Golden Boy Award 2023 – market value changes of the leading 10 players across the past 12 months
Jude Bellingham was announced as the recipient of the “Golden Boy” award for 2023 on Monday. While not surprising to avid football fans, it inspired SportingPedia to investigate the market values of all top 10 finishers and see how they changed over the past 12 months. One of our report’s most intriguing findings reveals that Bellingham’s market value has surged by €50 million in the past year. In terms of pure numbers, only Xavi Simons has outpaced Bellingham’s market value upsurge with stellar on-field performances. Shifting the perspective, Rasmus Hojlund stands out, boasting an impressive 333% increase from his value a year ago.
Jude Belligham: From €100 million in November ‘22 to €150 million in November ‘23
Even before his move to Real Madrid, Jude Bellingham had achieved a market value of €100 million through his impressive performances at Borussia Dortmund. This was his assessed worth in November 2022, preceding the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. By the time he moved to Madrid in June, Bellingham’s value had escalated to €120 million. Following an exceptional debut with Los Blancos, including scoring 13 goals in 14 matches, Bellingham’s current valuation stands at an impressive €150 million.
Jamal Musiala: From €100 million in November ‘22 to €110 million in November ‘23
Musiala has only increased his market value by €10 million over the past 12 months. In November of last year, the attacking midfielder’s valuation stood at €100 million. Considering Bayern Munich’s struggles in the latter part of the previous season, it remains noteworthy that Musiala has managed to gain value rather than incur a loss. Despite the German national team’s disastrous form, Musiala’s individual performances have not waned, evident in his current market value of €110 million.
Xavi Simons: From €18 million in November ‘22 to €70 million in November ‘23
Xavi Simons finished 3rd in the Golden Boy award.The young Dutchman’s market value rose from mere €18 million to €70 million in the space of 12 months – the biggest increase among the players in positions from 1 to 10 in the final rankings. In November of last year he was part of PSV and finished the Eredivisie season with 19 goals and 9 assists. Since joining RB Leipzig this summer, Simons has quickly established himself as a key player, featuring in the starting line-up 17 times and has an impressive return of 6 goals and 8 assists.
Gavi: From €90 million in November ‘22 to €90 million in November ‘23
The Spanish prodigy stands as the sole player on the list whose market value remained unchanged over the past year. Gavi clinched the Golden Boy award last season when he held a valuation of €90 million, and presently, there is no alteration to that figure. Unfortunately, Gavi’s 2023/24 season was abruptly curtailed by an injury sustained during his most recent appearance for the Spanish national team.
Antonio Silva: From €15 million in November ‘22 to €45 million in November ‘23
Antonio Silva’s market value stood at €15 million last November. Following a stellar debut season with Benfica, his stocks are now valued at €45 million, marking a noteworthy 200% increase over the past 12 months, underscoring the defender’s significant potential for growth. Silva consistently earns a starting position at the club level, featuring from the first minute in all 16 matches this season. His debut for Portugal took place exactly a year ago on November 17th, and within this timeframe, the defender has accrued 7 international caps.
Alejandro Balde: From €15 million in November ‘22 to €50 million in November ‘23
Balde broke into Barca’s starting XI last season and since then has usurped the left side of the defense. A year ago his market value was €15 million, but after a series of good performances it has now reached €50 million. While Balde recently inked a new contract, an undisclosed English club has expressed interest and is poised to challenge Barcelona with a substantial bid.
Florian Wirtz: From €70 million in November ‘22 to €85 million in November ‘23
Florian Wirtz endured the majority of 2022 in the treatment room, recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament rupture. Despite the setback, Wirtz’s valuation last November stood at €70 million, a testament to the promise he had already demonstrated. His first competitive game came in last December, but the young German has truly rediscovered his best form with the beginning of the 2023/24 season, playing a crucial role in Bayer Leverkusen’s ascend to the top of the Bundesliga.
Benjamin Sesko: From €20 million in November ‘22 to €30 million in November ‘23
The towering Slovenian is still in his early days with the Red Bulls from Leipzig after moving from Salzburg in the summer. Sesko predominantly features as a substitute for his new team, a role he assumed in 11 out of his 16 appearances in an RB Leipzig shirt. Besides earning him the 8th position in the Golden Boy Award, the performances throughout the past 12 months have increased Sesko’s market value with €10 million.
Giorgio Scalvini: From €20 million in November ‘22 to €40 million in November ‘23
At a mere 19 years, Scalvini’s impressive displays with Atalanta have already earned him 7 appearances for Italy. Within just 12 months, the young defender has witnessed his market value double, soaring from €20 million to €40 million. As Scalvini approaches his 20th birthday in December, speculations suggest he may not stay with Atalanta beyond the current season, given the keen interest from several high-profile European clubs.
Rasmus Hojlund: From €15 million in November ‘22 to €65 million in November ‘23
In November 2022, Hojlund was actively contributing goals while still with Atalanta. The striker impressively netted 10 goals during his singular season with the Italians, leading Manchester United to secure his services for €75 million in the summer of 2023. Although Hojlund’s present market value slightly trails the initial fee, his goal drought in 9 Premier League appearances hasn’t been beneficial either.