A specialist in rankings of all kinds, the Football Observatory (CIES) this time focused on the best young people on the football planet. And more precisely those who have not yet celebrated their twentieth candle. We know that the big European clubs no longer hesitate to spend substantial sums to attract the best nuggets to their nets. Lately, there have been many examples. In 2024, Real Madrid spent €70 million (bonus included) to acquire Endrick before he came of age. More recently, Chelsea spent nearly €60 million (bonus included) to snatch Estevão from Palmeiras.
Today, the CIES published a study proposing a ranking of potential transfers of 113 players aged under 20 playing in 25 championships. 113 young people for whom a possible transfer is estimated at €10 million minimum. An amount which obviously skyrockets for the best-known names. The Premier League is the most represented championship with 23 players, ahead of the Bundesliga (16) and Ligue 1 (11). Unsurprisingly, the first in this ranking is FC Barcelona star Lamine Yamal. Aged 18, the Spanish international would be worth no less than €349.6 million if he were sold. Which would make him the most expensive player in the history of football, since he would far surpass Neymar’s record (€222 million).
Two Parisians in the top 20
Second most highly rated youngster, the Brazilian Estevão (18 years old) would cost his purchasing club €118.1 million. If the first two in this ranking surprise no one, the rest of the CIES study has some surprises in store for us. Thus, it is FC Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi (18 years old) who completes the podium with a transfer estimated at €112.7 million. The Spaniard is ahead of the new Argentinian sensation who has recently arrived at Real Madrid, Franco Mastantuono (18 years old). Recruited for €45 million, the former River Plate player would bring €102.4 million to the Merengues if he were sold. The other big surprise is the identity of the player ranked fifth, namely Warren Zaire-Emery (19 years old).
The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder was one of the sensations of the 2023/2024 season, but he was at the bottom of the hole for many months. Today, he is finally starting to get his head above water and according to CIES, he would potentially bring in €92.3 million for the Rouge et Bleu if he were sold. Paris places another of its Titis in the top 20, namely Senny Mayulu (19 years old, €51.6 million). You then have to go down to 21st place to find the trace of another L1 resident: Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi (18 years old, €40.5 million). Finally, Madrid’s Endrick, announced to be close to Olympique Lyonnais, ranks ninth (€73.2 million).
