Best Midfielders in the World (Dec 2025)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Score
Market Overview: World Midfielders 2023-24
Our database tracked 999 World Midfielders in the 2023-24 season, representing 639 clubs with a combined market value of €2.7B. The average market value for World Midfielders was €2.7M, with the average age at 26.4 years old.
The most valuable midfielder in the World was João Neves, worth €80.0M and played for Paris Saint-Germain at 21 years old. The top 5 Midfielders averaged €62.0M in market value, including Nicolò Barella and Warren Zaïre-Emery.
Age distribution showed the youngest tracked midfielder was Ayyoub Bouaddi (18 years, LOSC Lille, €28.0M), while the oldest was James Milner (39 years, Brighton & Hove Albion, €1.0M). Research shows Midfielders typically peak at age 26-27.
Historical analysis showed 427 Midfielders (43%) 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 Midfielders remained highly competitive with significant transfer activity in the 2023-24 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 Midfielders. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 639 clubs with €2.7B combined value.
Age Distribution: World Midfielders
The World CM market shows 5 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 24-26 bracket (274 players, 27% of market). The 27-29 age group holds the most value at €765.1M, averaging €3.3M per player.
Top Midfielders by Age Bracket
U21 Years (51 players)
21-23 Years (209 players)
24-26 Years (274 players)
27-29 Years (229 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 100 Midfielders (10% of players) control €1.8B
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with elite (€50m+) tier representing 1% of the World CM pool.
Elite (€50M+)
Premium (€30-50M)
High (€15-30M)
Club Distribution: World Midfielders
Among 639 World clubs, Paris Saint-Germain leads with 4 Midfielders worth €190.0M (averaging €47.5M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 2% of tracked Midfielders.
Paris Saint-Germain (4 Midfielders)
Nottingham Forest (3 Midfielders)
Inter Milan (2 Midfielders)
Manchester City (1 Midfielders)
Player Rankings
Ranked by APE Strength Score. Click any player to view full profile, or click the chart icon to see value history.
João Neves
Paris Saint-Germain • 21 years old
€69.2M
€80.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €91.8M
93.3
Nicolò Barella
Inter Milan • 28 years old
€83.9M
€65.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €59.2M
93.1
Warren Zaïre-Emery
Paris Saint-Germain • 19 years old
€47.6M
€55.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €68.2M
85.9
Tijjani Reijnders
Manchester City • 27 years old
€63.4M
€60.0M
-5.4%
Expected: €54.7M
85.4
Manu Koné
AS Roma • 24 years old
€43.2M
€50.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €53.3M
77.1
Fabián Ruiz
Paris Saint-Germain • 29 years old
€51.7M
€40.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €34.5M
71.0
Gavi
FC Barcelona • 21 years old
€34.6M
€40.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €45.9M
70.4
Hugo Larsson
Eintracht Frankfurt • 21 years old
€34.6M
€40.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €45.9M
70.3
João Gomes
Wolverhampton Wanderers • 24 years old
€34.6M
€40.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €42.6M
67.7
Exequiel Palacios
Bayer 04 Leverkusen • 27 years old
€42.3M
€40.0M
-5.4%
Expected: €36.4M
66.7
Mikel Merino
Arsenal FC • 29 years old
€45.2M
€35.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €30.2M
65.6
Andrey Santos
Chelsea FC • 21 years old
€30.3M
€35.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €40.2M
65.2
Elliot Anderson
Nottingham Forest • 23 years old
€27.7M
€32.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €35.7M
61.4
Pape Matar Sarr
Tottenham Hotspur • 23 years old
€27.7M
€32.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €35.7M
