Best Midfielders in the World (Jun 2026)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Score
Market Overview: World Midfielders 2025-26
Our database tracks 1000 World Midfielders in the 2025-26 season, representing 630 clubs with a combined market value of €4.7B. The average market value for World Midfielders is €4.7M, with the average age at 25.5 years old.
The most valuable midfielder in the World is Enzo Fernández, worth €85.0M and playing for Chelsea FC at 25 years old. The top 5 Midfielders average €110.0M in market value, including Pedri and Declan Rice.
Age distribution shows the youngest tracked midfielder is Ayyoub Bouaddi (18 years, LOSC Lille, €40.0M), while the oldest is Bruno Henrique (36 years, Sport Club Internacional, €350K). Research shows Midfielders typically peak at age 26-27.
Our 1-year forecast model projects 508 Midfielders (51%) 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 Midfielders 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 Midfielders. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 630 clubs with €4.7B combined value.
Age Distribution: World Midfielders
The World CM market shows 5 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 24-26 bracket (344 players, 34% of market). The 21-23 age group holds the most value at €1.4B, averaging €5.9M per player.
Top Midfielders by Age Bracket
U21 Years (33 players)
21-23 Years (234 players)
24-26 Years (344 players)
27-29 Years (292 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 100 Midfielders (10% of players) control €3.2B
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 630 World clubs, Paris Saint-Germain leads with 4 Midfielders worth €240.0M (averaging €60.0M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 3% of tracked Midfielders.
Paris Saint-Germain (4 Midfielders)
FC Barcelona (2 Midfielders)
Real Madrid (3 Midfielders)
Newcastle United (5 Midfielders)
Player Rankings
Ranked by APE Strength Score. Click any player to view full profile, or click the chart icon to see value history.
Enzo Fernández
Chelsea FC • 25 years old
€73.5M
€85.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €86.5M
95.5
Pedri
FC Barcelona • 23 years old
€121.1M
€140.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €156.0M
95.5
Declan Rice
Arsenal FC • 27 years old
€126.8M
€120.0M
-5.4%
Expected: €109.3M
94.7
Federico Valverde
Real Madrid • 27 years old
€126.8M
€120.0M
-5.4%
Expected: €109.3M
94.7
Alexis Mac Allister
Liverpool FC • 27 years old
€89.8M
€85.0M
-5.4%
Expected: €77.4M
94.7
Bruno Guimarães
Newcastle United • 28 years old
€96.8M
€75.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €68.3M
93.9
João Neves
Paris Saint-Germain • 21 years old
€95.1M
€110.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €126.2M
93.3
Tijjani Reijnders
Manchester City • 27 years old
€68.7M
€65.0M
-5.4%
Expected: €59.2M
90.0
Pablo Barrios
Atlético de Madrid • 22 years old
€51.9M
€60.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €66.1M
89.9
Elliot Anderson
Nottingham Forest • 23 years old
€51.9M
€60.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €66.9M
88.6
Warren Zaïre-Emery
Paris Saint-Germain • 20 years old
€43.2M
€50.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €59.7M
82.2
Eduardo Camavinga
Real Madrid • 23 years old
€43.2M
€50.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €55.7M
79.1
Scott McTominay
SSC Napoli • 29 years old
€58.1M
€45.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €38.8M
76.1
Manu Koné
AS Roma • 25 years old
€43.2M
€50.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €50.9M
75.4
Fabián Ruiz
Paris Saint-Germain • 30 years old
€51.7M
€40.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €34.5M
