Best Centre-Backs in the World (Oct 2025)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Score
Market Overview: World Centre-Backs 2025-26
Our database tracks 997 World Centre-Backsin the 2025-26 season, representing 502 clubs with a combined market value of €2.0B. The average market value for World Centre-Backs is €2.0M, with the average age at 27.0 years old.
The most valuable centre-back in the World is Dean Huijsen, worth €70.0M and playing forReal Madrid at 20 years old. The top 5 Centre-Backs average €58.0M in market value, including Rúben Dias and Ibrahima Konaté.
Age distribution shows the youngest tracked centre-back is Joane Gadou(18 years, Red Bull Salzburg,€15.0M), while the oldest is Gustavo Cabral (40 years,CF Pachuca, €250K). Research shows Centre-Backs typically peak at age 27.
Our 1-year forecast model projects 466Centre-Backs (47%) will increasein market value over the next 12 months based on age-curve trajectories,current performance trends, and playing time analysis. The World market forCentre-Backs remains highly competitive with significant transfer activity expected in the 2025-26 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 502 clubs with €2.0B combined value.
Age Distribution: World Centre-Backs
The World CB market shows 5 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 30+ bracket (293 players, 29% of market). The 27-29 age group holds the most value at €566.1M, averaging €2.4M per player.
Top Centre-Backs by Age Bracket
U21 Years (46 players)
21-23 Years (160 players)
24-26 Years (260 players)
27-29 Years (238 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 100 Centre-Backs (10% of players) control €1.3B
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with elite (€50m+) tier representing 0% of the World CB pool.
Elite (€50M+)
Premium (€30-50M)
High (€15-30M)
Club Distribution: World Centre-Backs
Among 502 World clubs, Manchester City leads with 2 Centre-Backs worth €90.0M (averaging €45.0M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 1% of tracked Centre-Backs.
Manchester City (2 Centre-Backs)
Sporting CP (2 Centre-Backs)
Real Madrid (1 Centre-Backs)
Liverpool FC (1 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.
Dean Huijsen
Real Madrid • 20 years old
€60.5M
€70.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €95.6M
86.6
Rúben Dias
Manchester City • 28 years old
€65.0M
€65.0M
+0.0%
Expected: €64.2M
85.6
Ibrahima Konaté
Liverpool FC • 26 years old
€51.9M
€60.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €64.3M
82.7
Cristian Romero
Tottenham Hotspur • 27 years old
€50.0M
€50.0M
+0.0%
Expected: €49.4M
73.1
Ousmane Diomande
Sporting CP • 21 years old
€38.9M
€45.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €59.1M
67.0
Sven Botman
Newcastle United • 25 years old
€36.3M
€42.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €46.3M
66.8
Robin Le Normand
Atlético de Madrid • 28 years old
€35.0M
€35.0M
+0.0%
Expected: €34.6M
59.3
Sam Beukema
SSC Napoli • 26 years old
€24.2M
€28.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €28.8M
51.1
Cristhian Mosquera
Arsenal FC • 21 years old
€25.9M
€30.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €37.9M
50.8
Jonathan Tah
Bayern Munich • 29 years old
€30.0M
€30.0M
+0.0%
Expected: €28.5M
50.8
Zeno Debast
Sporting CP • 21 years old
€25.9M
€30.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €37.9M
50.3
Joachim Andersen
Fulham FC • 29 years old
€27.0M
€27.0M
+0.0%
Expected: €25.6M
48.0
Koni De Winter
AC Milan • 23 years old
€19.0M
€22.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €25.5M
45.8
Nathan Aké
Manchester City • 30 years old
€25.0M
€25.0M
+0.0%
Expected: €23.7M
45.7
Marcos Senesi
AFC Bournemouth • 28 years old
€22.0M
€22.0M
+0.0%
Expected: €20.9M
44.4
Maxime Estève
Burnley FC • 23 years old
€17.3M
€20.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €23.2M
44.1
Tosin Adarabioyo
Chelsea FC • 28 years old
€20.0M
€20.0M
+0.0%
Expected: €19.0M
42.8
Pascal Struijk
Leeds United • 26 years old
€15.6M
€18.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €18.5M
42.4
Anel Ahmedhodzic
Feyenoord Rotterdam • 26 years old
€15.6M
€18.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €18.5M
42.1
Jacob Greaves
Ipswich Town • 25 years old
€15.6M
€18.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €19.1M
42.1
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)
