The 10 most valuable wonderkids when GTA 5 was released
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When GTA V arrived on 17 September 2013, Sir Alex Ferguson had only recently retired after 26 years as Manchester United manager. Gareth Bale had just joined Real Madrid for a then-world-record transfer fee, a 20-year-old Harry Kane was still waiting to establish himself at Tottenham Hotspur, and Mohamed Salah was playing for Swiss side Basel.
It was a different era, both on and off the pitch.
GTA V itself became a global phenomenon, generating more than $1 billion in sales within just three days of its release. Now, with GTA VI scheduled to launch on 19 November 2026, there is another opportunity to look back at how much has changed.
According to Transfermarkt's historical market values, the ten most valuable wonderkids in the world when GTA V was released were collectively worth €208 million.
Here is a look at all ten players, how their careers developed and where they stand as a new Grand Theft Auto era begins.
1. Julian Draxler - €30m
2013 club: Schalke 04 | 2026 club: Al-Ahli (Qatar)Julian Draxler was the most valuable wonderkid in the world when GTA V launched, with a market value of €30 million at just 19 years old.
The German attacking midfielder had already established himself as one of the Bundesliga's brightest prospects after making his Schalke debut at 17. His technical ability, creativity and versatility attracted interest from several major European clubs, including Arsenal.
Draxler remained in Gelsenkirchen until 2015, when he joined VfL Wolfsburg. His performances in the Bundesliga maintained his reputation as one of Germany's most exciting young talents.
Paris Saint-Germain eventually secured his signature in January 2017. He enjoyed considerable domestic success in France, winning multiple Ligue 1 titles, but struggled to establish himself as a regular starter.
After spending the 2022/23 season on loan at Benfica, Draxler moved to Qatari side Al-Ahli in September 2023.
He also represented Germany 58 times between 2012 and 2022, winning the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Despite his promising beginnings, Draxler never quite reached the individual heights many expected when he was considered Europe's most valuable teenage prospect.
2. Marquinhos - €25m
2013 club: Paris Saint-Germain | 2026 club: Paris Saint-GermainOf everyone on this list, Marquinhos has enjoyed arguably the most consistent career.
The Brazilian centre-back joined Paris Saint-Germain from AS Roma in the summer of 2013, shortly before GTA V was released.
Initially competing with established defenders such as Thiago Silva and David Luiz, Marquinhos gradually developed into one of PSG's most important players.
His performances eventually earned him the captaincy in 2020, following Silva's departure.
He went on to become the club's all-time leading appearance-maker in April 2024, underlining his remarkable longevity in Paris.
The defining moment arrived in May 2025, when PSG defeated Inter Milan 5-0 to win their first Champions League title. The club subsequently retained the trophy in 2026, with Marquinhos continuing to play an important role.
Internationally, he won the Copa América with Brazil in 2019 and has represented his country at three World Cups.
Now 32, Marquinhos remains a key figure at PSG.
3. Raphaël Varane - €25m
2013 club: Real Madrid | 2026 status: RetiredRaphaël Varane was already regarded as one of Europe's most promising young defenders when GTA V arrived.
After joining Real Madrid from Lens in 2011, the French centre-back quickly established himself as an important part of the club's defence.
His reading of the game, composure and defensive intelligence made him a valuable member of one of the strongest teams in European football.
During his decade at the Bernabéu, Varane won four Champions League trophies and three La Liga titles.
He joined Manchester United in 2021, bringing considerable experience to the Premier League. His final appearance for the club came in their 2024 FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
Varane subsequently moved to Italian side Como in the summer of 2024. Unfortunately, a serious knee injury suffered just 23 minutes into his debut against Sampdoria disrupted his plans.
He announced his retirement from professional football in September 2024, aged 31.
With 93 international appearances for France and a World Cup winner's medal from 2018, Varane ultimately enjoyed a career that exceeded the expectations attached to his teenage valuation.
4. Romelu Lukaku - €24m
2013 club: Everton (loan from Chelsea) | 2026 club: FenerbahçeRomelu Lukaku was already making headlines before GTA V arrived.
The Belgian striker had scored 17 Premier League goals during his season-long loan spell at West Bromwich Albion in 2012/13. His hat-trick against Manchester United on the final day of the campaign further demonstrated his potential.