73.6
Ayyoub Bouaddi
LOSC Lille • 18 years old
€34.6M
€40.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €51.4M
72.9
Tom Bischof
Bayern Munich • 20 years old
€34.6M
€40.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €47.7M
71.2
Senny Mayulu
Paris Saint-Germain • 20 years old
€34.6M
€40.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €47.7M
71.2
Lucas Bergvall
Tottenham Hotspur • 20 years old
€34.6M
€40.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €47.7M
71.0
Felix Nmecha
Borussia Dortmund • 25 years old
€38.9M
€45.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €45.8M
70.9
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 Pedri at 23 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 140.00×. That means Pedri is valued 140.00× higher than the median player in the 21-23 age bracket—representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is Chelsea FC's Enzo Fernández, who is 25 years old, with a 113.33× PPVE. Third is João Neves of Paris Saint-Germain, who is 21 years old with a 110.00× 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 140.00× means the player is worth 13900% 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 | Pedri FC Barcelona | 23 | 21-23 | €140.0M | €1.0M | 140.00× |
| #2 | Enzo Fernández Chelsea FC | 25 | 24-26 | €85.0M | €750K | 113.33× |
| #3 | João Neves Paris Saint-Germain | 21 | 21-23 | €110.0M | €1.0M | 110.00× |
| #4 | Manu Koné AS Roma | 25 | 24-26 | €50.0M | €750K | 66.67× |
| #5 | Felix Nmecha Borussia Dortmund | 25 | 24-26 | €45.0M | €750K | 60.00× |
| #6 | Elliot Anderson Nottingham Forest | 23 | 21-23 | €60.0M | €1.0M | 60.00× |
| #7 | Pablo Barrios Atlético de Madrid | 22 | 21-23 | €60.0M | €1.0M | 60.00× |
| #8 | Curtis Jones Liverpool FC | 25 | 24-26 | €40.0M | €750K | 53.33× |
| #9 | Khéphren Thuram Juventus FC | 25 | 24-26 | €40.0M | €750K | 53.33× |
| #10 | João Gomes Wolverhampton Wanderers | 25 | 24-26 | €40.0M | €750K | 53.33× |
| #11 | Eduardo Camavinga Real Madrid | 23 | 21-23 | €50.0M | €1.0M | 50.00× |
| #12 | Jacob Ramsey Newcastle United | 25 | 24-26 | €35.0M | €750K | 46.67× |
| #13 | Ismael Saibari PSV Eindhoven | 25 | 24-26 | €32.0M | €750K | 42.67× |
| #14 | Gavi FC Barcelona | 21 | 21-23 | €40.0M | €1.0M | 40.00× |
| #15 | Kobbie Mainoo Manchester United | 21 | 21-23 | €40.0M | €1.0M | 40.00× |
| #16 | Hugo Larsson Eintracht Frankfurt | 21 | 21-23 | €40.0M | €1.0M | 40.00× |
| #17 | Pape Matar Sarr Tottenham Hotspur | 23 | 21-23 | €35.0M | €1.0M | 35.00× |
| #18 | Quinten Timber Olympique Marseille | 24 | 24-26 | €25.0M | €750K | 33.33× |
| #19 | Orkun Kökçü Besiktas JK | 25 | 24-26 | €25.0M | €750K | 33.33× |
| #20 | Warren Zaïre-Emery Paris Saint-Germain | 20 | U21 | €50.0M | €1.5M | 33.33× |
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)
LOSC Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi 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 Royal Antwerp FC's Youssef Hamdaoui, who is 18 years old, with a +44% RPP (8 years to peak). Third is Jonathan Shore of New York City FC, who is 19 years old with a +40% RPP (7 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 | Ayyoub Bouaddi LOSC Lille | 18 | 8 | €40.0M | €71.5M | +44% |
| #2 | Youssef Hamdaoui Royal Antwerp FC | 18 | 8 | €1.0M | €1.8M | +44% |
| #3 | Jonathan Shore New York City FC | 19 | 7 | €1.0M | €1.7M | +40% |
| #4 | Hunor Németh MTK Budapest | 19 | 7 | €500K | €831K | +40% |
| #5 | Alessandro Berretta AS Giana Erminio | 19 | 7 | €350K | €582K | +40% |
| #6 | Lennon Miller Udinese Calcio | 19 | 7 | €8.0M | €13.3M | +40% |
| #7 | Kirill Simonov Fakel Voronezh | 20 | 6 | €350K | €541K | +35% |
| #8 | Caleb Yirenkyi FC Nordsjaelland | 20 | 6 | €6.0M | €9.3M | +35% |