61.4
Jacob Ramsey
Newcastle United • 24 years old
€27.7M
€32.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €34.1M
60.2
Ayyoub Bouaddi
LOSC Lille • 18 years old
€24.2M
€28.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €34.6M
54.9
Douglas Luiz
Nottingham Forest • 27 years old
€31.7M
€30.0M
-5.4%
Expected: €26.3M
53.8
Ismael Saibari
PSV Eindhoven • 24 years old
€23.4M
€27.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €27.7M
51.7
Javi Guerra
Valencia CF • 22 years old
€21.6M
€25.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €26.5M
50.9
Johnny Cardoso
Atlético de Madrid • 24 years old
€21.6M
€25.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €25.6M
50.1
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)
Paris Saint-Germain's João Neves at 21 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 123.08×. That means João Neves is valued 123.08× higher than the median player in the 21-23 age bracket—representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is Paris Saint-Germain's Warren Zaïre-Emery, who is 19 years old, with a 91.67× PPVE. Third is Manu Koné of AS Roma, who is 24 years old with a 71.43× 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 123.08× means the player is worth 12208% 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 | João Neves Paris Saint-Germain | 21 | 21-23 | €80.0M | €650K | 123.08× |
| #2 | Warren Zaïre-Emery Paris Saint-Germain | 19 | U21 | €55.0M | €600K | 91.67× |
| #3 | Manu Koné AS Roma | 24 | 24-26 | €50.0M | €700K | 71.43× |
| #4 | Gavi FC Barcelona | 21 | 21-23 | €40.0M | €650K | 61.54× |
| #5 | Hugo Larsson Eintracht Frankfurt | 21 | 21-23 | €40.0M | €650K | 61.54× |
| #6 | João Gomes Wolverhampton Wanderers | 24 | 24-26 | €40.0M | €700K | 57.14× |
| #7 | Andrey Santos Chelsea FC | 21 | 21-23 | €35.0M | €650K | 53.85× |
| #8 | Elliot Anderson Nottingham Forest | 23 | 21-23 | €32.0M | €650K | 49.23× |
| #9 | Pape Matar Sarr Tottenham Hotspur | 23 | 21-23 | €32.0M | €650K | 49.23× |
| #10 | Ayyoub Bouaddi LOSC Lille | 18 | U21 | €28.0M | €600K | 46.67× |
| #11 | Jacob Ramsey Newcastle United | 24 | 24-26 | €32.0M | €700K | 45.71× |
| #12 | Ismael Saibari PSV Eindhoven | 24 | 24-26 | €27.0M | €700K | 38.57× |
| #13 | Javi Guerra Valencia CF | 22 | 21-23 | €25.0M | €650K | 38.46× |
| #14 | Johnny Cardoso Atlético de Madrid | 24 | 24-26 | €25.0M | €700K | 35.71× |
| #15 | Lamine Camara AS Monaco | 21 | 21-23 | €22.0M | €650K | 33.85× |
| #16 | Yunus Musah Atalanta BC | 23 | 21-23 | €20.0M | €650K | 30.77× |
| #17 | Alex Scott AFC Bournemouth | 22 | 21-23 | €20.0M | €650K | 30.77× |
| #18 | Matvey Kislyak CSKA Moscow | 20 | U21 | €16.0M | €600K | 26.67× |
| #19 | Nicolas Seiwald RB Leipzig | 24 | 24-26 | €18.0M | €700K | 25.71× |
| #20 | Nicolò Fagioli ACF Fiorentina | 24 | 24-26 | €18.0M | €700K | 25.71× |
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)
Liverpool FC's Trey Nyoni at 18 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +44%. That means Ayyoub Bouaddi is projected to appreciate 44% as they reach their peak age in 8 years—representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is LOSC Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi, who is 18 years old, with a +44% RPP (8 years to peak). Third is Piero Cari of Club Alianza Lima, 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 | Trey Nyoni Liverpool FC | 18 | 8 | €4.5M | €8.0M | +44% |
| #2 | Ayyoub Bouaddi LOSC Lille | 18 | 8 | €28.0M | €50.0M | +44% |
| #3 | Piero Cari Club Alianza Lima | 18 | 8 | €550K | €983K | +44% |
| #4 | Rocco Di Vico US Salernitana 1919 | 18 | 8 | €250K | €447K | +44% |
| #5 | Edison Gruezo Querétaro FC | 18 | 8 | €300K | €536K | +44% |
| #6 | Ethan Mbappé LOSC Lille | 18 | 8 | €5.0M | €8.9M | +44% |
| #7 | Julius Lorents Silkeborg IF | 19 | 7 | €400K | €665K | +40% |
