In recent years, footballers’ commercial value have gone through the ceiling to a mammoth figure with young and promising talents rated at high figures.
Several clubs have the habit of scouting young players who have the potential to become world-beaters very early, forcing the owners to slap high value on them.
Therefore, the most valuable players are expectedly in their early 20s, and based on their form, performances, consistency and development, their stock could go up and eventually earn them big contracts at European bigwigs. That said, as per the information gathered by CIES Football Observatory, here are the most expensive under-21 footballers in the world.
Top 10 Highest Valued Young Football Players
- Lamine Yamal— €180.9 million (Barcelona)
No prizes for guessing! Lamine Yamal is arguably the best footballer in the world right now. The teenager has been exceptional since breaking into the Barcelona side last season.
The winger played a key role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph in Germany, starting in all but one of his nation’s games. Yamal won the Young Player of the Year after Spain beat England 2-1 in the Euro 2024 final at the Olympiastadion in Berlin. He is the most expensive under-21 footballer with a value of €180.9 million.
- Alejandro Garnacho— €114.8 million (Manchester United)
Significantly below Yamal is Manchester United talent Alejandro Garnacho. Having broken into the first team in 2022, the Spain-born Argentinean international is in the process of taking his game to the next level.
The 20-year-old scored one of the greatest goals in Premier League history during the 2023-24 campaign—a sensational overhead kick against Everton at Goodison Park. Garnacho is already a firm favourite at Old Trafford, and if he fine-tunes in certain aspects of the game, he has the potential to become one of the world’s best wide players.
- Warren Zaire-Emery— €109 million (Paris Saint-Germain)
Following a string of outstanding performances in Paris Saint-Germain’s academy and first team, Warren Zaire-Emery rose to prominence as a player for the club. He was identified as a future first-team star in the academy due to his extraordinary talent and potential.
Capable of operating as a No.6 or further forward, the 18-year-old also looks like a seasoned campaigner having become one of the first names on Luis Enrique’s teamsheet at PSG. Currently valued at €109 million, he is the future of the Les Parisians.
- Savinho— €101 million (Manchester City)
Savinho’s remarkable development at Girona earned him a summer move to Manchester City. He has endured an injury-hit start to his chapter at Man City but the potential in his performances have been there for all to watch.
A typical Brazilian winger with exquisite dribbling skills, directness and running power, Savinho needs time to fully adapt to Premier League football. But in the near future, the Cityzens will hope the 20-year-old can translate his €101 million transfer value into consistent performances.
- Joao Neves— €99.8 million (Paris Saint-Germain)
PSG splashed £60 million to sign Joao Neves from Benfica in the summer after the defensive midfielder’s eye-catching displays in Portugal. He is currently among the most expensive Under-21 athletes in Europe.
Time will only tell whether Neves becomes a success at Parc des Princes but the signs have been positive to say the least.
- Endrick— €97.7 million (Real Madrid)
Real Madrid have amassed some crazy talents with huge potential in recent years, and one of those is Endrick Felipe.
Los Blancos were quick to recognise his talent and beat multiple clubs to the winger’s signature in 2022. Endrick officially arrived at the Spanish club this summer and has already scored a goal for them. Aged 18, the Taguatinga-born talent is supremely gifted and defies logic.
- Rico Lewis— €87.2 million (Manchester City)
Rico Lewis has experienced a remarkable rise in his career since making his Man City debut during the 2022/23 season.
At such a tender age, to be a regular member in Pep Guardiola’s squad filled with rich talent and seasoned pros, deserves huge plaudits. He has played as a right-back, left-back, inverted full-back and even deputised for the great Rodri as a No.6 at times. With Kyle Walker ageing and injuries starting to creep, City have his natural heir in Lewis, who is currently valued at €87.2 million.
- Arda Guler—€76.7 million (Real Madrid)
Another sublime talent from the Real Madrid ranks, Arda Guler actually rose to prominence at Fenerbahce. Injuries and heavy competitions mean the Turkish sensation has to wait patiently for chances last term and this season thus far.
Despite far from being the team’s starter, Guler has demonstrated his rich qualities and has the potential to be a vital component.
- Kobbie Mainoo— €74.8 million (Manchester United)
Labelled as the best talent to emerge from the academy in recent years, Kobbie Mainoo has rapidly established himself as a key member of the Man United first team.
The 19-year-old helped his team beat Man City 2-1 in the FA Cup final last season, putting in a Man of the Match display at Wembley Stadium. He then became Declan Rice’s regular partner in midfield as England reached the Euro 2024 final. A firm favourite, there are lofty expectations from Mainoo from everyone connected with Man United.
- Kenan Yildiz— €72.3 million (Juventus)
Kenan Yildiz’s decision to leave the Bayern Munich academy and join Juventus in July 2022 is proving to be a great one.
The Turkish international enjoyed his breakout at Juventus last season, showing great maturity, industry, flair and energy and craftiness. He is the only player from Serie A in the top 10. Still 19, Yildiz already has the world at his feet.
I am Rohan Sengupta from one of the busiest cities in India, Mumbai. A Journalism graduate with a keen interest in sports, football is something I simply cannot live without and writing, discussing and analyzing the game is what I do 24*7.
