Best Centre-Backs in the World (Jun 2026)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Score
Market Overview: World Centre-Backs 2025-26
Our database tracks 997 World Centre-Backs in the 2025-26 season, representing 620 clubs with a combined market value of €1.8B. The average market value for World Centre-Backs is €1.8M, with the average age at 28.7 years old.
The most valuable centre-back in the World is Pau Cubarsí, worth €80.0M and playing for FC Barcelona at 19 years old. The top 5 Centre-Backs average €45.0M in market value, including Murillo and Marquinhos.
Age distribution shows the youngest tracked centre-back is Honest Ahanor (18 years, Atalanta BC, €25.0M), while the oldest is Raúl Albiol (40 years, Pisa Sporting Club, €800K). Research shows Centre-Backs typically peak at age 27.
Our 1-year forecast model projects 264 Centre-Backs (26%) 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 620 clubs with €1.8B combined value.
Age Distribution: World Centre-Backs
The World CB market shows 5 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 30+ bracket (487 players, 49% of market). The 30+ age group holds the most value at €633.9M, averaging €1.3M per player.
Top Centre-Backs by Age Bracket
U21 Years (50 players)
21-23 Years (119 players)
24-26 Years (142 players)
27-29 Years (199 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 100 Centre-Backs (10% of players) control €1.1B
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 620 World clubs, FC Barcelona leads with 1 Centre-Backs worth €80.0M (averaging €80.0M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 2% of tracked Centre-Backs.
FC Barcelona (1 Centre-Backs)
Athletic Bilbao (4 Centre-Backs)
Nottingham Forest (2 Centre-Backs)
AS Monaco (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.
Pau Cubarsí
FC Barcelona • 19 years old
€69.2M
€80.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €99.1M
91.1
Murillo
Nottingham Forest • 23 years old
€47.6M
€55.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €61.3M
83.8
Marquinhos
Paris Saint-Germain • 32 years old
€38.7M
€30.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €26.3M
63.2
Vitor Reis
Girona FC • 20 years old
€25.9M
€30.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €34.4M
56.4
Dani Vivian
Athletic Bilbao • 26 years old
€25.9M
€30.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €30.9M
52.8
Strahinja Pavlović
AC Milan • 25 years old
€24.2M
€28.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €27.4M
51.9
Honest Ahanor
Atalanta BC • 18 years old
€21.6M
€25.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €30.9M
51.3
Giovanni Leoni
Liverpool FC • 19 years old
€21.6M
€25.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €29.8M
51.2
Konstantinos Koulierakis
VfL Wolfsburg • 22 years old
€21.6M
€25.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €26.5M
50.9
Virgil van Dijk
Liverpool FC • 34 years old
€23.2M
€18.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €15.8M
50.2
John Stones
Manchester City • 32 years old
€23.2M
€18.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €15.8M
46.9
Kevin Danso
Tottenham Hotspur • 27 years old
€23.3M
€22.0M
-5.4%
Expected: €19.3M
46.4
Nathan Aké
Manchester City • 31 years old
€23.2M
€18.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €14.9M
45.7
Jérémy Jacquet
Stade Rennais FC • 20 years old
€17.3M
€20.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €22.9M
45.4
Jaydee Canvot
Crystal Palace • 19 years old
€17.3M
€20.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €23.8M
45.3
Thilo Kehrer
AS Monaco • 29 years old
€23.2M
€18.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €14.9M
43.7
Aitor Paredes
Athletic Bilbao • 26 years old