He joined Everton on loan from Chelsea in September 2013 before making the move permanent the following summer.
Lukaku quickly became one of the Premier League's most productive forwards, scoring 87 league goals for Everton.
His performances earned him a £75 million move to United in 2017. He scored 42 Premier League goals in 96 appearances for the club, although his time at Old Trafford attracted considerable criticism.
He subsequently joined Inter Milan, where he rediscovered his best form under Antonio Conte and helped the club win Serie A in 2020/21.
Chelsea then paid a club-record £97.5 million to bring him back to Stamford Bridge in 2021. However, the reunion failed to deliver the expected results.
Loan spells at Inter and AS Roma followed before Lukaku joined Napoli in 2024, helping the club win another Serie A title.
He has also become Belgium's all-time leading goalscorer, with 93 international goals.
In August 2026, Lukaku completed a permanent move from Napoli to Turkish side Fenerbahçe.
5. Matija Nastasić - €21m
2013 club: Manchester City | 2026 club: Al-UlaMatija Nastasić was one of Europe's most highly rated young defenders when Manchester City signed him from Fiorentina in 2012.
The Serbian centre-back quickly established himself under Roberto Mancini and produced impressive performances during his first season at the Etihad Stadium.
His contribution was recognised when he was named Manchester City's Young Player of the Year for 2012/13.
However, injuries disrupted his development, and he struggled to maintain his place following Manuel Pellegrini's appointment.
Nastasić moved to Schalke 04 on loan in January 2015 before completing a permanent transfer. He subsequently made more than 100 Bundesliga appearances during his six-year spell in Germany.
He later returned to Fiorentina before moving to Spanish football, where he represented Mallorca and Leganés.
In August 2025, he joined Saudi Arabian side Al-Ula. His spell there ended in July 2026, leaving him without a club as GTA VI approaches its release.
The defender also represented Serbia 34 times between 2012 and 2022.
6. Geoffrey Kondogbia - €18m
2013 club: Monaco | 2026 club: MarseilleGeoffrey Kondogbia was one of Europe's most sought-after young midfielders following an impressive 2012/13 season with Sevilla.
His physical presence, ball-winning ability and technical qualities attracted interest from several major clubs, including Manchester United and Real Madrid.
AS Monaco eventually secured his signature in 2013 before he moved to Inter Milan two years later.
However, his time in Italy proved difficult, and he struggled to reproduce the performances that had made him such an attractive prospect.
A loan move to Valencia in 2017 provided a fresh opportunity. He impressed in Spain and subsequently completed a permanent transfer.
Kondogbia later joined Atlético Madrid in 2020, becoming part of the squad that won La Liga in the 2020/21 season.
In July 2023, he returned to French football by signing for Olympique Marseille, where he continues to play.
At international level, Kondogbia initially represented France before switching allegiance to the Central African Republic in 2018. He has since made 22 appearances for his adopted national team.
Although he never quite reached the individual heights predicted during his early career, he has built a respectable career across several major European leagues.
7. Paul Pogba - €18m
2013 club: Juventus | 2026 status: Without a clubPaul Pogba's career is arguably the most fascinating on this list.
In 2012, the French midfielder left Manchester United for Juventus in search of regular first-team football.
The decision proved successful. Pogba developed into one of the world's most exciting midfielders, winning four consecutive Serie A titles and helping Juventus reach the 2015 Champions League final.
His performances eventually attracted Manchester United back into the picture.
In August 2016, he returned to Old Trafford for £89 million, a then-world-record transfer fee.
Expectations were enormous, but his second spell at United proved inconsistent. Pogba produced moments of individual brilliance and helped the club win the Europa League and League Cup in 2017, although injuries frequently interrupted his progress.
He returned to Juventus in 2022, but injuries and a doping suspension severely disrupted his career.
After his suspension was reduced, Pogba joined AS Monaco in 2025 in an attempt to rebuild his career.
The move, however, failed to provide the fresh start he needed. He struggled to establish himself in the team, and Monaco confirmed the termination of his contract by mutual agreement on 19 August 2026.
He is now without a club, leaving the future of a career that once promised so much uncertain.
8. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain - €17m
2013 club: Arsenal | 2026 club: CelticAlex Oxlade-Chamberlain was regarded as one of England's brightest young talents after joining Arsenal from Southampton in 2011.
