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<p>Does Ronaldo make the list?</p>
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<img alt="Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi & Co. - The all-time most valuable combined Real Madrid & Barcelona XI"
src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/galerie/messi-ronaldo-and-bellingham-1736517237-158265.png"
title="Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi & Co. - The all-time most valuable combined Real Madrid & Barcelona XI">
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<p dir="ltr">This Sunday, Real Madrid</a> and Barcelona</a> will clash in the season's first El Clásico, with both Spanish giants aiming for the top position in LaLiga</a>. Historically, they have faced each other 258 times in various competitions, with Madrid winning 106 matches and Barcelona winning 104. Even though this match occurs early in the season, it could significantly impact the psychological aspect of the title race.</p>
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<p dir="ltr">Beyond the excitement of the game itself, this encounter allows us to reflect on what is often deemed the fiercest rivalry in European football. While other matches may offer more vibrant atmospheres or stronger local rivalries, few clubs can rival the rich history and extraordinary talent displayed by Madrid and Barcelona over the last century. As we delve into the records and reminisce about the exceptional talents who have graced both clubs, let's examine which players would comprise an all-time XI based on their peak market values while at the clubs. Here’s a look.</p>
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<h2 dir="ltr">The all-time most valuable combined XI of Barcelona and Real Madrid</h2>
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<p dir="ltr">The graphic below illustrates a starting XI made up of the highest-valued players ever to have played for Barcelona or Real Madrid, based on their peak market values recorded on <em>Transfermarkt</em> during their tenure at the clubs. This dream team boasts a total combined valuation of €1.48 billion, underlining the immense talent and financial clout of these legendary clubs. The attack is spearheaded by Kylian Mbappé</a>, whose value soared to €180m upon his transfer to Spain last year, joined by Vinícius Jr</a> on the left, valued at €200m in 2024, and Barcelona's prodigy Lamine Yamal</a> on the right, also valued at €200m. Lionel Messi</a>, widely acknowledged as one of football's all-time greats, holds the No.10 position with a peak value of €180m recorded during his time at Barcelona in 2018.</p>
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<img alt="" height="629" src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/newsansicht/barca-v-madrid-xi-1761219800-181084.png?lm=1761219807" width="503">
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<p dir="ltr">In midfield, we have Madrid's Jude Bellingham</a> alongside Barcelona's Pedri</a>, currently valued at €180m and €140m respectively. Jordi Alba</a> remains the most valuable left-back overall, having held a market value of €70m in 2018, while Madrid's new acquisition Trent Alexander-Arnold, with a present market value of €75m, is the valued right-back. In central defense, we feature a throwback to Raphael Varane</a> (market value of €80m in 2018) alongside young Barcelona talent Pau Cubarsí</a>, who, at just 18, boasts a market value of €80m. The goalkeeper position is filled by Barcelona’s Marc-André ter Stegen</a>, who peaked at €90m in 2019, ranking him as the second most valuable goalkeeper in history.</p>
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<h2 dir="ltr">Where is Cristiano Ronaldo?</h2>
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<p dir="ltr">Despite the star-studded lineup depicted above, one noteworthy name is conspicuously absent: Cristiano Ronaldo</a>. Few players have matched the monumental success of the former Real Madrid star. So, why was Ronaldo left out? Unfortunately for him, during his peak at Madrid, his market value only reached a high of €120m in 2014 and remained around that figure until 2018. At that time, Ronaldo was considered one of the two most valuable players in the world, sharing the spotlight with Messi. However, football's landscape has evolved dramatically since then, with increasing financial investments raising market values and transfer fees. Consequently, Ronaldo’s peak market value of €120m positions him significantly below the attacking stars that can be assembled from Madrid and Barcelona.</p>
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