Best Centre-Backs in the World (Jun 2026)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Score
Market Overview: World Centre-Backs 2024-25
Our database tracked 1000 World Centre-Backs in the 2024-25 season, representing 635 clubs with a combined market value of €4.4B. The average market value for World Centre-Backs was €4.4M, with the average age at 25.7 years old.
The most valuable centre-back in the World was William Saliba, worth €90.0M and played for Arsenal FC at 25 years old. The top 5 Centre-Backs averaged €75.0M in market value, including Josko Gvardiol and Willian Pacho.
Age distribution showed the youngest tracked centre-back was Luka Vuskovic (19 years, Hamburger SV, €40.0M), while the oldest was Leonardo Morales (35 years, Club Atlético Belgrano, €650K). Research shows Centre-Backs typically peak at age 27.
Historical analysis showed 502 Centre-Backs (50%) increased in market value over the following 12 months based on age-curve trajectories, then-current performance trends, and playing time analysis. The World market for Centre-Backs remained highly competitive with significant transfer activity in the 2024-25 season.
💡 Use the search bar below to find specific players, or apply filters to narrow results by club, age range, or market value. Click the chart icon next to any player to view their historical value trajectory and forecast.
Explore Market Size by Position in World
Interactive bubble chart showing predicted 2-year growth vs current age for all World Centre-Backs. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 635 clubs with €4.4B combined value.
Age Distribution: World Centre-Backs
The World CB market shows 5 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 24-26 bracket (413 players, 41% of market). The 24-26 age group holds the most value at €2.1B, averaging €5.1M per player.
Top Centre-Backs by Age Bracket
U21 Years (12 players)
21-23 Years (209 players)
24-26 Years (413 players)
27-29 Years (288 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 100 Centre-Backs (10% of players) control €2.9B
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with elite (€50m+) tier representing 1% of the World CB pool.
Elite (€50M+)
Premium (€30-50M)
High (€15-30M)
Club Distribution: World Centre-Backs
Among 635 World clubs, Arsenal FC leads with 4 Centre-Backs worth €250.0M (averaging €62.5M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 4% of tracked Centre-Backs.
Arsenal FC (4 Centre-Backs)
Manchester City (4 Centre-Backs)
Paris Saint-Germain (3 Centre-Backs)
Chelsea FC (4 Centre-Backs)
Player Rankings
Ranked by APE Strength Score. Click any player to view full profile, or click the chart icon to see value history.
William Saliba
Arsenal FC • 25 years old
€77.8M
€90.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €91.6M
95.5
Josko Gvardiol
Manchester City • 24 years old
€60.5M
€70.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €74.6M
94.5
Willian Pacho
Paris Saint-Germain • 24 years old
€60.5M
€70.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €74.6M
94.5
Gabriel Magalhães
Arsenal FC • 28 years old
€96.8M
€75.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €68.3M
94.0
Dean Huijsen
Real Madrid • 21 years old
€60.5M
€70.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €80.3M
93.3
Micky van de Ven
Tottenham Hotspur • 25 years old
€56.2M
€65.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €66.1M
88.9
Marc Guéhi
Manchester City • 25 years old
€47.6M
€55.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €56.0M
80.0
Levi Colwill
Chelsea FC • 23 years old
€43.2M
€50.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €55.7M
79.1
Ilya Zabarnyi
Paris Saint-Germain • 23 years old
€43.2M
€50.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €55.7M
79.1
Nico Schlotterbeck
Borussia Dortmund • 26 years old
€47.6M
€55.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €58.9M
78.1
Piero Hincapié
Arsenal FC • 24 years old
€43.2M
€50.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €53.3M
77.2
Castello Lukeba
RB Leipzig • 23 years old
€38.9M
€45.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €50.1M
74.0
Jarrad Branthwaite
Everton FC • 23 years old
€38.9M
€45.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €50.1M
74.0
Gonçalo Inácio
Sporting CP • 24 years old
€38.9M
€45.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €48.0M
72.1
Luka Vuskovic
Hamburger SV • 19 years old
€34.6M
€40.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €49.6M
71.9
Alessandro Buongiorno
SSC Napoli • 26 years old
€38.9M
€45.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €48.2M
69.5
Jarell Quansah
Bayer 04 Leverkusen • 23 years old
€34.6M
€40.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €44.6M
69.2
Malick Thiaw
Newcastle United • 24 years old
€34.6M
€40.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €42.6M
67.7
Bremer
Juventus FC • 29 years old
€45.2M
€35.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €30.2M
65.5
Cristhian Mosquera
Arsenal FC • 21 years old
€30.3M
€35.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €40.2M
65.2
Scout Tools
Advanced analytics for scouting and recruitment decisions. Each tool provides unique insights into player value, potential, and market dynamics.
