Study: Rashford surpasses Mbappe as Europe's most valuable player

Marcus Rashford’s stock has never been higher.

The Manchester United forward has been declared the most valuable player in Europe’s top-five leagues, according to an algorithm that CIES Football Observatory created.

Rashford, whose contract at United runs until 2024, is valued at €165 million, while former list leader Kylian Mbappe has slumped to fifth with a €149.4-million valuation.

The 23-year-old England international has notched 14 goals and seven assists for a United side that sits level on points with Premier League leaders Liverpool.

Mbappe’s drop down the table is somewhat based on uncertainty over his future, as the study takes into account recent performances, age, contract situations, and other factors. There are fewer than two years left on his Paris Saint-Germain contract.

An expiring contract also explains why six-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi is ranked 97th. There are only six months left on the Argentine’s deal at Barcelona.

Cristiano Ronaldo, 35, ranks 131st despite leading Serie A in scoring with 14 goals this campaign for Juventus. His contract expires in 2022.

Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund phenom Erling Haaland ranks second ahead of Liverpool full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold and Manchester United playmaker Bruno Fernandes.

Here’s the CIES Football Observatory’s list of the 20 most valuable players: