In a recent publication of findings, Football-Observatory.com released their valuations of the world’s most valuable football players in transfer value. The margin between #1 and #2 is unbelievable. For the first time, Cristiano Ronaldo is no longer in the top 2. A list of the top 20 most valuable footballers is as follows.

20. Karim Benzema (Real Madrid): $50.3 – 55.4 million

The French striker has been part of the deadly ‘BBC’ trio (Benzema-Bale-Cristiano) combination at Real Madrid, who were instrumental in them winning the Champions League – Copa Del Rey double in the 2013-14 season. At just 27 years of age, the former Lyon striker has many years left in him. Benzema has scored 133 goals in 281 matches for the Spanish side and he just makes the cut in this Top 20 Most Valuable Football Players list.

19. Oscar dos Santos (Chelsea): $53.6 – 59.0 million

The 23-year old Brazilian is widely touted to be major star in coming years from his brilliant performances for Chelsea and the Brazil national team. Oscar has been a key member in the Chelsea side who easily won the Premier League and the Capital One Cup last season. He has already made 45 appearances for Brazil, scoring 12 goals. With his peak years probably ahead of him, Oscar is one player to look out for in coming years.

18. Thibaut Courtois (Chelsea): $56.7 – 62.4 million

The second Chelsea player in a row, Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is making waves in the Premier League and the La Liga before that. The 23-year old fast gaining prominence and along with David de Gea, the two are considered to be the biggest threat to Manuel Neuer for the title of World’s Best Goalkeeper. Courtois has won back to back league titles, with Chelsea last season in the Premier League and Atletico Madrid the year before last in the La Liga.

17. Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool): $56.8 – 62.6 million

The third 23-year old in a row, Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho has been in great form. After the departure of Luis Suarez, Coutinho has stepped up his game and has easily been Liverpool’s standout player in a disappointing campaign. The Brazilian made it into the Premier League Team of the Season this year too, the only one from Liverpool in it. Next season could be a defining year for Coutinho since the possible departure of Raheem Sterling could give Coutinho a much bigger role in the side.

16. Gareth Bale (Real Madrid): $57.8 – 63.6 million

When Real Madrid shelled out a World Record 100 million Euros for Gareth Bale 2 years ago, he was touted to be among the best players in the world in coming years. The 25-year old Welshman was instrumental in Real Madrid winning the 2014 Champions League and Copa del Rey, having scored the winning goal in both the Finals. Known for his blistering pace and long range shooting, Gareth Bale has all the potential to become the World’s Best Player, despite him having a sub-par 2014-15 season.

15. Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur): $60.3 – 66.4 million

An year ago, hardly anybody knew him. Now, Harry Kane is one of the hottest properties in the world. After a dream season with Tottenham Hotspur where Kane scored a brilliant 31 goals in all competitions, the 21-year old Englishman’s value has shot up massively. Fans in England are excited and he’s already been called the future of English football in both the Premier League and the England National Team. A host of big clubs are chasing this starlet, but they’ll have to spend big to land Harry Kane.

14. Isco Alarcon (Real Madrid): $64.5 – 70.9 million

Yet another 23-year old in the list, Isco Alcaron or simply Isco, is one of the brightest young stars in Spain. The Valencia academy product was one of the stars of the victorious Spain U-21 side who won the 2013 European Championships. Isco is expected to be a mainstay in the Spain National Team in the coming years. At just 23, he has his peak years ahead of him and his place in the list of Most Valuable Football Players is expected to rise up in the future.

13. Cesc Fabregas (Chelsea): $66.2 – 72.7 million

A product of Barcelona’s and Arsenal’s youth system, Cesc Fabregas was one of the key members of the legendary Spain team who won the World Cup and 2 consecutive European Championships in the last decade. The 28-year old just had a magnificent season with Chelsea, winning the Premier League. Fabregas ended on top of the assists charts. At 28, we cannot be sure how long Fabregas can maintain this level of performances, but he will certainly be remembered as one of the best passers of the ball.

12. Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid): $66.5 – 73.2million

24-year old French star Antoine Griezmann has had a fantastic season in the La Liga with Atletico Madrid, scoring 25 goals in all competitions. He has cemented his spot in the French National Team too, slotting in perfectly with the departure of Franck Ribery. Griezmann won the La Liga Player of the Month Award twice this season, the only player to do so. He also made it into the La Liga Team of the Season. He certainly has the potential to grow into one of the best players in the world.

11. Luis Suarez (Barcelona): $67.6 – 74.4 million

The most controversial player in football over the past few seasons, Luis Suarez has become an icon. Suarez had an outstanding 2013-14 season with Liverpool, where he scored 31 goals in the League to claim the Premier League and European Golden Boot, along with the PL Player of the Season Award. After moving to Barcelona in the summer of 2014, Suarez has had phenomenal success, being part of the lethal Messi-Suarez-Neymar trio, winning the treble of the La Liga, Copa Del Rey and the Champions League.

