As the World Cup edges closer to its climax, the tournament has already seen several players enhance or maintain their market values through strong performances. However, there remain some high-profile footballers with impressive valuations who have yet to step on the pitch even once.

In the lead-up to the semi-finals, Transfermarkt released a list highlighting the most valuable players who have not played a single minute in the competition so far.

At the top of this ranking sits Martin Zubimendi, whose market value has been pegged by Transfermarkt at €75 million, alongside England’s rising star Kobbie Mainoo, valued at €70 million.

From a German standpoint, RB Leipzig’s young midfielder Assan Ouédraogo also features on this list, with a market valuation of €28 million. Altogether, the twenty most expensive players who have remained unused substitutes throughout the tournament represent a combined market value of €626 million.

With the semi-finals around the corner, these footballers will be hoping for a chance to make an appearance before the World Cup concludes.

📸 Photo Credit: Florencia Tan Jun / Getty Images (2026)