Best Centre-Backs in the World (Apr 2026)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Score
Market Overview: World Centre-Backs 2025-26
Our database tracks 999 World Centre-Backs in the 2025-26 season, representing 503 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 27.5 years old.
The most valuable centre-back in the World is Dean Huijsen, worth €70.0M and playing for Real Madrid at 21 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 Nunzio Engwanda (18 years, RSCA Futures, €900K), while the oldest is Sergio Ramos (40 years, CF Monterrey, €1.0M). Research shows Centre-Backs typically peak at age 27.
Our 1-year forecast model projects 332 Centre-Backs (33%) will increase in market value over the next 12 months based on age-curve trajectories, current performance trends, and playing time analysis. The World market for Centre-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 503 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 (332 players, 33% of market). The 27-29 age group holds the most value at €593.4M, averaging €2.4M per player.
Top Centre-Backs by Age Bracket
U21 Years (29 players)
21-23 Years (143 players)
24-26 Years (244 players)
27-29 Years (251 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 503 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 • 21 years old
€60.5M
€70.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €80.3M
93.3
Rúben Dias
Manchester City • 28 years old
€83.9M
€65.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €59.2M
93.3
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
€52.8M
€50.0M
-5.4%
Expected: €45.5M
75.9
Ousmane Diomande
Sporting CP • 22 years old
€38.9M
€45.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €49.6M
74.4
Sven Botman
Newcastle United • 26 years old
€36.3M
€42.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €45.0M
66.8
Robin Le Normand
Atlético de Madrid • 29 years old
€45.2M
€35.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €30.2M
65.5
Jonathan Tah
Bayern Munich • 30 years old
€38.7M
€30.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €24.9M
58.5
Cristhian Mosquera
Arsenal FC • 21 years old
€25.9M
€30.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €33.1M
56.3
Zeno Debast
Sporting CP • 22 years old
€25.9M
€30.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €31.8M
55.7
Nathan Aké
Manchester City • 31 years old
€32.3M
€25.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €20.7M
54.4
Joachim Andersen
Fulham FC • 29 years old
€34.9M
€27.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €22.4M
53.3
Sam Beukema
SSC Napoli • 27 years old
€29.6M
€28.0M
-5.4%
Expected: €24.5M
51.9
Koni De Winter
AC Milan • 23 years old
€19.0M
€22.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €23.6M
48.1
Marcos Senesi
AFC Bournemouth • 28 years old
€28.4M
€22.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €19.3M
47.1
Maxime Estève
Burnley FC • 23 years old
€17.3M
€20.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €21.4M
46.1
Davinson Sánchez
Galatasaray • 29 years old
€25.8M
€20.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €16.6M
45.6
Mamadou Sarr
RC Strasbourg Alsace • 20 years old
€17.3M
€20.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €22.9M
45.4
Tosin Adarabioyo
Chelsea FC • 28 years old
€25.8M
€20.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €17.5M
45.3
Kristoffer Ajer
Brentford FC • 28 years old
€23.2M
€18.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €15.8M
43.1
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 21 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 100.00×. That means Dean Huijsen is valued 100.00× higher than the median player in the 21-23 age bracket—representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is Sporting CP's Ousmane Diomande, who is 22 years old, with a 64.29× PPVE. Third is Zeno Debast of Sporting CP, who is 22 years old with a 42.86× 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 100.00× means the player is worth 9900% 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 | 21 | 21-23 | €70.0M | €700K | 100.00× |
| #2 | Ousmane Diomande Sporting CP | 22 | 21-23 | €45.0M | €700K | 64.29× |
| #3 | Zeno Debast Sporting CP | 22 | 21-23 | €30.0M | €700K | 42.86× |
| #4 | Cristhian Mosquera Arsenal FC | 21 | 21-23 | €30.0M | €700K | 42.86× |
| #5 | Mamadou Sarr RC Strasbourg Alsace | 20 | U21 | €20.0M | €500K | 40.00× |
| #6 | Jacob Greaves Ipswich Town | 25 | 24-26 | €18.0M | €500K | 36.00× |
| #7 | Koni De Winter AC Milan | 23 | 21-23 | €22.0M | €700K | 31.43× |
| #8 | Joane Gadou Red Bull Salzburg | 19 | U21 | €15.0M | €500K | 30.00× |
| #9 | Maxime Estève Burnley FC | 23 | 21-23 | €20.0M | €700K | 28.57× |
| #10 | Kevin Lomónaco CA Independiente | 24 | 24-26 | €12.0M | €500K | 24.00× |
| #11 | Javi Rodríguez Celta de Vigo | 22 | 21-23 | €15.0M | €700K | 21.43× |
| #12 | Youri Baas Ajax Amsterdam | 23 | 21-23 | €15.0M | €700K | 21.43× |
| #13 | Santiago Mouriño Villarreal CF | 24 | 24-26 | €10.0M | €500K | 20.00× |
| #14 | Matte Smets KRC Genk | 22 | 21-23 | €13.0M | €700K | 18.57× |
| #15 | Jair Cunha Nottingham Forest | 21 | 21-23 | €13.0M | €700K | 18.57× |
| #16 | Santiago Ramos Mingo Esporte Clube Bahia | 24 | 24-26 | €8.0M | €500K | 16.00× |
| #17 | Marco Di Césare Racing Club | 24 | 24-26 | €8.0M | €500K | 16.00× |
| #18 | Wouter Goes AZ Alkmaar | 21 | 21-23 | €10.0M | €700K | 14.29× |