He quickly made an impression under Arsène Wenger, showcasing his pace, technical ability and versatility across midfield and attacking positions.
During his time at Arsenal, he made 198 appearances in all competitions and won three FA Cups.
In August 2017, Liverpool signed him for £35 million, with Jürgen Klopp viewing him as an important addition to the midfield.
Oxlade-Chamberlain enjoyed an encouraging start at Anfield, but a serious knee injury suffered in April 2018 kept him out for almost a year.
He eventually returned and became part of Liverpool's successful squads that won the Champions League in 2019 and the Premier League in 2020.
After leaving Liverpool in 2023, he joined Turkish side Beşiktaş.
His career subsequently took another turn when he signed for Celtic in February 2026.
Although injuries prevented him from consistently fulfilling his early potential, his trophy collection remains impressive.
9. Mateo Kovačić - €15m
2013 club: Inter Milan | 2026 club: Manchester CityMateo Kovačić was one of the youngest players on this list, valued at €15 million shortly after joining Inter Milan from Dinamo Zagreb in January 2013.
The Croatian midfielder had already attracted attention for his technical ability, close control and composure on the ball.
His performances in Italy eventually earned him a transfer to Real Madrid in 2015.
Although he was not always a regular starter, Kovačić became part of one of the most successful teams in European football history.
He won three consecutive Champions League titles with Madrid between 2016 and 2018.
A loan move to Chelsea followed in 2018 before he completed a permanent transfer the following year.
At Stamford Bridge, he added the Europa League in 2019 and another Champions League title in 2021 to his collection.
In 2023, Kovačić moved to Manchester City, where he won the Premier League during his debut season.
His trophy collection now includes Champions League titles with both Madrid and Chelsea, making him one of the most decorated players from the original top ten.
At 32, he remains with City, although competition for midfield places has limited his regular playing time.
10. Gerard Deulofeu - €15m
2013 club: Everton (loan from Barcelona) | 2026 status: Without a clubGerard Deulofeu emerged from Barcelona's famous La Masia academy, where his technical ability and attacking instincts made him one of Spain's most exciting young prospects.
He joined Everton on loan in July 2013, shortly before GTA V was released.
However, establishing himself at Barcelona proved difficult, and his career developed through several moves across Europe.
After another loan spell at Sevilla, Deulofeu returned to Everton permanently in 2015.
He later spent time at AC Milan before returning to Barcelona in 2017. Yet, he again struggled to secure a regular first-team place.
A move to Watford in 2018 proved more successful. He produced some of the best performances of his career at Vicarage Road before joining Udinese in Italy.
Unfortunately, his progress was interrupted by a devastating knee injury.
Deulofeu has not played competitively since January 2023, with complications from the injury preventing his return.
Despite the physical challenges, the former Barcelona prospect remains determined to return to professional football. He is currently without a club but has continued his rehabilitation using Udinese's facilities.
Where are they now?
Several players went on to achieve far more than their original valuations suggested.Romelu Lukaku and Paul Pogba both reached market values of approximately €100 million during their Manchester United careers, whilst Raphaël Varane reached €80 million at Real Madrid.
Mateo Kovačić also enjoyed tremendous success, winning the Champions League with both Madrid and Chelsea before moving to Manchester City.
The other players from the list have experienced declines for different reasons, including age, injuries, changes in performance, retirement and career moves away from Europe's biggest leagues.
It is also important to remember that market value is not the same as a player's career achievements or transfer fee. These figures represent estimated market valuations at particular moments, rather than the total financial value generated by their careers.
13 years of football history between GTA 5 and GTA 6
The gap between GTA V and GTA VI provides an unusual but fascinating snapshot of how quickly football can change.In 2013, Julian Draxler was considered Europe's most valuable teenage prospect, Paul Pogba was beginning his rise at Juventus, and Marquinhos was just starting his long association with Paris Saint-Germain.
Since then, some have won the biggest trophies in club football, others have experienced career-defining setbacks, and a few have been forced to retire earlier than expected.
As GTA VI prepares to launch on 19 November 2026, a new generation of wonderkids is writing its own story.
Perhaps, when the next Grand Theft Auto arrives, today's most promising teenagers will provide another fascinating comparison.
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