Arab National Teams on the Rise: A Market Value Snapshot of Football’s Emerging Giants
A distinguished quintet of Arab national football teams now claim their rightful space among the globe’s top 64 most financially valued squads. Together, these sides possess an impressive combined worth of $1.02 billion—no longer shadow players, but powerhouses rewriting their stories on the world stage. Below is a refined breakdown of the Arab world’s most prized national football assets, as per Transfermarkt data recorded on June 29, 2025.
1. Morocco
FIFA Rank: 12 | Global Market Value Rank: 14 | Total Value: $432.5 Million
Top Talent: Achraf Hakimi (26), Paris Saint-Germain – Estimated at $93.6 Million
Morocco’s national team, known as the Atlas Lions, etched their name into football folklore at the 2022 Qatar World Cup by becoming the first African nation to reach the semi-finals—ultimately securing a historic fourth-place finish. As of April 2025, they stand tall as Africa’s top-ranked side in FIFA standings. With the Africa Cup of Nations soon to be hosted on home ground and co-hosting rights for the 2030 World Cup secured alongside Spain and Portugal, Morocco continues building a legacy that merges prestige with ambition.
2. Algeria
FIFA Rank: 36 | Global Market Value Rank: 25 | Total Value: $284.8 Million
Top Talent: Rayan Aït-Nouri (24), Manchester City – Estimated at $41 Million
Algeria, dubbed the Desert Foxes, commands continental respect with a squad ranked fourth in Africa by both FIFA standings and market value. Champions of the Africa Cup of Nations in 1990 and 2019, and winners of the 2021 FIFA Arab Cup, Algeria’s success is etched in both heritage and momentum. With a lineup laced with talent and resolve, they remain ever-relevant contenders on the African football map.
3. Egypt
FIFA Rank: 32 | Global Market Value Rank: 39 | Total Value: $185.4 Million
Top Talent: Omar Marmoush (26), Manchester City – Estimated at $87.8 Million
The Pharaohs of Egypt, steeped in continental dominance, hold an unparalleled record of seven Africa Cup of Nations titles—including a golden streak of three straight wins from 2006 to 2010. Despite their rich pedigree, the current valuation places them eighth in Africa, a contrast they’ll surely look to correct. With seasoned professionals and emerging stars, Egypt continues striving to align their market value with their illustrious legacy.
4. Tunisia
FIFA Rank: 49 | Global Market Value Rank: 63 | Total Value: $62.7 Million
Top Talent: Hannibal (22), Burnley – Estimated at $14 Million
Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles, currently seventh in Africa per FIFA’s latest tally, reached their pinnacle in 2004 by winning the Africa Cup of Nations on home turf. Though their market standing rests at 14th on the continent, the squad’s resilience and tactical sharpness remain unwavering. Tunisia’s blueprint lies in cohesion and spirit—a formidable force regardless of valuation.
5. United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.)
FIFA Rank: 65 | Global Market Value Rank: 64 | Total Value: $59.6 Million
Top Talent: Fábio Lima (32), Al Wasl – Estimated at $7.6 Million
The U.A.E. sits tenth in Asia by FIFA rank and holds ninth among Arab teams, maintaining competitive continuity with 11 Asian Cup appearances and two Gulf Cup victories. Though yet to claim the continental crown, their squad valuation places them fourth across Asia. With steady growth and solid domestic development, the U.A.E. remains a quietly persistent presence in the regional football arena.
