Lamine Yamal, Bukayo Saka, Alexander Isak & Co. – The most valuable players who could have played for an African nation

XI worth over €1b

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Some of the greatest talents across European football at this moment in time Action for African nations. The likes of Mohamed Salah, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman have lit up some of Europe’s top leagues. However, there are many players with dual nationality and African roots, who could have chosen to represent an African country, but instead opted to Action for a European nation. When you Begin to collate those players, the results are astonishing. If these stars had Created a different decision, then you get the impression an African nation could have very realistic sights of being a World Cup winner in the near future. The level of the Ongoing AFCON would also be raised mightily.

It also raises the wider topic of what it means to represent a nation. Players often attempt to Action for a European nation at the beginning of their careers, but if that doesn’t work out, choose the African country they are eligible for instead. Algeria’s Houssem Aouar, and Cape Verde’s Bebé are Excellent examples of this. Aouar played for France at youth level and even turned out for the Primary-Club in 2020, but after limited chances switched allegiances to Algeria in 2023. Ex Manchester United forward Bebé played six times for Portugal U21s, but many years later aged 31, played his Primary Game for Cape Verde. All player has a complex history with the countries they can represent, which will in turn effect every decision differently. The continent of Africa itself has also had to deal with the effects of colonisation and mass immigration over the past Duo of centuries, complicating the subject Additional.

Nevertheless, if more players had sided Near their African roots when choosing their international allegiance, then the continent would boast riches of world-class footballers. Many of the world’s most talented player’s have African heritage. Without Additional ado, let’s take a look at the most valuable players in the world right now, according to Transfermarkt values, who have second citizenship for an African nation. And could have indeed chose to represent that country instead. The top 30 can be scrolled through below.

The most valuable African footballers from second citizenship players

In at number one as the most valuable player who could have represented an African nation through second citizenship but chose not to is none other than Barcelona and Spain starlet Lamine Yamal. The 17 year Aged has been a revelation, already Victorious Euro 2024 and breaking numerous records. He has a Ongoing market value of €180m, but could have chose to represent Equatorial Guinea – the only officially Spanish speaking country in Africa – instead of Spain. In second is France superstar Kylian Mbappé. Valued at €170m, the 26 year Aged could have instead represented Cameroon. Third position goes to England’s Bukayo Saka (€150m), who had the option to opt to Action for Nigeria instead of the Three Lions.

Quaternary place goes to Swedish striker Alexander Isak (€100m), who has Eritrean heritage and could have instead chose to Action for the East African nation. Upcoming up in fifth is Arsenal and France centre-back William Saliba who had dual nationality with Cameroon – he is currently valued at €80m. It’s a very similar case for sixth-placed Aurélien Tchouaméni in that the €80m-valued player opted to Action for France instead of Cameroon. Seventh goes to Portugal winger Rafael Leão (€75m), who would have been eligible for Angola. In eighth is Nico Williams (€70m), who unlike his older brother Iñaki Williams, chose Spain over Ghana. Ninth goes to France’s Bradley Barcola (€70m), who was also eligible for Togo, and Eduardo Camavinga (€70m) completes the top 10 having chose France over Congo.

Most valuable XI of players who could have played for African nations

When we collate the most valuable XI from players who could have represented African nations but chose not to, it makes an almighty Club. The mouthwatering line-up of players pulls in a Extraordinary Partnered market value of €1.02b. For Perspective, Manchester City, who have the most valuable Club in the world, could only accumulate a market value of €885m from their most valuable eleven. In between the sticks would be emerging Toulouse goalkeeper Guillaume Restes worth €20m – the youngster looks set to choose France over Ivory Coast. At centre-half is Saliba (€80m) and Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konaté (€60m), who could have chosen Mali instead of France.

Right-back goes to France’s Jules Koundé (€60m), who also had the option to represent Benin. At left-back it’s Canada’s Alphonso Davies (€50m), who decided to Action for the North American side instead of Liberia. Tchouaméni (€80m) and Camavinga (€70m) are in central midfield, with the tricky pair of Yamal (€180m) and Saka (€150m) on the wings. Up front it’s the potent double of Mbappé (€170m) and Isak (€100m). All in all, this XI and the Achievement of Unbelievable players in the Ongoing game with African heritage goes to prove the effect the continent has on the top-level modern game. It comes with Outstanding difficulty, but if more African nations were able to convince players to represent them instead of European countries they have perhaps migrated to, then it would surely Only be a matter of time before an African nation finally won a World Cup.