| #19 | Valentín Gómez Real Betis Balompié | 22 | 21-23 | €10.0M | €700K | 14.29× |
| #20 | David Zima SK Slavia Prague | 25 | 24-26 | €6.0M | €500K | 12.00× |
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)
RSCA Futures's Nunzio Engwanda at 18 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +44%. That means Nunzio Engwanda is projected to appreciate 44% as they reach their peak age in 8 years—representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is Monagas SC's Marcos Maitán, who is 18 years old, with a +44% RPP (8 years to peak). Third is Nicolás Villarroel of Club Jorge Wilstermann , who is 18 years old with a +44% RPP (8 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 44% RPP means the player is expected to gain 44% 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 | Nunzio Engwanda RSCA Futures | 18 | 8 | €900K | €1.6M | +44% |
| #2 | Marcos Maitán Monagas SC | 18 | 8 | €500K | €894K | +44% |
| #3 | Nicolás Villarroel Club Jorge Wilstermann | 18 | 8 | €300K | €536K | +44% |
| #4 | Lautaro Dufur CA Rentistas | 19 | 7 | €250K | €415K | +40% |
| #5 | Joane Gadou Red Bull Salzburg | 19 | 7 | €15.0M | €24.9M | +40% |
| #6 | Raul Gomez Real Oruro | 19 | 7 | €300K | €499K | +40% |
| #7 | Escleizon Freita Bolívar La Paz | 19 | 7 | €350K | €582K | +40% |
| #8 | Luis Benedetti Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras | 19 | 7 | €1.0M | €1.7M | +40% |
| #9 | Tobías Ramírez AA Argentinos Juniors | 19 | 7 | €3.0M | €5.0M | +40% |
| #10 | Juan Giménez CA Rosario Central | 19 | 7 | €3.0M | €5.0M | +40% |
| #11 | Iván Román Clube Atlético Mineiro | 19 | 7 | €1.5M | €2.5M | +40% |
| #12 | Paolo Calione Club Nacional | 19 | 7 | €750K | €1.2M | +40% |
| #13 | Juan Rodríguez Cagliari Calcio | 20 | 6 | €3.0M | €4.6M | +35% |
| #14 | Luc De Fougerolles FCV Dender EH | 20 | 6 | €700K | €1.1M | +35% |
| #15 | Alejandro Pósito Club Sporting Cristal | 20 | 6 | €375K | €580K | +35% |
| #16 | Juan David Sánchez Deportivo Táchira | 20 | 6 | €275K | €425K | +35% |
| #17 | Anthony Goiás EC | 20 | 6 | €250K | €386K | +35% |
| #18 | Julián Bazán Deportivo Pereira | 20 | 6 | €250K | €386K | +35% |
| #19 | Diego Saavedra Gualberto Villarroel San José | 20 | 6 | €225K | €348K | +35% |
| #20 | Dies Janse FC Groningen | 20 | 6 | €2.0M | €3.1M | +35% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Monagas SC's Marcos Maitán has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 68.9. That means Marcos Maitán has 23% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty—representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is Club Jorge Wilstermann 's Nicolás Villarroel with a 68.9 RAU (23% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Nunzio Engwanda of RSCA Futures with a 68.9 RAU (23% upside, 0% uncertainty).
How RAU is calculated: RAU divides upside potential by forecast uncertainty (RAU = Upside % ÷ Uncertainty %). A RAU of 68.9 means the upside is 68.9× 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 | Marcos Maitán Monagas SC | €617K | €532K-703K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #2 | Nicolás Villarroel Club Jorge Wilstermann | €370K | €319K-422K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #3 | Nunzio Engwanda RSCA Futures | €1.1M | €958K-1.3M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #4 | Raul Gomez Real Oruro | €357K | €308K-407K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #5 | Escleizon Freita Bolívar La Paz | €417K | €359K-474K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #6 | Lautaro Dufur CA Rentistas | €298K | €257K-339K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #7 | Luis Benedetti Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras | €1.2M | €1.0M-1.4M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #8 | Tobías Ramírez AA Argentinos Juniors | €3.6M | €3.1M-4.1M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #9 | Juan Giménez CA Rosario Central | €3.6M | €3.1M-4.1M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #10 | Iván Román Clube Atlético Mineiro | €1.8M | €1.5M-2.0M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #11 | Paolo Calione Club Nacional | €893K | €770K-1.0M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #12 | Joane Gadou Red Bull Salzburg | €17.9M | €15.4M-20.3M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #13 | Dean Huijsen Real Madrid | €80.3M | €69.2M-91.4M | +15% | 46.6 |
| #14 | Anthony Goiás EC | €287K | €247K-326K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #15 | Julián Bazán Deportivo Pereira | €287K | €247K-326K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #16 | Diego Saavedra Gualberto Villarroel San José | €258K | €222K-294K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #17 | Dies Janse FC Groningen | €2.3M | €2.0M-2.6M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #18 | Pietro Comi Atalanta U23 | €287K | €247K-326K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #19 | Luc De Fougerolles FCV Dender EH | €803K | €692K-913K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #20 | Juan Villalba Club de Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata | €344K | €297K-391K | +15% | 46.3 |
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 +-15.1%. That means Jonathan Tah captures 18.1% of total market value while representing only 33.2% of players in their age group—showing dominant elite status.