| #9 | Tygo Land FC Groningen | 20 | 6 | €1.5M | €2.3M | +35% |
| #10 | Daniel Kelly Millwall FC | 20 | 6 | €700K | €1.1M | +35% |
| #11 | Kees Smit AZ Alkmaar | 20 | 6 | €22.0M | €34.0M | +35% |
| #12 | Viktor Tsukanov Shakhtar Donetsk | 20 | 6 | €500K | €773K | +35% |
| #13 | Ian Wisdom Club Sporting Cristal | 20 | 6 | €500K | €773K | +35% |
| #14 | Warren Zaïre-Emery Paris Saint-Germain | 20 | 6 | €50.0M | €77.3M | +35% |
| #15 | Tom Bischof Bayern Munich | 20 | 6 | €40.0M | €61.8M | +35% |
| #16 | Lucas Bergvall Tottenham Hotspur | 20 | 6 | €40.0M | €61.8M | +35% |
| #17 | Kjell Wätjen VfL Bochum | 20 | 6 | €3.5M | €5.4M | +35% |
| #18 | Gökdeniz Gürpüz Galatasaray | 20 | 6 | €250K | €386K | +35% |
| #19 | Assan Ouédraogo RB Leipzig | 20 | 6 | €28.0M | €43.3M | +35% |
| #20 | Senny Mayulu Paris Saint-Germain | 20 | 6 | €40.0M | €61.8M | +35% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
LOSC Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 80.4. That means Ayyoub Bouaddi has 29% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty—representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is Royal Antwerp FC's Youssef Hamdaoui with a 68.9 RAU (23% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Archie Gray of Tottenham Hotspur with a 58.7 RAU (19% upside, 0% uncertainty).
How RAU is calculated: RAU divides upside potential by forecast uncertainty (RAU = Upside % ÷ Uncertainty %). A RAU of 80.4 means the upside is 80.4× 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 | Ayyoub Bouaddi LOSC Lille | €51.4M | €44.3M-58.5M | +29% | 80.4 |
| #2 | Youssef Hamdaoui Royal Antwerp FC | €1.2M | €1.1M-1.4M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #3 | Archie Gray Tottenham Hotspur | €41.8M | €36.0M-47.5M | +19% | 58.7 |
| #4 | Warren Zaïre-Emery Paris Saint-Germain | €59.7M | €51.4M-67.9M | +19% | 58.7 |
| #5 | Tom Bischof Bayern Munich | €47.7M | €41.1M-54.3M | +19% | 58.7 |
| #6 | Lucas Bergvall Tottenham Hotspur | €47.7M | €41.1M-54.3M | +19% | 58.7 |
| #7 | Senny Mayulu Paris Saint-Germain | €47.7M | €41.1M-54.3M | +19% | 58.7 |
| #8 | Alessandro Berretta AS Giana Erminio | €417K | €359K-474K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #9 | Jonathan Shore New York City FC | €1.2M | €1.0M-1.4M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #10 | Hunor Németh MTK Budapest | €595K | €513K-678K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #11 | Lennon Miller Udinese Calcio | €9.5M | €8.2M-10.8M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #12 | Gavi FC Barcelona | €45.9M | €39.6M-52.2M | +15% | 46.6 |
| #13 | Kobbie Mainoo Manchester United | €45.9M | €39.6M-52.2M | +15% | 46.6 |
| #14 | Hugo Larsson Eintracht Frankfurt | €45.9M | €39.6M-52.2M | +15% | 46.6 |
| #15 | Mateus Fernandes West Ham United | €36.7M | €31.7M-41.8M | +15% | 46.6 |
| #16 | João Neves Paris Saint-Germain | €126.2M | €108.8M-143.6M | +15% | 46.6 |
| #17 | Viktor Tsukanov Shakhtar Donetsk | €573K | €494K-652K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #18 | Ian Wisdom Club Sporting Cristal | €573K | €494K-652K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #19 | Gökdeniz Gürpüz Galatasaray | €287K | €247K-326K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #20 | Riccardo Arboscello Novara FC | €258K | €222K-294K | +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: 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)
Toronto FC's Markus Cimermancic in the 21-23 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +5.8%. That means Pedri captures 29.2% of total market value while representing only 23.4% of players in their age group—showing dominant elite status.