€15.6M
€18.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €18.5M
42.4
Javi Rodríguez
Celta de Vigo • 22 years old
€13.0M
€15.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €15.9M
40.8
Mykola Matvienko
Shakhtar Donetsk • 30 years old
€19.4M
€15.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €12.4M
40.8
Léo Ortiz
CR Flamengo • 30 years old
€19.4M
€15.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €12.4M
40.8
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)
FC Barcelona's Pau Cubarsí at 19 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 100.00×. That means Pau Cubarsí is valued 100.00× higher than the median player in the U21 age bracket—representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is Nottingham Forest's Murillo, who is 23 years old, with a 91.67× PPVE. Third is Strahinja Pavlović of AC Milan, who is 25 years old with a 46.67× 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 | Pau Cubarsí FC Barcelona | 19 | U21 | €80.0M | €800K | 100.00× |
| #2 | Murillo Nottingham Forest | 23 | 21-23 | €55.0M | €600K | 91.67× |
| #3 | Strahinja Pavlović AC Milan | 25 | 24-26 | €28.0M | €600K | 46.67× |
| #4 | Konstantinos Koulierakis VfL Wolfsburg | 22 | 21-23 | €25.0M | €600K | 41.67× |
| #5 | Vitor Reis Girona FC | 20 | U21 | €30.0M | €800K | 37.50× |
| #6 | Honest Ahanor Atalanta BC | 18 | U21 | €25.0M | €800K | 31.25× |
| #7 | Giovanni Leoni Liverpool FC | 19 | U21 | €25.0M | €800K | 31.25× |
| #8 | Jérémy Jacquet Stade Rennais FC | 20 | U21 | €20.0M | €800K | 25.00× |
| #9 | Christian Mawissa AS Monaco | 21 | 21-23 | €15.0M | €600K | 25.00× |
| #10 | Jaydee Canvot Crystal Palace | 19 | U21 | €20.0M | €800K | 25.00× |
| #11 | Javi Rodríguez Celta de Vigo | 22 | 21-23 | €15.0M | €600K | 25.00× |
| #12 | Yusuf Akçiçek Al-Hilal SFC | 20 | U21 | €16.0M | €800K | 20.00× |
| #13 | Luca Jaquez VfB Stuttgart | 23 | 21-23 | €10.0M | €600K | 16.67× |
| #14 | Joane Gadou Red Bull Salzburg | 19 | U21 | €12.0M | €800K | 15.00× |
| #15 | Lorenzo Pirola Olympiacos Piraeus | 24 | 24-26 | €9.0M | €600K | 15.00× |
| #16 | Ayden Heaven Manchester United | 19 | U21 | €10.0M | €800K | 12.50× |
| #17 | Strahinja Erakovic Zenit St. Petersburg | 25 | 24-26 | €7.5M | €600K | 12.50× |
| #18 | Lautaro Rivero CA River Plate | 22 | 21-23 | €7.0M | €600K | 11.67× |
| #19 | James Hill AFC Bournemouth | 24 | 24-26 | €7.0M | €600K | 11.67× |
| #20 | Lautaro Di Lollo CA Boca Juniors | 22 | 21-23 | €6.0M | €600K | 10.00× |
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)
Atalanta BC's Honest Ahanor at 18 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +44%. That means Honest Ahanor is projected to appreciate 44% as they reach their peak age in 8 years—representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is Birmingham Legion FC's Ramiz Hamouda, who is 18 years old, with a +44% RPP (8 years to peak). Third is Raul Kumar of NK Istra 1961, 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 | Honest Ahanor Atalanta BC | 18 | 8 | €25.0M | €44.7M | +44% |
| #2 | Ramiz Hamouda Birmingham Legion FC | 18 | 8 | €350K | €625K | +44% |
| #3 | Raul Kumar NK Istra 1961 | 18 | 8 | €350K | €625K | +44% |
| #4 | Marcos Maitán Monagas SC | 18 | 8 | €800K | €1.4M | +44% |
| #5 | Matteo Palma UC Sampdoria | 18 | 8 | €5.0M | €8.9M | +44% |
| #6 | Virgilio Olaya SD Aucas | 18 | 8 | €1.2M | €2.1M | +44% |
| #7 | Nicolás Villarroel Club Always Ready | 18 | 8 | €300K | €536K | +44% |
| #8 | Jonathan Norbye RB Leipzig | 19 | 7 | €300K | €499K | +40% |
| #9 | Dylan Smith Ross County FC | 19 | 7 | €250K | €415K | +40% |
| #10 | Naoufel El Hannach Montpellier HSC | 19 | 7 | €1.2M | €2.0M | +40% |
