As the 2026 World Cup approaches, France's attacking depth is turning heads across the footballing world. With an estimated total value of nearly $1 billion for their offensive players, the French squad is set to boast one of the most formidable attacking forces ever assembled. From established stars like Kylian Mbappé to emerging talents such as Désiré Doué, France's coach, Didier Deschamps, faces a daunting decision—not over who to include, but who to leave out of his starting lineup for the World Cup opener against Senegal on June 16. Let’s take a closer look at the players that make up this multi-million-dollar attacking force.
A Billion-Dollar Attack: France’s Offensive Talent Pool
France is blessed with a wealth of attacking talent, with a combined market value of 855 million euros, or just over $1 billion, according to estimates from Transfermarkt and the CIES Football Observatory. This is not just a squad filled with high-value players—it’s a team of world-class forwards that would strike fear into any opposition. With Kylian Mbappé leading the charge, the depth in attacking options is simply staggering.
Mbappé, who has been on fire at Real Madrid this season, remains the standout figure. At 27, he is valued at 200 million euros ($236 million) and is just one goal shy of tying Olivier Giroud for France’s all-time top scorer with 57 goals. But he’s far from alone. Ousmane Dembélé, fresh off winning the Ballon d'Or, brings speed and finishing prowess to the lineup, while Michael Olise offers exceptional vision and clinical passing, contributing to Bayern Munich’s title chase with 18 goals and 25 assists in 44 games. Then there’s 20-year-old Désiré Doué, a rising star at PSG, valued at around 115 million euros, alongside Barcelona’s Rayan Cherki, known for his flair and creativity on the ball.
A Rising Star: Cherki's Value and Potential
One player who could see his stock rise dramatically is Rayan Cherki. The Lyon-born winger first caught attention at just 16 years old with a brace in a French Cup match. Since moving to Manchester City, Cherki’s performance has been nothing short of spectacular, including a memorable solo goal against Arsenal. Now valued at 65 million euros, his ability to create and score goals has impressed even the likes of Pep Guardiola, who has worked with some of the best passers in the game like Lionel Messi and Andrés Iniesta. If Cherki continues his strong form at the World Cup, his market value could skyrocket.
Emerging Players to Watch: Akliouche and Others
Another exciting prospect in France's attacking lineup is Maghnes Akliouche. The Monaco midfielder has showcased his skills on the biggest stage, scoring in both legs of a Champions League playoff against PSG and impressing with his ability to drive the ball forward. Known for his powerful runs and incredible individual goals, Akliouche is currently valued at 50 million euros. Alongside him is Marcus Thuram, another player whose value could rise as he continues to play an important role in Inter Milan’s Serie A title pursuit.
Thuram is joined by Jean-Philippe Mateta, the towering striker from Crystal Palace, who has been a consistent scorer for both his club and country. Mateta’s aerial ability and knack for scoring key goals make him a crucial option for Deschamps. Though valued at 35 million euros, his impressive form could see him join a bigger club next season.
The World Cup Dreams and the Battle for a Spot
With the World Cup just months away, Deschamps has a selection headache on his hands. The competition for spots in France’s starting attack is fierce, and the talent on display is some of the best in world football. From the clinical finishing of Mbappé to the creative passing of Olise and Cherki, France has an embarrassment of riches.
However, not every player will get the chance to shine in the starting lineup. For example, Randal Kolo Muani, whose dramatic miss in the 2022 World Cup final still haunts him, is not guaranteed a spot despite his immense potential. Currently on loan at Tottenham, Kolo Muani could fetch 30 million euros if PSG were to sell him, but his chances for this World Cup may depend on his form in the final months before the tournament.
France’s attack is a dazzling array of talent, with the likes of Mbappé, Dembélé, Olise, Cherki, and many others making it one of the most fearsome offensive units in football today. With an eye-popping total market value of over $1 billion, Deschamps has an enviable problem—too much quality, and not enough starting spots. As the 2026 World Cup looms, all eyes will be on these players to see how they perform on the global stage.
