of the most important, richest and most qualified clubs in the world showed interest in Yan,” he said.
However, once Madrid entered the race, Roc Nation felt the dynamic changed completely.
“But I always say that for players, Real Madrid is the Pele of clubs,” Freitas explained.
“When Real Madrid’s interest appears, there is nothing more the other clubs can do.”
Freitas believes Diomande’s unpredictability makes him particularly suited to Madrid, where opponents regularly defend with the primary objective of containing their attacking talent.
“Yan is a player who can bring a lot of surprise to Madrid,” he said, highlighting his ability to break tactical structures and create unexpected situations.
Diomande is still a young player who needs time under Jose Mourinho. The Portuguese tactician is easing him into action.
The teenager may not be starting for Madrid yet, but it will not be long before he gets the nod. Jose is said to be keen to avoid another Mastantuono situation with him.
One thing is clear, though: everyone who has worked with Madrid in some capacity thinks the sky is the limit for him, and it remains to be seen whether he hits those heights at the Bernabeu.