| #8 | João Cruz Club Athletico Paranaense | 19 | 7 | €600K | €997K | +40% |
| #9 | Kirill Simonov Fakel Voronezh | 19 | 7 | €250K | €415K | +40% |
| #10 | Giuseppe Mazzaglia Piacenza Calcio 1919 | 19 | 7 | €250K | €415K | +40% |
| #11 | Miguel Vegas Caracas FC | 19 | 7 | €300K | €499K | +40% |
| #12 | Caleb Yirenkyi FC Nordsjaelland | 19 | 7 | €1.0M | €1.7M | +40% |
| #13 | Elkin Rivero Atlético Nacional | 19 | 7 | €400K | €665K | +40% |
| #14 | Warren Zaïre-Emery Paris Saint-Germain | 19 | 7 | €55.0M | €91.4M | +40% |
| #15 | Laurits Pedersen Randers FC | 19 | 7 | €350K | €582K | +40% |
| #16 | Gökdeniz Gürpüz Galatasaray | 19 | 7 | €300K | €499K | +40% |
| #17 | Alessandro Berretta AS Giana Erminio | 19 | 7 | €325K | €540K | +40% |
| #18 | Senny Mayulu Paris Saint-Germain | 19 | 7 | €15.0M | €24.9M | +40% |
| #19 | Lennon Miller Udinese Calcio | 19 | 7 | €8.0M | €13.3M | +40% |
| #20 | Jonatan Lindekilde FC Fredericia | 19 | 7 | €400K | €665K | +40% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Paris Saint-Germain's Warren Zaïre-Emery has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 70.0. That means Warren Zaïre-Emery has 24% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty—representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is LOSC Lille's Ethan Mbappé with a 68.9 RAU (23% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Trey Nyoni of Liverpool FC 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 | Warren Zaïre-Emery Paris Saint-Germain | €68.2M | €58.8M-77.6M | +24% | 70.0 |
| #2 | Ethan Mbappé LOSC Lille | €6.2M | €5.3M-7.0M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #3 | Trey Nyoni Liverpool FC | €5.6M | €4.8M-6.3M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #4 | Rocco Di Vico US Salernitana 1919 | €309K | €266K-351K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #5 | Edison Gruezo Querétaro FC | €370K | €319K-422K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #6 | Ayyoub Bouaddi LOSC Lille | €34.6M | €29.8M-39.3M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #7 | Piero Cari Club Alianza Lima | €679K | €585K-773K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #8 | João Cruz Club Athletico Paranaense | €714K | €616K-813K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #9 | Miguel Vegas Caracas FC | €357K | €308K-407K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #10 | Gökdeniz Gürpüz Galatasaray | €357K | €308K-407K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #11 | Laurits Pedersen Randers FC | €417K | €359K-474K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #12 | Kirill Simonov Fakel Voronezh | €298K | €257K-339K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #13 | Giuseppe Mazzaglia Piacenza Calcio 1919 | €298K | €257K-339K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #14 | Caleb Yirenkyi FC Nordsjaelland | €1.2M | €1.0M-1.4M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #15 | Lennon Miller Udinese Calcio | €9.5M | €8.2M-10.8M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #16 | Kees Smit AZ Alkmaar | €11.9M | €10.3M-13.6M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #17 | Kjell Wätjen VfL Bochum | €3.0M | €2.6M-3.4M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #18 | Agustín Medina CA Lanús | €3.6M | €3.1M-4.1M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #19 | Julius Lorents Silkeborg IF | €476K | €411K-542K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #20 | Elkin Rivero Atlético Nacional | €476K | €411K-542K | +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: midfielder position shows weak 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)
AC Monza's Pedro Obiang in the 30+ age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +-12.0%. That means Leon Goretzka captures 11.6% of total market value while representing only 23.6% of players in their age group—showing dominant elite status.
