November 6 – The CIES Football Observatory has unveiled its latest rankings of young players with the highest transfer values, with no surprises at the number one spot.
Topping the list is Barcelona’s teenage sensation, Lamine Yamal, with a staggering valuation of €180.9 million, significantly outpacing rivals like Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho (€114.8 million) and Paris Saint-Germain’s Warren Zaïre-Emery (€109.0 million). Sávio Moreira from Manchester City also broke the €100 million mark, with a valuation of €101.0 million.
FC Barcelona’s Yamal picked up the Golden Boy award at last week’s Ballon d’Or ceremony, as the standout young player in world football already amongst the best players in the world at 17 years of age.
In defensive categories, Toulouse’s Guillaume Restes leads the rankings for goalkeepers at €28.8 million, while PSG’s Lucas Beraldo (€70.3 million) and Manchester City’s Rico Lewis (€87.2 million) head the lists for centre backs and full/wing backs, respectively. Three other under-18 players made the top 100: Kendry Paez (Independiente del Valle, on loan from Chelsea), Estevão Willian (Palmeiras, also on loan from Chelsea), and Pau Cubarsí (Barcelona), showcasing a rich pipeline of young global talent.
The report, which uses a scientific model to assess fair transfer values, spans players from 17 different leagues. The Premier League dominates with 26 players in the top 100, followed by Ligue 1 with 17 and La Liga with 12. Brighton & Hove Albion leads with six players in the rankings, surpassing top clubs like Chelsea, PSG, and Barcelona, each with four.
To see the full ranking, click here.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1732481153labto1732481153ofdlr1732481153owedi1732481153sni@g1732481153niwe.1732481153yrrah1732481153