Pre-Peak Value Efficiency (PPVE)
Identifies pre-peak players offering exceptional value relative to their age bracket. Higher PPVE = better value.
Understanding Pre-Peak Value Efficiency (PPVE)
Arsenal FC's William Saliba at 25 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 90.00×. That means William Saliba is valued 90.00× higher than the median player in the 24-26 age bracket—representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is Manchester City's Josko Gvardiol, who is 24 years old, with a 70.00× PPVE. Third is Willian Pacho of Paris Saint-Germain, who is 24 years old with a 70.00× PPVE.
How PPVE is calculated: PPVE compares a player's current market value to the median value of all players in their age bracket. A PPVE of 90.00× means the player is worth 8900% more than typical players their age—making them high-value targets before they reach peak value.
PPVE by Age Bracket
| Rank | Player | Age | Bracket | Current Value | Bracket Median | PPVE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | William Saliba Arsenal FC | 25 | 24-26 | €90.0M | €1.0M | 90.00× |
| #2 | Josko Gvardiol Manchester City | 24 | 24-26 | €70.0M | €1.0M | 70.00× |
| #3 | Willian Pacho Paris Saint-Germain | 24 | 24-26 | €70.0M | €1.0M | 70.00× |
| #4 | Micky van de Ven Tottenham Hotspur | 25 | 24-26 | €65.0M | €1.0M | 65.00× |
| #5 | Marc Guéhi Manchester City | 25 | 24-26 | €55.0M | €1.0M | 55.00× |
| #6 | Piero Hincapié Arsenal FC | 24 | 24-26 | €50.0M | €1.0M | 50.00× |
| #7 | Dean Huijsen Real Madrid | 21 | 21-23 | €70.0M | €1.4M | 50.00× |
| #8 | Gonçalo Inácio Sporting CP | 24 | 24-26 | €45.0M | €1.0M | 45.00× |
| #9 | Malick Thiaw Newcastle United | 24 | 24-26 | €40.0M | €1.0M | 40.00× |
| #10 | Luka Vuskovic Hamburger SV | 19 | U21 | €40.0M | €1.0M | 40.00× |
| #11 | Levi Colwill Chelsea FC | 23 | 21-23 | €50.0M | €1.4M | 35.71× |
| #12 | Ilya Zabarnyi Paris Saint-Germain | 23 | 21-23 | €50.0M | €1.4M | 35.71× |
| #13 | Yann Bisseck Inter Milan | 25 | 24-26 | €35.0M | €1.0M | 35.00× |
| #14 | Bafodé Diakité AFC Bournemouth | 25 | 24-26 | €35.0M | €1.0M | 35.00× |
| #15 | Nathan Collins Brentford FC | 25 | 24-26 | €35.0M | €1.0M | 35.00× |
| #16 | Jan Paul van Hecke Brighton & Hove Albion | 25 | 24-26 | €35.0M | €1.0M | 35.00× |
| #17 | Castello Lukeba RB Leipzig | 23 | 21-23 | €45.0M | €1.4M | 32.14× |
| #18 | Jarrad Branthwaite Everton FC | 23 | 21-23 | €45.0M | €1.4M | 32.14× |
| #19 | Eric García FC Barcelona | 25 | 24-26 | €30.0M | €1.0M | 30.00× |
| #20 | Mario Gila SS Lazio | 25 | 24-26 | €30.0M | €1.0M | 30.00× |
Return-to-Peak Potential (RPP)
Recovery potential from current value to forecasted peak. Shows how much upside remains for players approaching their prime.