Real Madrid's Dean Huijsen at 20 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 116.67×. That means Dean Huijsen is valued 116.67× higher than the median player in the U21 age bracket—representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is Newcastle United's Sven Botman, who is 25 years old, with a 84.00× PPVE. Third is Ousmane Diomande of Sporting CP, who is 21 years old with a 64.29× 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 116.67× means the player is worth 11567% 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 | Dean Huijsen Real Madrid | 20 | U21 | €70.0M | €600K | 116.67× |
#2 | Sven Botman Newcastle United | 25 | 24-26 | €42.0M | €500K | 84.00× |
#3 | Ousmane Diomande Sporting CP | 21 | 21-23 | €45.0M | €700K | 64.29× |
#4 | Zeno Debast Sporting CP | 21 | 21-23 | €30.0M | €700K | 42.86× |
#5 | Cristhian Mosquera Arsenal FC | 21 | 21-23 | €30.0M | €700K | 42.86× |
#6 | Jacob Greaves Ipswich Town | 25 | 24-26 | €18.0M | €500K | 36.00× |
#7 | Mamadou Sarr RC Strasbourg Alsace | 20 | U21 | €20.0M | €600K | 33.33× |
#8 | Matteo Gabbia AC Milan | 25 | 24-26 | €16.0M | €500K | 32.00× |
#9 | Koni De Winter AC Milan | 23 | 21-23 | €22.0M | €700K | 31.43× |
#10 | Maxime Estève Burnley FC | 23 | 21-23 | €20.0M | €700K | 28.57× |
#11 | Joane Gadou Red Bull Salzburg | 18 | U21 | €15.0M | €600K | 25.00× |
#12 | Vitão Sport Club Internacional | 25 | 24-26 | €12.0M | €500K | 24.00× |
#13 | Jair Cunha Nottingham Forest | 20 | U21 | €13.0M | €600K | 21.67× |
#14 | Javi Rodríguez Celta de Vigo | 22 | 21-23 | €15.0M | €700K | 21.43× |
#15 | Youri Baas Ajax Amsterdam | 22 | 21-23 | €15.0M | €700K | 21.43× |
#16 | Matte Smets KRC Genk | 21 | 21-23 | €13.0M | €700K | 18.57× |
#17 | Gastón Álvarez Al-Qadsiah FC | 25 | 24-26 | €9.0M | €500K | 18.00× |
#18 | Kevin Lomónaco CA Independiente | 23 | 21-23 | €12.0M | €700K | 17.14× |
#19 | Tiago Djaló Besiktas JK | 25 | 24-26 | €8.0M | €500K | 16.00× |
#20 | Wouter Goes AZ Alkmaar | 21 | 21-23 | €10.0M | €700K | 14.29× |
Return-to-Peak Potential (RPP)
Recovery potential from current value to forecasted peak. Shows how much upside remains for players approaching their prime.
No RPP data available (requires forecast values in database)
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
AA Argentinos Juniors's Tobías Ramírez has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 105.9. That means Tobías Ramírez has 41% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty—representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is Real Oruro's Raul Gomez with a 105.9 RAU (41% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Nicolás Villarroel of Club Jorge Wilstermann with a 105.9 RAU (41% upside, 0% uncertainty).
How RAU is calculated: RAU divides upside potential by forecast uncertainty (RAU = Upside % ÷ Uncertainty %). A RAU of 105.9 means the upside is 105.9× 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 | Tobías Ramírez AA Argentinos Juniors | €4.2M | €3.7M-4.8M | +41% | 105.9 |
#2 | Raul Gomez Real Oruro | €424K | €365K-482K | +41% | 105.9 |
#3 | Nicolás Villarroel Club Jorge Wilstermann | €424K | €365K-482K | +41% | 105.9 |
#4 | Joane Gadou Red Bull Salzburg | €21.2M | €18.3M-24.1M | +41% | 105.9 |
#5 | Escleizon Freita Bolívar La Paz | €495K | €426K-563K | +41% | 105.9 |
#6 | Dean Huijsen Real Madrid | €95.6M | €82.4M-108.8M | +37% | 97.0 |
#7 | Juan Giménez CA Rosario Central | €4.1M | €3.5M-4.7M | +36% | 96.4 |
#8 | Iván Román Clube Atlético Mineiro | €2.0M | €1.8M-2.3M | +36% | 96.4 |
#9 | Paolo Calione Club Nacional | €1.0M | €881K-1.2M | +36% | 96.4 |
#10 | Lautaro Dufur CA Rentistas | €341K | €294K-388K | +36% | 96.4 |
#11 | Julián Bazán Deportivo Pereira | €341K | €294K-388K | +36% | 96.4 |
#12 | Luis Benedetti Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras | €1.4M | €1.2M-1.6M | +36% | 96.4 |
#13 | Dies Janse FC Groningen | €2.7M | €2.3M-3.1M | +36% | 96.4 |
#14 | Patricio Pacífico Defensor Sporting Club | €749K | €646K-853K | +36% | 96.4 |
#15 | Juan Villalba Club de Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata | €409K | €352K-465K | +36% | 96.4 |
#16 | Luiz Gustavo Esporte Clube Bahia | €409K | €352K-465K | +36% | 96.4 |
#17 | Vince Osuji Club Brugge KV | €1.6M | €1.4M-1.9M | +36% | 96.4 |
#18 | Ousmane Diomande Sporting CP | €59.1M | €50.9M-67.3M | +31% | 86.4 |
#19 | Santiago Fernández CA Talleres | €3.3M | €2.8M-3.7M | +31% | 86.2 |
#20 | Nahuel Herrera CA Peñarol | €3.3M | €2.8M-3.7M | +31% | 86.2 |
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)
Club Nacional's Sebastián Coates in the 30+ age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +-16.1%. That means Nathan Aké captures 13.3% of total market value while representing only 29.4% of players in their age group—showing dominant elite status.