10. James Rodriguez (Real Madrid): $70.5 – 77.6 million

The 23-year old Colombian midfielder began the season with an amazing World Cup performance where he won the Golden Boot with 6 goals. That brought him a €80 million move to Los Blancos. He finished the season with 17 goals in all competitions. He still has a lot to prove and his value can only rise as he aims to cement himself as a Galatico.

9. Alexis Sanchez (Arsenal): $76.4 – 84.1 million

The 26 year old Chilean was a marquee signing from Barcelona for the Gunners. He definitely did not disappoint. 25 goals in 52 appearances helped him propel the Gunners to 3 in the Premier League. He capped off the season with a sensational goal against Aston Villa in Arsenal’s FA Cup triumph. Sanchez has also followed it up with yet another trophy, this time with Chile, winning the Copa America 2015, where he scored the winning penalty in the Final. Despite being personally disappointed with his performances, the best of Sanchez is yet to come.

8. Diego Costa (Chelsea): $78.8 – 86.7 million

The 26 year old, Brazilian born Spanish striker moved from Atletico Madrid after a prolific season to join Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea squad. Despite being hampered by hamstring injuries in the second half of the season, his 20 Premier League goals were vital in propelling Chelsea to their first league title in 5 years. Costa will be hoping to recover properly and build on the two amazing seasons he has had.

7. Paul Pogba (Juventus): $79.3 – 87.2 million

The former Manchester United misfit who forced his way out of the club has now turned into one of the most sought after midfielders. Pogba had a good World Cup last summer where he won the Best Young Player Award. Despite an injury in the 2014/15 season, it was Pogba’s most prolific season in front of goal with 10 strikes. He won the Serie A and the Coppa Italia double and reached the Champions League Final. Pogba is linked with a mega move away from the Old Lady, despite having signed an improved long term contract with them. The 22 year old midfielder would be surely playing a key role in whichever club he plays for next season.

6. Raheem Sterling (Liverpool): $83.1 – 91.3 million

The young Liverpool forward is subject to intense transfer speculation as he has rejected Liverpool’s contract as he seeks a new challenge. Even though he took a small holiday mid-season, the 20-year old played 47 games and scored 11 goals in all competitions. They are his personal bests in terms of games played. Whichever team that may nab him might end up paying a large sum for the 20 year old winger. He also won the Golden Boy Award for 2014.

5. Sergio Aguero (Manchester City): $88.2 – 97.0 million

One of the best, albeit injury-prone strikers around. The 27-year old Argentine striker had a prolific season, in a season that Manchester City may want to forget. 32 goals in 40 games in all competitions. His performances had given hope to City in the Champions League and Premier League midway through the season. However, he has been injury prone and his teammates were not able to replicate their form in the 2013/14 title winning season. He has won the Premier League Golden Boot. Now entering his prime, he could increase his market value if he can avoid any more injuries.

4. Neymar (Barcelona): $101.0 – 111.0 million

Neymar Jr. has put behind a horrible 2013/14 Season. He scored 39 goals (much better than his 15 goal tally in 2013/14) in the 2014/15 season as he was a part of the mesmerizing MSN trio that propelled Barcelona to another treble. He was the joint highest Champions League goalscorer along with teammate Messi and rival Cristiano Ronaldo. At age 23, we can expect his performances to dazzle us for many more years to come.

3. Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid): $127.7 – 140.6 million

Cristiano Ronaldo is arguably one of the greatest players in the game. Playing at the same time along with Lionel Messi, the pair have caused quite a stir on who is the greatest player. The 30-year old Portuguese forward has collected the last 2 FIFA Balon D’ors. He has remained prolific in front of goal, with 61 goals in all competitions. However, he is now 30 and his stock may not rise any further as he ages.

2. Eden Hazard (Chelsea): $152.7 – 167.9 million

The 24-year old Belgian player had a sensational season. He played a critical role in Chelsea’s winning campaign as they won the Premier League and Capital One Cup double. He finished the season with 19 goals in all competitions along with 13 assists. He won a host of individual accolades too, including PFA and FWA player of the season (2014/15) and another appearance in the PFA team of the year. He has many more years to develop before he reaches his full potential.

1. Lionel Messi (Barcelona): $287.8 – 316.6 million

Lionel Messi has earned the rights to named among the greatest footballers of all time. Messi has won 3 Champions Leagues, 7 La Ligas and several other trophies and also 4 Ballon D’Ors to his name.The Barcelona and Argentine magician had a stellar second half in the 2014/15 season. He was leading the scoring and assists charts for the Catalan giants (58 goals and 28 assists) as they completed a historic second treble. He formed a deadly attacking trio with Luis Suarez and Neymar Jr. Aged 27, he is just entering his prime. It is possible he can redefine football and take it to a whole new level.

If you liked this read, please subscribe to our newsletter for the best football reads through the week: Best games and analysis, everything right in your inbox!