Euro 2024, kicking off today, promises to be one of the most engaging tournaments we've experienced. Not only will the event showcase some of the biggest stars in European football, but it also reflects an unprecedented market value of many players. This stark disparity between the strongest teams and the underdogs sets the stage for a compelling and unpredictable competition.
England emerges as the team with the highest market value, totaling 1.52 billion euros. Leading the squad are two of the world's most expensive players, Jude Bellingham (180 million euros) and Phil Foden (150 million euros). France follows closely with a market value of 1.23 billion euros, largely thanks to Real Madrid's star, Kylian Mbappe, also valued at 180 million euros.
Portugal closes the top three with a team market value of 1.05 billion euros. Their most esteemed player is Rafael Leao, valued at 90 million euros, while their seasoned star, Cristiano Ronaldo, currently holds a value of 15 million euros. On the opposite end, Romania has the lowest market value in the tournament at just 92.13 million euros, with defender Radu Dragusin as their most valuable player.
These figures underscore the significant economic and professional disparities in European football. It remains to be seen whether one of the 'Cinderella' teams will surprise everyone with a successful campaign in the championship.
In terms of attendance and fan support, the enthusiasm for Euro 2024 is palpable, especially for the French national team. Didier Deschamps' squad will face Austria in Düsseldorf in a stadium filled with 11,460 French supporters. Similar fan engagement is expected in their subsequent matches against the Netherlands in Leipzig and Poland in Dortmund.
The excitement extends even to the training sessions. France's open training session in Paderborn is expected to draw 4,000 spectators, outstripping the UEFA-set limits for such events. The high demand underscores the anticipation and fervor surrounding the French team, with over 100,000 people initially requesting tickets for the public session.
- The market values of players and teams at Euro 2024 highlight the financial muscle and investments that dominate modern football. England, France, and Portugal stand out not just for their athletic prowess but also their economic fortitude.
- The French team's training sessions in Paderborn exemplify the widespread fan enthusiasm, with an extraordinary number of requests for the limited free tickets. The French Football Federation's ability to secure an exemption from UEFA's spectator limits for the training session signifies the extent of support that the national team commands.
