Ligue 1 may have lost its best striker to La Liga giants Real Madrid this summer, however, there still abound a great number of talented strikers in the French top flight.
As the excitement of the 2024/2025 Ligue 1 season builds, Soccernet.football takes a look at the ten most valuable front men France’s first division has on display.
10. Breel Embolo (€12m) – AS Monaco
Kicking off our list at number ten is Monaco’s Swiss forward Embolo, valued at €12m. However, Embolo’s worth extends far beyond his price tag. The Switzerland international is a powerful presence up front, capable of holding up the ball and creating opportunities for his teammates. Monaco will rely heavily on Embolo’s physicality and technical ability to spearhead their attack this season. The 27-year-old will also be looking to play a much bigger role than he did last season.
9. Emmanuel Emegha (€12m) – Strasbourg
Though less experienced than some of his peers, Emegha is a raw talent with immense potential. The young Belgian forward possesses great pace, dribbling skills and an eye for goal which make him a potent threat in enemy territory. The 21-year-old will certainly be looking to surpass his eight-goal tally from last season. Strasbourg will be hoping Emegha can continue his development and lead their charge up the Ligue 1 table.
8. Gift Orban (€15m) – Olympique Lyon
Orban’s stock has gone up in recent months, thanks to his electrifying performances. The Nigerian forward’s lightning-fast reflexes and clinical finishing have seen him become a fan favorite at the Groupama Stadium. Along with the other impressive strikers on their books, Lyon will be counting on Orban to provide the goals that propel them back into European contention.
7. Georges Mikautadze (€20m) – Olympique Lyon
Staying in Lyon, we find Georgia’s Euro 2024 revelation Mikautadze, valued at €20m. The Georgian striker is a well-rounded forward, adept at linking play and finding the back of the net. Mikautadze’s impressive technical ability and intelligent movement make him a handful for any defense. Surely, his performances for Georgia in Germany would have played a part in convincing Lyon to secure his signature. As Lyon continues to rebuild, Mikautadze will be a key figure in their quest for success.
6. Terem Moffi (€25m) – OGC Nice
The 25-year-old is a true predator in front of goal, with a knack for being in the right place at the right time. The Nigerian’s pace, physicality, and clinical finishing have made him one of the most sought-after strikers in Ligue 1. Moffi hit double figures in Ligue 1 last season, notching 11 goals and providing 2 assists. Nice will be hoping Moffi can continue his prolific form and lead them to new heights.
5. Folarin Balogun (€30m) – AS Monaco
Balogun’s impressive goal-scoring exploits since leaving the Premier League for Ligue 1 have caught the attention of many. The young Englishman’s blend of power, mobility, and finishing ability make him a constant menace to opposition backlines. Monaco will be eager to get the best out of Balogun this season after he endured a below par campaign last term.
4. Elye Wahi (€35m) – Olympique Marseille
Marseille’s summer acquisition makes our list at number four with a valuation of €35 million. Wahi is a truly exceptional talent, possessing a rare combination of technical brilliance, vision and goal-scoring prowess. The young French striker has already begun to make his mark in Marseille colours after notching a goal on his debut. Roberto de Zerbi’s side will be counting on him to lead their charge for trophies and European qualification.
3. Randal Kolo Muani (€45m) – Paris Saint-Germain
Kolo Muani’s meteoric rise has been a sight to behold, with PSG moving quickly to secure his services following an impressive World Cup outing with France. The French forward’s pace, power, and clinical finishing make him a nightmare for opposing defenses. As PSG look to continue to assert their dominance despite Mbappe’s departure, Kolo Muani will be a crucial figure in their quest for domestic and continental glory.
2. Goncalo Ramos (€50m) – Paris Saint-Germain
The former Benfica striker has already made a significant impact in Ligue 1 with his goal-scoring exploits for the champions. The Portuguese forward’s physicality, technical ability, and eye for goal make him a formidable presence up front. With Mbappe’s departure, the 23-year-old could become Les Parisiens’ go-to man for goals this season. PSG will be relying on Ramos to lead their line and spearhead their pursuit of trophies.
1. Jonathan David (€50m) – LOSC Lille
The Canada international is a true all-round striker, possessing the vision, creativity, and finishing prowess to dominate defenses. His performances have been instrumental in Lille’s recent successes in Ligue 1. David finished second behind Mbappe on Ligue 1’s top scorers chart last season. We expect him to continue his goals-coring heroics as they aim to challenge for the Ligue 1 title once again.