In second is Without Club's Campanharo is a 33-year old football player aus Brazil with a +-12.0% ASC (11.6% value share vs 23.6% player share in 30+ bracket). Third is Marcel Sabitzer of Borussia Dortmund with a +-12.0% ASC (11.6% value vs 23.6% players in 30+ bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +-12.0% ASC means the player captures -12.0% 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 | Pedro Obiang AC Monza | 30+ | 11.6% | 23.6% | -12.0% |
| #2 | Campanharo is a 33-year old football player aus Brazil Without Club | 30+ | 11.6% | 23.6% | -12.0% |
| #3 | Marcel Sabitzer Borussia Dortmund | 30+ | 11.6% | 23.6% | -12.0% |
| #4 | Ján Greguš Without Club | 30+ | 11.6% | 23.6% | -12.0% |
| #5 | Sérgio Oliveira Sport Club do Recife | 30+ | 11.6% | 23.6% | -12.0% |
| #6 | Xavier Chavalerin ESTAC Troyes | 30+ | 11.6% | 23.6% | -12.0% |
| #7 | Axel Borgmann FC Energie Cottbus | 30+ | 11.6% | 23.6% | -12.0% |
| #8 | Misael Dávila Club Deportes Iquique | 30+ | 11.6% | 23.6% | -12.0% |
| #9 | José Campaña Without Club | 30+ | 11.6% | 23.6% | -12.0% |
| #10 | Sebastián Gallegos Deportes La Serena | 30+ | 11.6% | 23.6% | -12.0% |
| #11 | Adam Forshaw Blackburn Rovers | 30+ | 11.6% | 23.6% | -12.0% |
| #12 | Adam Maher Without Club | 30+ | 11.6% | 23.6% | -12.0% |
| #13 | Éver Banega CA Newell's Old Boys | 30+ | 11.6% | 23.6% | -12.0% |
| #14 | Sanjin Prcic Without Club | 30+ | 11.6% | 23.6% | -12.0% |
| #15 | Leonardo Gil CA Huracán | 30+ | 11.6% | 23.6% | -12.0% |
| #16 | Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta Athletic Bilbao | 30+ | 11.6% | 23.6% | -12.0% |
| #17 | Peter Zulj Buriram United | 30+ | 11.6% | 23.6% | -12.0% |
| #18 | Gaku Shibasaki Kashima Antlers | 30+ | 11.6% | 23.6% | -12.0% |
| #19 | Stuart Armstrong Aberdeen FC | 30+ | 11.6% | 23.6% | -12.0% |
| #20 | Sebastián Rodríguez Club Universidad de Chile | 30+ | 11.6% | 23.6% | -12.0% |
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: 24 immediate targets, 239 standard acquisitions, 0 watch-list prospects, 428 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. 1 undervalued, 144 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Douglas Luiz Nottingham Forest | €30.0M | €600K | -2.00 | Undervalued |
Morgan Sanson OGC Nice | €5.0M | €600K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Adrien Rabiot AC Milan | €20.0M | €600K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Glen Kamara Stade Rennais FC | €5.0M | €600K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Mikel Merino Arsenal FC | €35.0M | €600K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Tijjani Reijnders Manchester City | €60.0M | €600K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Wendel Zenit St. Petersburg | €18.0M | €600K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Jacob Ramsey Newcastle United | €32.0M | €600K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Pascal Groß Borussia Dortmund | €5.0M | €600K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Matheus Henrique Cruzeiro Esporte Clube | €5.0M | €600K | -0.80 | Good Value |
Victor Torp Coventry City | €5.0M | €600K | -0.75 | Good Value |
Williams Alarcón CA Boca Juniors | €5.0M | €600K | -0.75 | Good Value |
Adrián Bernabé Parma Calcio 1913 | €15.0M | €600K | -0.71 | Good Value |
Rocco Reitz Borussia Mönchengladbach | €15.0M | €600K | -0.71 | Good Value |
Yegor Yarmolyuk Brentford FC | €15.0M | €600K | -0.71 | Good Value |
Mateus Fernandes West Ham United | €15.0M | €600K | -0.71 | Good Value |
Martín Payero US Cremonese | €5.5M | €600K | -0.70 | Good Value |
Kaan Kairinen AC Sparta Prague | €5.5M | €600K | -0.63 | Good Value |
Arthur Avom FC Lorient | €5.0M | €600K | -0.60 | Good Value |
Gabriel Bontempo Santos FC | €5.0M | €600K | -0.60 | Good Value |
