Lamine Yamal tops the list as the most valuable under-21 player globally! 🌍💰 Manchester United’s Garnacho and Man City’s rising star join him on this elite ranking, while Brighton beats Chelsea with more young talents in the top 100!
Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal has emerged as the world’s most valuable footballer under the age of 21, based on recent findings from the CIES Football Observatory. At only 17, Yamal’s estimated transfer worth has soared to €180.9 million (£150.7m), setting him apart as the highest-valued teenager in football. His impressive rise follows his Kopa Trophy win at the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony, which honored him as the top player under 21.
Following Yamal, Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho holds a valuation of €114.8 million (£95.6m). Paris Saint-Germain’s Warren Zaire-Emery ranks third at €109 million (£90.8m), with Manchester City’s Brazilian sensation Savinho completing the top four at €101 million (£84.1m). Each of these players surpasses the €100 million mark, a testament to their immense talent and value to their teams.
Brighton has also made a strong showing in under-21 talent development, with seven of its young players making the list. Among them, Evan Ferguson and Carlos Baleba stand out as key figures under 21. Brighton’s youth contributions exceed those of major clubs like Chelsea, PSG, and Barcelona, each with four players featured.
Real Madrid’s efforts to build for the future are evident, with Endrick valued at €97.7 million (£81.4m) and Arda Güler at €76.7 million (£63.9m). These investments in young talent underscore Madrid’s aim to secure long-term success on both the national and European stages.
This spotlight on football’s brightest young players highlights the growing emphasis on youth development. With such high valuations for promising talents, clubs like Brighton with robust academies and scouting networks are gaining a competitive edge, further intensifying the race to secure emerging stars in the
sport.