Barcelona’s rising star, Lamine Yamal, has topped the list as the most valuable under-21 footballer in the world, according to the latest data from the CIES Football Observatory. At just 17, Yamal has achieved an estimated transfer value of €180.9 million (£150.7m), making him the highest-valued teenager in the sport. His rapid ascent follows his recent win of the Kopa Trophy at the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony, where he was recognized as the best player under 21.
Trailing Yamal is Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho, with a valuation of €114.8 million (£95.6m). Paris Saint-Germain’s Warren Zaire-Emery comes in third with a value of €109 million (£90.8m), while Manchester City’s Brazilian talent Savinho rounds out the top four, valued at €101 million (£84.1m). These four young talents have managed to break the €100 million mark, showcasing their exceptional potential and importance to their respective clubs.
Beyond individual rankings, Brighton has taken a notable lead in nurturing top under-21 talents, with seven players featured on the list. This includes Evan Ferguson and Carlos Baleba, who are among the club’s most valuable assets under the age of 21. Brighton’s youth presence surpasses that of heavyweights like Chelsea, PSG, and Barcelona, each of which has four players on the list.
Real Madrid’s presence is also noteworthy, with Endrick listed at €97.7 million (£81.4m) and Arda Güler at €76.7 million (£63.9m). The Madrid club’s investment in young talents reflects its strategy to build a strong future lineup, ensuring it remains competitive at both national and European levels.
This assessment of football’s most promising young players underscores the strategic importance of youth development in modern football. With high valuations for emerging stars, clubs with strong academies and recruitment pipelines like Brighton are increasingly able to compete with more traditional giants, further intensifying the battle for young talents in the sport.