In second is Gimnasia y Esgrima de Mendoza's Tomás O'Connor with a +5.8% ASC (29.2% value share vs 23.4% player share in 21-23 bracket). Third is Abdellah Baallal of Clermont Foot 63 with a +5.8% ASC (29.2% value vs 23.4% players in 21-23 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +5.8% ASC means the player captures 5.8% 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 | Markus Cimermancic Toronto FC | 21-23 | 29.2% | 23.4% | +5.8% |
| #2 | Tomás O'Connor Gimnasia y Esgrima de Mendoza | 21-23 | 29.2% | 23.4% | +5.8% |
| #3 | Abdellah Baallal Clermont Foot 63 | 21-23 | 29.2% | 23.4% | +5.8% |
| #4 | Sotiris Kontouris Panathinaikos FC | 21-23 | 29.2% | 23.4% | +5.8% |
| #5 | Asier Osambela CA Osasuna Promesas | 21-23 | 29.2% | 23.4% | +5.8% |
| #6 | Yaya Fofana Stade Reims | 21-23 | 29.2% | 23.4% | +5.8% |
| #7 | Mahamadou Diawara Royal Antwerp FC | 21-23 | 29.2% | 23.4% | +5.8% |
| #8 | Mathias de Amorim FC Famalicão | 21-23 | 29.2% | 23.4% | +5.8% |
| #9 | Marcos Peña FC Famalicão | 21-23 | 29.2% | 23.4% | +5.8% |
| #10 | Felipe Chiappini CA River Plate Montevideo | 21-23 | 29.2% | 23.4% | +5.8% |
| #11 | Facundo Muñoa CA Boston River | 21-23 | 29.2% | 23.4% | +5.8% |
| #12 | Ronald Donkor New York Red Bulls | 21-23 | 29.2% | 23.4% | +5.8% |
| #13 | Nicolás Dubersarsky Austin FC | 21-23 | 29.2% | 23.4% | +5.8% |
| #14 | Beau Leroux San Jose Earthquakes | 21-23 | 29.2% | 23.4% | +5.8% |
| #15 | Finlay Robertson Dundee FC | 21-23 | 29.2% | 23.4% | +5.8% |
| #16 | Japa Cruzeiro Esporte Clube | 21-23 | 29.2% | 23.4% | +5.8% |
| #17 | Rocco Shein Fredrikstad FK | 21-23 | 29.2% | 23.4% | +5.8% |
| #18 | Aster Vranckx US Sassuolo | 21-23 | 29.2% | 23.4% | +5.8% |
| #19 | Yunus Musah Atalanta BC | 21-23 | 29.2% | 23.4% | +5.8% |
| #20 | Mads Søndergaard Viborg FF | 21-23 | 29.2% | 23.4% | +5.8% |
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: 11 immediate targets, 256 standard acquisitions, 0 watch-list prospects, 555 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. 2 undervalued, 117 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pablo Fornals Real Betis Balompié | €8.0M | €800K | -2.00 | Undervalued |
Ismael Saibari PSV Eindhoven | €32.0M | €800K | -1.60 | Undervalued |
Caleb Yirenkyi FC Nordsjaelland | €6.0M | €800K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Matteo Pessina AC Monza | €5.0M | €800K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Valentin Rongier Stade Rennais FC | €9.0M | €800K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Leandro Barreiro SL Benfica | €15.0M | €800K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Maxence Caqueret Como 1907 | €15.0M | €800K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Fran Beltrán Girona FC | €5.0M | €800K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Joaquín Pereyra Minnesota United FC | €5.0M | €800K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Mads Bidstrup Red Bull Salzburg | €15.0M | €800K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Adrián Bernabé Parma Calcio 1913 | €15.0M | €800K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Conor Gallagher Tottenham Hotspur | €35.0M | €800K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Lucas Da Cunha Como 1907 | €15.0M | €800K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Jacob Ramsey Newcastle United | €35.0M | €800K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Hidemasa Morita Sporting CP | €9.0M | €800K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Manu Koné AS Roma | €50.0M | €800K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Victor Froholdt FC Porto | €30.0M | €800K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Johan Manzambi SC Freiburg | €30.0M | €800K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Martim Neto Elche CF | €5.0M | €800K | -0.88 | Good Value |
Youri Regeer Ajax Amsterdam | €5.0M | €800K | -0.88 | Good Value |
