Cristiano Ronaldo signed a massive deal with Real Madrid.
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If money were no object, what would the dream team with the costliest World Cup players look like? Just shy of a billion dollars to be precise ($900.8 million).
Here is the dream team formed of World Cup players with the highest market values, according to football information website Transfermarkt.
Team formation: 4-3-3
Goalkeeper …
Bayern Munich’s Manuel Neuer. At $52.1 million the German goalie beats the likes of Spain’s Iker Casillas and Italy’s Gianluigi Buffon.
Defenders …
Spain’s Sergio Ramos and Brazil’s Thiago Silva, both priced at $80.7 million. They would be accompanied by German captain Philipp Lahm ($43.7 million) and Brazil’s Marcelo ($37 million).
Midfielders …
The top playmakers in this pricey outfit are Spain’s Andrés Iniesta and Germany’s Mario Gotze, both worth $80.7 million. Spanish midfielder Cesc Fàbregas complete the trio, with a value of $74 million.
Forwards …
They certainly give the money “up front.” Lionel Messi, arguably the greatest player on the planet, has a handsome fee of $178.2 million. His La Liga rival Cristiano Ronaldo stars with $148m. Brazil’s Neymar comes in with a price of $88.8 million.
The World Cup’s Most Expensive 11
Manuel Neuer (Germany National Team; Bayern Munich) — $52.1 million
Sergio Ramos (Spain National Team; Real Madrid) — $58.8 million
Marcelo (Brazil National Team, Real Madrid) — $37 million
Thiago Silva (Brazil National Team, PSG) — $58.8 million
Phillip Lahm (Germany National Team; Bayern Múnich) — $43.7 million
Cesc Fábregas (Spain National Team; Barcelona) — $74 million
Andrés Iniesta (Spain National Team; Barcelona) — $80.7 million
Mario Gotze (Germany National Team; Bayern Múnich) — $80.7 million
Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal National Team; Real Madrid) — $148 million
Neymar (Brazil National Team, Barcelona) — $88.8 million
Lionel Messi (Argentina National Team; Barcelona) — $178.2 million