Understanding Return-to-Peak Potential (RPP)
RC Lens's Nidal Celik at 19 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +40%. That means Nidal Celik is projected to appreciate 40% as they reach their peak age in 7 years—representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is Hamburger SV's Luka Vuskovic, who is 19 years old, with a +40% RPP (7 years to peak). Third is Fabio Chiarodia of Borussia Mönchengladbach, who is 20 years old with a +35% RPP (6 years to peak).
How RPP is calculated: RPP compares a player's current market value to their forecasted peak value, calculating the percentage appreciation potential. A 40% RPP means the player is expected to gain 40% value as they enter their prime—making them excellent growth investments.
Recovery Potential by Player
| Rank | Player | Age | Years to Peak | Current | Peak Forecast | RPP % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Nidal Celik RC Lens | 19 | 7 | €1.0M | €1.7M | +40% |
| #2 | Luka Vuskovic Hamburger SV | 19 | 7 | €40.0M | €66.5M | +40% |
| #3 | Fabio Chiarodia Borussia Mönchengladbach | 20 | 6 | €3.0M | €4.6M | +35% |
| #4 | Ashley Phillips Stoke City | 20 | 6 | €3.0M | €4.6M | +35% |
| #5 | Dies Janse FC Groningen | 20 | 6 | €3.5M | €5.4M | +35% |
| #6 | Tobias Slotsager Hellas Verona | 20 | 6 | €2.0M | €3.1M | +35% |
| #7 | Bruno Ogbus SC Freiburg | 20 | 6 | €1.0M | €1.5M | +35% |
| #8 | Matteo Duțu FC Dinamo 1948 | 20 | 6 | €250K | €386K | +35% |
| #9 | Ludwig Vraa Grazer AK 1902 | 20 | 6 | €300K | €464K | +35% |
| #10 | Wisdom Amey US Pianese | 20 | 6 | €300K | €464K | +35% |
| #11 | Max Alleyne Manchester City | 20 | 6 | €800K | €1.2M | +35% |
| #12 | Adam Nygaard FC Fredericia | 20 | 6 | €300K | €464K | +35% |
| #13 | Rav van den Berg 1.FC Köln | 21 | 5 | €8.0M | €11.5M | +30% |
| #14 | Ji-soo Kim 1.FC Kaiserslautern | 21 | 5 | €2.0M | €2.9M | +30% |
| #15 | Leon Reichardt FC Hansa Rostock | 21 | 5 | €250K | €359K | +30% |
| #16 | Emmanuel van de Blaak Almere City FC | 21 | 5 | €500K | €719K | +30% |
| #17 | Ryan Tchato FC Versailles 78 | 21 | 5 | €350K | €503K | +30% |
| #18 | Willy Kambwala Villarreal CF | 21 | 5 | €4.0M | €5.7M | +30% |
| #19 | Joshua Quarshie Southampton FC | 21 | 5 | €4.0M | €5.7M | +30% |
| #20 | Alfie Dorrington Tottenham Hotspur U21 | 21 | 5 | €700K | €1.0M | +30% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Hamburger SV's Luka Vuskovic has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 70.0. That means Luka Vuskovic has 24% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty—representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is RC Lens's Nidal Celik with a 58.0 RAU (19% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Cristhian Mosquera of Arsenal FC with a 46.6 RAU (15% upside, 0% uncertainty).
How RAU is calculated: RAU divides upside potential by forecast uncertainty (RAU = Upside % ÷ Uncertainty %). A RAU of 70.0 means the upside is 70.0× greater than the uncertainty—making it a high-confidence growth opportunity. Target RAU ≥2.0 for balanced risk-reward.
