Nigeria ranked outside top 20 most valuable football nations, behind Morocco, Japan, Serbia

Despite a proud footballing legacy and a growing crop of elite talent, Nigeria has been ranked outside the top 20 most valuable football nations in the world, according to Transfermarkt's latest global valuation data.

The Super Eagles, led by star striker Victor Osimhen, fall short behind emerging football powers like Morocco, Japan, and Serbia.

According to Transfermarkt, Nigeria’s national pool of players has landed them in 22nd place on the list of the most valuable football nations in the world.

The rankings are based on the combined market value of all players from each country who have been assigned valuations.

With Victor Osimhen as their standout name at €70 million, the Super Eagles were unable to match the total market values of nations like the United States (15th), Morocco (17th), Japan (18th), and Serbia (19th).

Morocco’s place as Africa’s highest-ranked football nation is a reflection of their recent success on the global stage, including a historic semi-final finish at the 2022 World Cup as well as having the most expensive player on the continent in PSG’s Achraf Hakimi.

Unsurprisingly, England lead the world in football market value, with their 1,862 players holding a combined valuation of €4.96 billion.

Brazil follow closely in second with €4.85 billion, thanks to stars like Vinicius Junior (€170m), Rodrygo, and Raphinha. Spain sit in third place with 3,988 players and a total valuation of €4.63 billion, with teenage sensation Lamine Yamal topping the global player charts at €200 million.

France and reigning world champions Argentina round out the top five. The report reaffirms Europe’s dominance, with eight of the top ten nations hailing from the continent, while Brazil and Argentina are the only South American nations to make the elite bracket.