Top 5 players whose market value has skyrocketed

A lot of things have happened in football during the past 12 months. Real Madrid lifted their third successive Champions League title and France defeated Croatia in the final to win their second FIFA World Cup title.

The 2017/18 season has witnessed some phenomenal individual performances by the players and as a result, their market value has increased manifold.

Players including Philippe Coutinho, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Dele Alli, Leroy Sane, Marco Asensio, Alisson and many more have seen a considerable increase in their transfer market value over the past 12 months.

A player's value is calculated based on his career performances, current form, fitness, age, and many other factors. Money paid to buy a player in the current inflated transfer market is not a true reflection of his value.

On that note, let's take a look at the top five players whose market value has increased the most in the past 12 months (since July 1st, 2017).

Note: Data courtesy of TransferMarkt

#5 Neymar

Neymar was a surprise addition in Paris, but one who added flair, excitement and creativity in the final third

Market value in July 2017: €100 million

Current market value: €180 million

The former Barcelona star is one of the best players in world football right now. Paris Saint-Germain paid €222million to sign him from Barcelona in 2017, making him the most expensive player in the world.

Though he missed one-third of the 2017/18 campaign through a foot fracture, he still managed to produce 27 goals and create 16 assists for the Ligue 1 champions across all competitions. He also scored a few goals and assisted one more for Brazil at the 2018 World Cup.

The 26-year-old is reaching the peak years of his career and playing some sublime football at the moment. Prior to his move, the Brazilian international was valued at €100 million twelve months ago.

Neymar's stock has witnessed a steady increase in the past 12 months. The PSG star is currently valued at €180 million, which is an 80% increase in his market value since July 1st, 2017.

#4 Kevin de Bruyne

de Bruyne was an integral part of Manchester City's record-breaking season

Market Value in July 2017: €65 million

Current market value: €150 million

Arguably the best midfielder in the world right now. The Belgium international was phenomenal for Manchester City last season and also guided his national team to a third-place finish in the 2018 World Cup.

The 27-year-old scored 10 goals and assisted 20 more for Manchester City across all competitions last season. City dominated the Premier League last campaign and de Bruyne played an integral part in their title win.

He scored a goal and assisted two more for Belgium at the World Cup, while his market value has drastically increased - by €85 million (130.8%) in the past 12 months.

#3 Harry Kane

Kane enjoyed another impressive goalscoring season for Tottenham and England

Market Value in July 2017: €60 million

Current market value: €150 million

One of the finest strikers on the planet at the moment, Harry Kane finds himself as one of the most sought-after players in world football right now. The 25-year-old was exceptional for Tottenham Hotspur during the 2017/18 season with 41 goals and four assists.

He was also phenomenal for England at the 2018 World Cup and won the Golden Boot Award with six goals, which included a group stage hat-trick against Panama. A consistent striker, Kane has scored at least 20 goals in his last four Premier League seasons.

His market value has increased 150% since the beginning of the 2017/18 season. He is currently valued at €150 million, but, any club that wishes to buy him will be expected to part with more than €200 million in the current transfer market.

#2 Mohamed Salah

A shoulder injury cut short the biggest game of Salah's career, Liverpool's Champions League final defeat

Market Value in July 2017: €35 million

Current market value: €150 million

Salah was the Premier League's best forward last season and finds himself as one of the most improved players across world football at present, too. Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp bought him from Serie A side AS Roma for €42 million during the summer of 2017, which looks increasingly more like a steal every passing week.

The former Chelsea player took England's top-flight by storm last season with 32 goals and 10 assists. He also scored 10 goals in the UEFA Champions League and proved pivotal in helping to propel the Reds into the final, where they were defeated 3-1 by Real. Salah entered the 2018 World Cup with a shoulder injury, yet still managed to net twice in the tournament.

The Egyptian international is currently valued at €150 million, which is a 328.6% increase from his previous summer valuation. Simply outstanding.

#1 Kylian Mbappe

Mbappé impressed for both club and country following a big money switch from Monaco

Market Value in July 2017: €35 million

Current market value: €150 million

Undoubtedly the biggest sensation in world football right now. The 19-year-old was exceptional for France at the 2018 World Cup and led them to their second World Cup title. He scored four goals in the tournament and was one of their most influential players.

The Frenchman is currently the second most expensive player in the world. PSG paid €180 million for his signature and he justified their valuation with 21 goals and 11 assists for Paris Saint-Germain in all competitions last season.

Mbappe's value has raised exponentially ever since his arrival at Paris and is currently valued at €150 million. Still 19 until December, he has the capability to potentially rule world football for many years to come.