Risk-Adjusted Upside by Player
| Rank | Player | Expected | Range | Upside % | RAU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Luka Vuskovic Hamburger SV | €49.6M | €42.7M-56.4M | +24% | 70.0 |
| #2 | Nidal Celik RC Lens | €1.2M | €1.0M-1.4M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #3 | Cristhian Mosquera Arsenal FC | €40.2M | €34.6M-45.7M | +15% | 46.6 |
| #4 | Dean Huijsen Real Madrid | €80.3M | €69.2M-91.4M | +15% | 46.6 |
| #5 | Tobias Slotsager Hellas Verona | €2.3M | €2.0M-2.6M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #6 | Bruno Ogbus SC Freiburg | €1.1M | €988K-1.3M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #7 | Matteo Duțu FC Dinamo 1948 | €287K | €247K-326K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #8 | Ludwig Vraa Grazer AK 1902 | €344K | €297K-391K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #9 | Wisdom Amey US Pianese | €344K | €297K-391K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #10 | Adam Nygaard FC Fredericia | €344K | €297K-391K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #11 | Fabio Chiarodia Borussia Mönchengladbach | €3.4M | €3.0M-3.9M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #12 | Ashley Phillips Stoke City | €3.4M | €3.0M-3.9M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #13 | Max Alleyne Manchester City | €917K | €791K-1.0M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #14 | Dies Janse FC Groningen | €4.0M | €3.5M-4.6M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #15 | Jarell Quansah Bayer 04 Leverkusen | €44.6M | €39.2M-49.9M | +11% | 42.8 |
| #16 | Levi Colwill Chelsea FC | €55.7M | €49.0M-62.4M | +11% | 42.8 |
| #17 | Ilya Zabarnyi Paris Saint-Germain | €55.7M | €49.0M-62.4M | +11% | 42.8 |
| #18 | Castello Lukeba RB Leipzig | €50.1M | €44.1M-56.2M | +11% | 42.8 |
| #19 | Jarrad Branthwaite Everton FC | €50.1M | €44.1M-56.2M | +11% | 42.8 |
| #20 | Abdukodir Khusanov Manchester City | €38.6M | €33.9M-43.2M | +10% | 38.4 |
Roster Pressure Index (RPI)
Squad depth pressure based on Z-score distribution. Negative RPI = thin depth, positive = deep roster.
What This Shows
Z-Score explained: Measures how many standard deviations a player's strength is from the position average. Z-Score = 0 means average, +1.0 is one standard deviation above average, -1.0 is below average.
How to use: RPI < -1.0 indicates critical depth shortage. These positions need immediate reinforcement. RPI > +1.0 suggests strong depth, allowing selective, high-value additions only.
Current market: centre-back position shows strong depth (avg Z-score: 0.00). RPI: 0.00.
Position Depth Analysis
Highest Z-Scores
Lowest Z-Scores
Age-Share Concentration (ASC)
Identifies players capturing disproportionate value relative to age group representation. Positive ASC = value concentration.
Understanding Age-Share Concentration (ASC)
SSC Napoli's Alessandro Buongiorno in the 24-26 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +6.9%. That means William Saliba captures 48.2% of total market value while representing only 41.3% of players in their age group—showing dominant elite status.
In second is Borussia Dortmund's Nico Schlotterbeck with a +6.9% ASC (48.2% value share vs 41.3% player share in 24-26 bracket). Third is Maximilian Bauer of Arminia Bielefeld with a +6.9% ASC (48.2% value vs 41.3% players in 24-26 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +6.9% ASC means the player captures 6.9% more market value than their numerical representation—indicating marquee status. ASC > +15% = elite dominance, ASC < -15% = potential value targets.