| #11 | Lautaro Dufur CA Rentistas | 19 | 7 | €250K | €415K | +40% |
| #12 | Vladyslav Zakharchenko Dynamo Kyiv | 19 | 7 | €500K | €831K | +40% |
| #13 | Mathys Angély VfL Wolfsburg | 19 | 7 | €600K | €997K | +40% |
| #14 | Gonçalo Oliveira SL Benfica B | 19 | 7 | €2.0M | €3.3M | +40% |
| #15 | Giovanni Leoni Liverpool FC | 19 | 7 | €25.0M | €41.5M | +40% |
| #16 | Amara Nallo Liverpool FC U21 | 19 | 7 | €1.0M | €1.7M | +40% |
| #17 | Jan Leszczyński Legia Warszawa | 19 | 7 | €300K | €499K | +40% |
| #18 | Krzysztof Falowski LKS Lodz | 19 | 7 | €250K | €415K | +40% |
| #19 | Luis Benedetti Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras | 19 | 7 | €4.0M | €6.6M | +40% |
| #20 | Jaydee Canvot Crystal Palace | 19 | 7 | €20.0M | €33.2M | +40% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
FC Barcelona's Pau Cubarsí has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 70.0. That means Pau Cubarsí has 24% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty—representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is UC Sampdoria's Matteo Palma with a 68.9 RAU (23% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Honest Ahanor of Atalanta BC 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 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 | Pau Cubarsí FC Barcelona | €99.1M | €85.5M-112.8M | +24% | 70.0 |
| #2 | Matteo Palma UC Sampdoria | €6.2M | €5.3M-7.0M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #3 | Honest Ahanor Atalanta BC | €30.9M | €26.6M-35.1M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #4 | Virgilio Olaya SD Aucas | €1.5M | €1.3M-1.7M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #5 | Nicolás Villarroel Club Always Ready | €370K | €319K-422K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #6 | Marcos Maitán Monagas SC | €988K | €852K-1.1M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #7 | Ramiz Hamouda Birmingham Legion FC | €432K | €373K-492K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #8 | Raul Kumar NK Istra 1961 | €432K | €373K-492K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #9 | Jonathan Norbye RB Leipzig | €357K | €308K-407K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #10 | Naoufel El Hannach Montpellier HSC | €1.4M | €1.2M-1.6M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #11 | Mathys Angély VfL Wolfsburg | €714K | €616K-813K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #12 | Jan Leszczyński Legia Warszawa | €357K | €308K-407K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #13 | Dylan Smith Ross County FC | €298K | €257K-339K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #14 | Lautaro Dufur CA Rentistas | €298K | €257K-339K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #15 | Vladyslav Zakharchenko Dynamo Kyiv | €595K | €513K-678K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #16 | Gonçalo Oliveira SL Benfica B | €2.4M | €2.1M-2.7M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #17 | Amara Nallo Liverpool FC U21 | €1.2M | €1.0M-1.4M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #18 | Krzysztof Falowski LKS Lodz | €298K | €257K-339K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #19 | Luis Benedetti Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras | €4.8M | €4.1M-5.4M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #20 | Jaydee Canvot Crystal Palace | €23.8M | €20.5M-27.1M | +19% | 58.0 |
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)
RCD Espanyol Barcelona's Leandro Cabrera in the 30+ age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +-13.7%. That means Marquinhos captures 35.1% of total market value while representing only 48.8% of players in their age group—showing dominant elite status.