In second is CA Newell's Old Boys's Victor Cuesta with a +-16.1% ASC (13.3% value share vs 29.4% player share in 30+ bracket). Third is Emmanuel Olivera of Independiente Santa Fe with a +-16.1% ASC (13.3% value vs 29.4% players in 30+ bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +-16.1% ASC means the player captures -16.1% 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 | Sebastián Coates Club Nacional | 30+ | 13.3% | 29.4% | -16.1% |
#2 | Victor Cuesta CA Newell's Old Boys | 30+ | 13.3% | 29.4% | -16.1% |
#3 | Emmanuel Olivera Independiente Santa Fe | 30+ | 13.3% | 29.4% | -16.1% |
#4 | Antonio Briseño Deportivo Toluca | 30+ | 13.3% | 29.4% | -16.1% |
#5 | Hugo Nervo CA Huracán | 30+ | 13.3% | 29.4% | -16.1% |
#6 | Leandro González Pírez Club Estudiantes de La Plata | 30+ | 13.3% | 29.4% | -16.1% |
#7 | Germán Pezzella CA River Plate | 30+ | 13.3% | 29.4% | -16.1% |
#8 | Carlos Izquierdoz CA Lanús | 30+ | 13.3% | 29.4% | -16.1% |
#9 | Daniel Franco Club Atlético Grau | 30+ | 13.3% | 29.4% | -16.1% |
#10 | Pier Barrios FBC Melgar | 30+ | 13.3% | 29.4% | -16.1% |
#11 | Shane Duffy Norwich City | 30+ | 13.3% | 29.4% | -16.1% |
#12 | Jannik Müller VfL Osnabrück | 30+ | 13.3% | 29.4% | -16.1% |
#13 | John Egan Hull City | 30+ | 13.3% | 29.4% | -16.1% |
#14 | Tobias Figueiredo Club Athletico Paranaense | 30+ | 13.3% | 29.4% | -16.1% |
#15 | Martin Angha Uthai Thani FC | 30+ | 13.3% | 29.4% | -16.1% |
#16 | Leonel Galeano Club Cienciano | 30+ | 13.3% | 29.4% | -16.1% |
#17 | Lisandro López Club Atlético Belgrano | 30+ | 13.3% | 29.4% | -16.1% |
#18 | Carlos Rodríguez Club Deportes Iquique | 30+ | 13.3% | 29.4% | -16.1% |
#19 | Diego Reyes Querétaro FC | 30+ | 13.3% | 29.4% | -16.1% |
#20 | Ramón Arias Club Atlético Tigre | 30+ | 13.3% | 29.4% | -16.1% |
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: 206 immediate targets, 166 standard acquisitions, 0 watch-list prospects, 260 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 €400K. 0 undervalued, 163 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
---|---|---|---|---|
Léo Ortiz CR Flamengo | €15.0M | €500K | -1.25 | Good Value |
Joane Gadou Red Bull Salzburg | €15.0M | €500K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Jonathan Tah Bayern Munich | €30.0M | €500K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Cristian Romero Tottenham Hotspur | €50.0M | €500K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Gustavo Gómez Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras | €5.0M | €500K | -0.83 | Good Value |
Alexander Barboza Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas | €5.0M | €500K | -0.83 | Good Value |
Javi Rodríguez Celta de Vigo | €15.0M | €500K | -0.71 | Good Value |
Youri Baas Ajax Amsterdam | €15.0M | €500K | -0.71 | Good Value |
Lucas Martínez Quarta CA River Plate | €5.0M | €500K | -0.67 | Good Value |
João Victor CSKA Moscow | €5.0M | €500K | -0.67 | Good Value |
Kristoffer Ajer Brentford FC | €18.0M | €500K | -0.50 | Fair Value |
Pier Barrios FBC Melgar | €225K | €500K | -0.44 | Fair Value |
Luis Casanova Club Deportes Iquique | €225K | €500K | -0.44 | Fair Value |
Mawouna Amevor FC Volendam | €225K | €500K | -0.44 | Fair Value |
Carlos Ascues Alianza Universidad | €225K | €500K | -0.44 | Fair Value |
Eddy Israfilov Johor Darul Ta'zim | €225K | €500K | -0.44 | Fair Value |
Marcelo Ortiz Club Atlético Tucumán | €225K | €500K | -0.44 | Fair Value |
Gastón Campi Barcelona SC Guayaquil | €225K | €500K | -0.44 | Fair Value |
Henry Plazas Cúcuta Deportivo | €225K | €500K | -0.44 | Fair Value |
Adrián Martínez Universidad Central de Venezuela | €225K | €500K | -0.44 | Fair Value |