Value Concentration by Player
| Rank | Player | Age Bracket | Value Share | Player Share | ASC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Alessandro Buongiorno SSC Napoli | 24-26 | 48.2% | 41.3% | +6.9% |
| #2 | Nico Schlotterbeck Borussia Dortmund | 24-26 | 48.2% | 41.3% | +6.9% |
| #3 | Maximilian Bauer Arminia Bielefeld | 24-26 | 48.2% | 41.3% | +6.9% |
| #4 | Arnau Comas Deportivo de La Coruña | 24-26 | 48.2% | 41.3% | +6.9% |
| #5 | Patric Pfeiffer SV Darmstadt 98 | 24-26 | 48.2% | 41.3% | +6.9% |
| #6 | Tom Gaal FC St. Gallen 1879 | 24-26 | 48.2% | 41.3% | +6.9% |
| #7 | Andrea Ciofi Cesena FC | 24-26 | 48.2% | 41.3% | +6.9% |
| #8 | Marc Guéhi Manchester City | 24-26 | 48.2% | 41.3% | +6.9% |
| #9 | Zech Medley Bromley FC | 24-26 | 48.2% | 41.3% | +6.9% |
| #10 | Jonathan Panzo Rio Ave FC | 24-26 | 48.2% | 41.3% | +6.9% |
| #11 | Felix Bacher GD Estoril Praia | 24-26 | 48.2% | 41.3% | +6.9% |
| #12 | Till Cissokho HJK Helsinki | 24-26 | 48.2% | 41.3% | +6.9% |
| #13 | Ross Graham Dundee United FC | 24-26 | 48.2% | 41.3% | +6.9% |
| #14 | Raz Shlomo Maccabi Tel Aviv | 24-26 | 48.2% | 41.3% | +6.9% |
| #15 | Álex Pastor Málaga CF | 24-26 | 48.2% | 41.3% | +6.9% |
| #16 | Anton Skipper Esbjerg fB | 24-26 | 48.2% | 41.3% | +6.9% |
| #17 | Wesly Decas Puntarenas FC | 24-26 | 48.2% | 41.3% | +6.9% |
| #18 | Stephen Welsh Celtic FC | 24-26 | 48.2% | 41.3% | +6.9% |
| #19 | Lewis Mayo Kilmarnock FC | 24-26 | 48.2% | 41.3% | +6.9% |
| #20 | Japhet Sery Larsen Philadelphia Union | 24-26 | 48.2% | 41.3% | +6.9% |
Buy-Now vs Wait-List Map
Categorizes players by age position and upside potential to guide timing of acquisition.
What This Shows
How to use: "Buy Now - High Upside" = immediate priority targets. "Watch List" = monitor for 6-12 months. "Peak" = pay premium for proven performers. "Aging" = short-term depth only.
Current market: 2 immediate targets, 224 standard acquisitions, 0 watch-list prospects, 630 at peak.
BUY NOW - High Upside
WATCH LIST - High Upside
No players in this category
BUY NOW - Medium Upside
PEAK Players
Price vs Peer Z-Score
IQR-based pricing analysis relative to position peers. Identifies over/undervalued players vs market.
What This Shows
How to use: Z-score < -1.5 = significantly undervalued (potential bargain). Z-score > +1.5 = premium pricing (requires strong justification). Within ±1.0 = fair market value.
Current market: Position median is €650K. 0 undervalued, 114 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Éder Militão Real Madrid | €30.0M | €900K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Dávid Hancko Atlético de Madrid | €30.0M | €900K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Lucas Veríssimo Al-Wakrah SC | €5.0M | €900K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Nikola Milenković Nottingham Forest | €30.0M | €900K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Eric García FC Barcelona | €30.0M | €900K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Eduardo Quaresma Sporting CP | €15.0M | €900K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Mario Gila SS Lazio | €30.0M | €900K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Piero Hincapié Arsenal FC | €50.0M | €900K | -1.00 | Good Value |
César Tárrega Valencia CF | €15.0M | €900K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Axel Disasi Chelsea FC | €15.0M | €900K | -0.88 | Good Value |
Dara O'Shea Ipswich Town | €15.0M | €900K | -0.88 | Good Value |
Konstantinos Mavropanos West Ham United | €15.0M | €900K | -0.88 | Good Value |
Juan Foyth Villarreal CF | €15.0M | €900K | -0.88 | Good Value |
Jayden Oosterwolde Fenerbahce | €16.0M | €900K | -0.86 | Good Value |
Jacob Greaves Ipswich Town | €16.0M | €900K | -0.86 | Good Value |
Nico Schlotterbeck Borussia Dortmund | €55.0M | €900K | -0.67 | Good Value |
Marc Guéhi Manchester City | €55.0M | €900K | -0.67 | Good Value |
Roger Ibañez Al-Ahli SFC | €17.0M | €900K | -0.63 | Good Value |
Benoît Badiashile Chelsea FC | €18.0M | €900K | -0.57 | Good Value |
Logan Costa Villarreal CF | €18.0M | €900K | -0.57 | Good Value |
