Next-gen stars: Inside the €912 million market for under-19 talent
IMAGO | FC Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal (17) and Pau Cubarsí (18) – two of the brightest young talents making waves in European football.
Developing talent is a key priority for most clubs – not only because it is more cost-effective than buying established players, but also because young talent represents a highly sellable asset.
This analysis identifies the most valuable football players in the world aged 18 and under.
Why it matters: Europe’s biggest clubs are constantly on the lookout for emerging talent, and we are seeing more young players breaking through at the highest level.
The perspective: Signing the youngest and most promising players is the new battleground, and investment in academy infrastructure is becoming crucial for any club aiming to thrive in this new paradigm.
25 March 2025 - 5:16 PM
Lamine Yamal has taken the football world by storm with his performances for both club and country. In the summer of 2024, he celebrated his 17th birthday just a day before helping Spain win the EUROs, earning the Young Player of the Tournament award in the process.
But beyond Lamine Yamal, how does the next generation of talent stack up globally?
We have analysed the 13 biggest leagues in the world using the O
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