In second is Club Nacional's Sebastián Coates with a +-13.7% ASC (35.1% value share vs 48.8% player share in 30+ bracket). Third is Chris Smalling of Al-Fayha FC with a +-13.7% ASC (35.1% value vs 48.8% players in 30+ bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +-13.7% ASC means the player captures -13.7% 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 | Leandro Cabrera RCD Espanyol Barcelona | 30+ | 35.1% | 48.8% | -13.7% |
| #2 | Sebastián Coates Club Nacional | 30+ | 35.1% | 48.8% | -13.7% |
| #3 | Chris Smalling Al-Fayha FC | 30+ | 35.1% | 48.8% | -13.7% |
| #4 | Victor Cuesta Club Atlético Platense | 30+ | 35.1% | 48.8% | -13.7% |
| #5 | Bram Nuytinck NEC Nijmegen | 30+ | 35.1% | 48.8% | -13.7% |
| #6 | Emmanuel Olivera Independiente Santa Fe | 30+ | 35.1% | 48.8% | -13.7% |
| #7 | Jeffrey Gouweleeuw FC Augsburg | 30+ | 35.1% | 48.8% | -13.7% |
| #8 | Stefan Savic Trabzonspor | 30+ | 35.1% | 48.8% | -13.7% |
| #9 | Antonio Briseño Deportivo Toluca | 30+ | 35.1% | 48.8% | -13.7% |
| #10 | Hugo Nervo CA Huracán | 30+ | 35.1% | 48.8% | -13.7% |
| #11 | Ruben Gabrielsen Lillestrøm SK | 30+ | 35.1% | 48.8% | -13.7% |
| #12 | Benjamin Tiedemann Aalborg BK | 30+ | 35.1% | 48.8% | -13.7% |
| #13 | Dmytro Pospelov UTA Arad | 30+ | 35.1% | 48.8% | -13.7% |
| #14 | Nicolò Brighenti US Catanzaro | 30+ | 35.1% | 48.8% | -13.7% |
| #15 | Dominique Heintz 1.FC Köln | 30+ | 35.1% | 48.8% | -13.7% |
| #16 | Stefan de Vrij Inter Milan | 30+ | 35.1% | 48.8% | -13.7% |
| #17 | Ahmed Hegazy NEOM SC | 30+ | 35.1% | 48.8% | -13.7% |
| #18 | Bruno Martins Indi Sparta Rotterdam | 30+ | 35.1% | 48.8% | -13.7% |
| #19 | Marcos Alonso Celta de Vigo | 30+ | 35.1% | 48.8% | -13.7% |
| #20 | Jakub Brabec Rio Ave FC | 30+ | 35.1% | 48.8% | -13.7% |
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: 27 immediate targets, 142 standard acquisitions, 0 watch-list prospects, 267 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 €600K. 0 undervalued, 146 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Ruslan Litvinov Spartak Moscow | €5.0M | €600K | -1.33 | Good Value |
Bruno Méndez Deportivo Toluca | €5.0M | €600K | -1.33 | Good Value |
Thilo Kehrer AS Monaco | €18.0M | €600K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Mykola Matvienko Shakhtar Donetsk | €15.0M | €600K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Léo Ortiz CR Flamengo | €15.0M | €600K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Aitor Paredes Athletic Bilbao | €18.0M | €600K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Yusuf Akçiçek Al-Hilal SFC | €16.0M | €600K | -0.80 | Good Value |
James Hill AFC Bournemouth | €7.0M | €600K | -0.67 | Good Value |
Junior Diaz Stade Brestois 29 | €5.0M | €600K | -0.50 | Fair Value |
Abdoul Koné Stade Reims | €5.0M | €600K | -0.50 | Fair Value |
Dan Burn Newcastle United | €5.0M | €600K | -0.50 | Fair Value |
Berat Djimsiti Atalanta BC | €5.0M | €600K | -0.50 | Fair Value |
Niklas Süle Borussia Dortmund | €5.0M | €600K | -0.50 | Fair Value |
Ben Davies Tottenham Hotspur | €5.0M | €600K | -0.50 | Fair Value |
Srdjan Babic Spartak Moscow | €5.0M | €600K | -0.50 | Fair Value |
Carl Starfelt Celta de Vigo | €5.0M | €600K | -0.50 | Fair Value |
Harold Moukoudi AEK Athens | €5.0M | €600K | -0.50 | Fair Value |
Felix Uduokhai Besiktas JK | €5.0M | €600K | -0.50 | Fair Value |
Eric Smith FC St. Pauli | €5.0M | €600K | -0.50 | Fair Value |
Jerome Opoku Basaksehir FK | €5.0M | €600K | -0.50 | Fair Value |