In second is CA Newell's Old Boys's Victor Cuesta with a +-15.1% ASC (18.1% value share vs 33.2% player share in 30+ bracket). Third is Emmanuel Olivera of Independiente Santa Fe with a +-15.1% ASC (18.1% value vs 33.2% players in 30+ bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +-15.1% ASC means the player captures -15.1% 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+ | 18.1% | 33.2% | -15.1% |
| #2 | Victor Cuesta CA Newell's Old Boys | 30+ | 18.1% | 33.2% | -15.1% |
| #3 | Emmanuel Olivera Independiente Santa Fe | 30+ | 18.1% | 33.2% | -15.1% |
| #4 | Antonio Briseño Deportivo Toluca | 30+ | 18.1% | 33.2% | -15.1% |
| #5 | Hugo Nervo CA Huracán | 30+ | 18.1% | 33.2% | -15.1% |
| #6 | Leandro González Pírez Club Estudiantes de La Plata | 30+ | 18.1% | 33.2% | -15.1% |
| #7 | Germán Pezzella CA River Plate | 30+ | 18.1% | 33.2% | -15.1% |
| #8 | Carlos Izquierdoz CA Lanús | 30+ | 18.1% | 33.2% | -15.1% |
| #9 | Daniel Franco Club Atlético Grau | 30+ | 18.1% | 33.2% | -15.1% |
| #10 | Pier Barrios FBC Melgar | 30+ | 18.1% | 33.2% | -15.1% |
| #11 | Shane Duffy Norwich City | 30+ | 18.1% | 33.2% | -15.1% |
| #12 | Jannik Müller VfL Osnabrück | 30+ | 18.1% | 33.2% | -15.1% |
| #13 | John Egan Hull City | 30+ | 18.1% | 33.2% | -15.1% |
| #14 | Tobias Figueiredo Club Athletico Paranaense | 30+ | 18.1% | 33.2% | -15.1% |
| #15 | Martin Angha Uthai Thani FC | 30+ | 18.1% | 33.2% | -15.1% |
| #16 | Leonel Galeano Club Cienciano | 30+ | 18.1% | 33.2% | -15.1% |
| #17 | Lisandro López Club Atlético Belgrano | 30+ | 18.1% | 33.2% | -15.1% |
| #18 | Carlos Rodríguez Club Deportes Iquique | 30+ | 18.1% | 33.2% | -15.1% |
| #19 | Diego Reyes Querétaro FC | 30+ | 18.1% | 33.2% | -15.1% |
| #20 | Ramón Arias Club Atlético Tigre | 30+ | 18.1% | 33.2% | -15.1% |
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: 12 immediate targets, 160 standard acquisitions, 0 watch-list prospects, 418 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 €450K. 0 undervalued, 171 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Gustavo Gómez Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras | €5.0M | €500K | -1.50 | Good Value |
Alexander Barboza Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas | €5.0M | €500K | -1.50 | Good Value |
Joane Gadou Red Bull Salzburg | €15.0M | €500K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Matteo Gabbia AC Milan | €16.0M | €500K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Malang Sarr RC Lens | €5.0M | €500K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Cristian Romero Tottenham Hotspur | €50.0M | €500K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Lucas Martínez Quarta CA River Plate | €5.0M | €500K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Léo Ortiz CR Flamengo | €15.0M | €500K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Nahuel Ferraresi São Paulo Futebol Clube | €5.0M | €500K | -1.00 | Good Value |
João Victor CSKA Moscow | €5.0M | €500K | -1.00 | 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 |
Alessio Romagnoli SS Lazio | €7.0M | €500K | -0.50 | Fair Value |
Willer Ditta CD Cruz Azul | €5.5M | €500K | -0.50 | Fair Value |
Joaquim Tigres UANL | €5.5M | €500K | -0.50 | Fair Value |
Jan Sobocinski Rekord Bielsko-Biala | €225K | €500K | -0.42 | Fair Value |
José Luján Universidad Técnica de Cajamarca | €225K | €500K | -0.42 | Fair Value |
Eduardo Caballero Universidad César Vallejo | €225K | €500K | -0.42 | Fair Value |
Mauro Osores Club Atlético San Martín (Tucumán) | €225K | €500K | -0.42 | Fair Value |
Jefferson Valdeblanquez Comerciantes FC | €225K | €500K | -0.42 | Fair Value |
