The 2022 World Cup lived up to lofty expectations from start to finish, and for many, Qatar 2022 was one of the best World Cups ever.
According to World Cup Tables, the tournament has also seen the rise of several young stars who have showcased their talents on the biggest stage. These young people have done well in the competition, making their market valuations keep rising.
Let's take a look at five World Cup stars whose market values have soared.
5. Unasi (Morocco)
$3.71 million -- $15.9 million
Morocco made history at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar by becoming the first African nation to reach the semi-finals of the tournament.
They finished top of a group made up of Belgium, Croatia and Canada. They then knocked out Spain and Portugal in the last 16 and eight respectively.
One of Morocco's standout players was Unassi, who, along with Amrabat, was Morocco's midfield engine and had an 83% dribble success rate during the tournament (the best player in all competitions).
Before the Euros, the 22-year-old, who currently plays for French side Angers, was valued at $3.71 million. But thanks to his performance in Qatar, that has now risen to $15.9 million. Unasi is already on the radar of Europe's top clubs, with Barcelona, Leicester City, West Ham United and Wolverhampton Wanderers reportedly eyeing him.
4. Gwadiol (Croatia)
$63.7 million -- $79.6 million
Croatia's Georgi Gwadiol was one of the most exposed players of the 2022 World Cup, the 20-year-old centre-back at the heart of Croatia's defence. Throughout the tournament, Gwadiol showed a lot of maturity and confidence and was one of the best defenders in the World Cup.
He made the most clearances in the World Cup (37) and became Croatia's youngest goal scorer in a World Cup.
The Leipzig star has been targeted by top European clubs before, with Chelsea interested, but the move failed to materialise and Gwadiol's contract was extended until 2027.
However, his impressive performance in Qatar has boosted his worth further to $79.6 million. Gwadiol is sure to be one of the most sought-after players in the January transfer window.
3. Gakpo (Netherlands)
$47.8 million -- $63.8 million
There has been a lot of talk about Dutch striker Gakpo making it to the World Cup, but the 23-year-old has dispelled any doubts with a fine performance at the tournament. Before the World Cup, Gakpo was one of the most in-form players in Europe. The PSV Eindhoven youngster has 13 goals and 17 assists in 24 games this season.
He continued his excellent form in Qatar, scoring in all of Holland's group matches. Any club that wants him will have to be prepared because his price tag has gone from $47.8 million to $63.8 million.
2. Alvarez (Argentina)
$34 million -- $53.1 million
Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez was a shock at the World Cup. The 22-year-old was not a starter, but his ability to take his chances saw him forced his way into the starting line-up later in the game and scored crucial goals as Argentina won the trophy.
He is the leading goal scorer in the Premier League at this World Cup (four goals) and one of Argentina's best performances in the tournament. Alvarez joined City from River Plate last summer and will not be joining a new club any time soon. But his market value is up $19.1 million and he has a future.
1. Enzo Fernandez (Argentina)
$37.2 million -- $58.4 million
Enzo Fernandez has been named the best young player at the 2022 World Cup after the 21-year-old defensive midfielder played a major role in Argentina's World Cup triumph.
His market value has risen dramatically since he helped Argentina win the World Cup in Qatar. Fernandez, who was worth an estimated $37.2 million before the World Cup, is now worth $58.4 million.
Liverpool have shown significant interest and the Argentine, who joined Benfica last summer, could be on his way out of the Portuguese club less than six months after his arrival.