Lautaro Martínez and Nico Paz, both Argentine internationals, stand out as the biggest stars of Serie A at the 2026 World Cup, surpassing heavyweights like Rafael Leão and sending a genuine warning to the giants of European football. Italy’s absence from the competition once again raises alarm bells, but Serie A fans have reasons to stay attentive: the protagonists of the Italian league promise to light up the pitches of the most prestigious tournament on the planet.
The 2026 World Cup kicks off on June 11, but the Italian national team, two-time world champions, will once again watch from the sidelines as they are unable to qualify after yet another disastrous campaign. Despite this puzzling absence, Serie A remains represented at the highest level, with ten players among the most valuable taking to the fields in North America. At the top of the list is Lautaro Martínez, forward for Inter Milan, valued at an impressive 85 million euros. The Argentine, who lifted the World Cup trophy in 2022, arrives at the tournament as the reigning Italian champion and top scorer in Serie A for the 2025-26 season, solidifying his status as a superstar.
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Accompanying him is Nico Paz, a 21-year-old young prodigy who has been making waves while playing for Como, but is already packing his bags to return to Real Madrid. Paz, valued at 80 million euros, is regarded as one of the greatest emerging talents in world football and is expected to be one of the major attractions of the World Cup. Completing the podium is Kenan Yildiz, a Turkish international from Juventus, also 21 years old and with a market value of 75 million euros. Arsenal has reportedly inquired about the player, according to The Athletic, but Juventus is firmly refusing to discuss any transfer of their new diamond.
Rafael Leão, the Portuguese winger from Milan, ranks only fourth, valued at 50 million euros, a figure that may surprise many national fans, who are aware of the player’s consistency and importance both at the club and in the national team. Following are names such as Manu Koné (Roma), Marcus Thuram (Inter), Donyell Malen (Roma), Ederson (Atalanta), Christian Pulisic (Milan), and Scott McTominay (Napoli), all with market values between 40 and 50 million euros, reinforcing the idea that Serie A continues to be one of the biggest showcases of talent worldwide.
The significance of this list goes far beyond the figures. The fact that Serie A can export so much talent to the global stage, even without the presence of its national team, highlights the vitality and competitiveness of the Italian league during a period of renewal and uncertainty. For clubs, the appreciation of these players can translate into astronomical revenues, and for fans, it represents a unique opportunity to see their stars shine on the biggest stage in international football.
In recent statements, Lautaro Martínez did not hide his ambition: “I feel I am in a fantastic moment of my career and I want to win everything with Argentina and with Inter.” Meanwhile, Kenan Yildiz, confronted with rumors of interest from England, made it clear: “I am focused on Juventus and the World Cup, I am not thinking about anything else at this time.” Nico Paz, for his part, stated after a decisive match for Como: “The World Cup is a childhood dream, I will give everything for my national team.” These words show the commitment of the key players and hint at breathtaking performances on the North American pitches.
With the World Cup just around the corner, attention has now turned to the performance of these stars and the movements behind the scenes in the transfer market. The success of names like Lautaro, Paz, Yildiz, or Leão could further inflate their values and trigger a genuine scramble for their transfers during the off-season. It remains to be seen whether Serie A will be able to hold on to its biggest assets or if clubs like Real Madrid, Arsenal, or other European giants will make irresistible offers. One thing is for sure: this World Cup will be a stage for recognition and, who knows, farewells for some of the greatest talents shining in Italy.
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