Best Midfielders in the Brasileirão (Apr 2026)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Score
Market Overview: Brasileirão Midfielders 2025-26
Our database tracks 47 Brasileirão Midfielders in the 2025-26 season, representing 19 clubs with a combined market value of €148.0M. The average market value for Brasileirão Midfielders is €3.1M, with the average age at 27.8 years old.
The most valuable midfielder in the Brasileirão is Nicolás de la Cruz, worth €12.0M and playing for CR Flamengo at 28 years old. The top 5 Midfielders average €10.6M in market value, including Breno Bidon and Hércules.
Age distribution shows the youngest tracked midfielder is Breno Bidon (21 years, Sport Club Corinthians Paulista, €12.0M), while the oldest is Edenilson (36 years, Grêmio Foot-Ball Porto Alegrense, €600K). Research shows Midfielders typically peak at age 26-27.
Our 1-year forecast model projects 11 Midfielders (23%) will increase in market value over the next 12 months based on age-curve trajectories, current performance trends, and playing time analysis. The Brasileirão market for Midfielders remains actively developing with emerging talent 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 Brasileirão
Interactive bubble chart showing predicted 2-year growth vs current age for all Brasileirão Midfielders. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 19 clubs with €148.0M combined value.
Age Distribution: Brasileirão Midfielders
The Brasileirão CM market shows 4 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 27-29 bracket (15 players, 32% of market). The 24-26 age group holds the most value at €57.1M, averaging €5.2M per player.
Top Midfielders by Age Bracket
21-23 Years (6 players)
24-26 Years (11 players)
27-29 Years (15 players)
30+ Years (15 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 5 Midfielders (11% of players) control €53.0M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with mid (€5-15m) tier representing 21% of the Brasileirão CM pool.
Mid (€5-15M)
Emerging (<€5M)
Club Distribution: Brasileirão Midfielders
Among 19 Brasileirão clubs, Esporte Clube Bahia leads with 2 Midfielders worth €18.0M (averaging €9.0M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 57% of tracked Midfielders.
Esporte Clube Bahia (2 Midfielders)
Sport Club Corinthians Paulista (4 Midfielders)
CR Flamengo (2 Midfielders)
Cruzeiro Esporte Clube (3 Midfielders)
Player Rankings
Ranked by APE Strength Score. Click any player to view full profile, or click the chart icon to see value history.
Nicolás de la Cruz
CR Flamengo • 28 years old
€15.5M
€12.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €10.5M
66.2
Breno Bidon
Sport Club Corinthians Paulista • 21 years old
€10.4M
€12.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €13.2M
66.1
Hércules
Fluminense Football Club • 25 years old
€8.6M
€10.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €9.8M
60.6
Jean Lucas
Esporte Clube Bahia • 27 years old
€10.6M
€10.0M
-5.4%
Expected: €8.8M
60.2
Christian
Cruzeiro Esporte Clube • 25 years old
€7.8M
€9.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €8.8M
59.2
Rodrigo Nestor
Esporte Clube Bahia • 25 years old
€6.9M
€8.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €7.8M
57.8
Marcos Antônio
São Paulo Futebol Clube • 25 years old
€6.9M
€8.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €7.8M
57.8
Gabriel Menino
Clube Atlético Mineiro • 25 years old
€6.1M
€7.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €6.8M
56.1
Matheus Henrique
Cruzeiro Esporte Clube • 28 years old
€6.5M
€5.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €4.4M
51.7
Gabriel Bontempo
Santos FC • 21 years old
€4.3M
€5.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €5.5M
51.7
Eric Ramires
Red Bull Bragantino • 25 years old
€3.9M
€4.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.4M
50.6
Damián Bobadilla
São Paulo Futebol Clube • 24 years old
€3.5M
€4.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.1M
49.6
Alan Franco
Clube Atlético Mineiro • 27 years old
€4.2M
€4.0M
-5.4%
Expected: €3.5M
48.8
Lucas Evangelista
Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras • 30 years old
€4.5M
€3.5M
-22.6%
Expected: €2.9M
47.5
Zé Rafael
Santos FC • 32 years old
€3.9M
€3.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €2.6M
42.2
Saúl Ñíguez
CR Flamengo • 31 years old
€3.9M
€3.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €2.5M
42.0
Gustavo Neves
Red Bull Bragantino • 21 years old
€2.2M
€2.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.8M
39.4
Alan Rodríguez
Sport Club Internacional • 26 years old
€2.0M
€2.3M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.4M
38.2
Praxedes
Red Bull Bragantino • 24 years old
€1.7M
€2.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.0M
37.4
Yago Felipe
Mirassol Futebol Clube (SP) • 31 years old
€2.6M
€2.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €1.7M
37.0
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)
Sport Club Corinthians Paulista's Breno Bidon at 21 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 4.80×. That means Breno Bidon is valued 4.80× higher than the median player in the 21-23 age bracket—representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is Santos FC's Gabriel Bontempo, who is 21 years old, with a 2.00× PPVE. Third is Hércules of Fluminense Football Club, who is 25 years old with a 1.43× 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 4.80× means the player is worth 380% 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 | Breno Bidon Sport Club Corinthians Paulista | 21 | 21-23 | €12.0M | €2.5M | 4.80× |
| #2 | Gabriel Bontempo Santos FC | 21 | 21-23 | €5.0M | €2.5M | 2.00× |
| #3 | Hércules Fluminense Football Club | 25 | 24-26 | €10.0M | €7.0M | 1.43× |
| #4 | Christian Cruzeiro Esporte Clube | 25 | 24-26 | €9.0M | €7.0M | 1.29× |
| #5 | Marcos Antônio São Paulo Futebol Clube | 25 | 24-26 | €8.0M | €7.0M | 1.14× |
| #6 | Rodrigo Nestor Esporte Clube Bahia | 25 | 24-26 | €8.0M | €7.0M | 1.14× |
| #7 | Gustavo Neves Red Bull Bragantino | 21 | 21-23 | €2.5M | €2.5M | 1.00× |
| #8 | Gabriel Menino Clube Atlético Mineiro | 25 | 24-26 | €7.0M | €7.0M | 1.00× |
| #9 | Eric Ramires Red Bull Bragantino | 25 | 24-26 | €4.5M | €7.0M | 0.64× |
| #10 | Damián Bobadilla São Paulo Futebol Clube | 24 | 24-26 | €4.0M | €7.0M | 0.57× |
| #11 | Praxedes Red Bull Bragantino | 24 | 24-26 | €2.0M | €7.0M | 0.29× |
| #12 | Mandaca Esporte Clube Juventude | 24 | 24-26 | €1.5M | €7.0M | 0.21× |
| #13 | Cauan Barros Clube de Regatas Vasco da Gama | 21 | 21-23 | €500K | €2.5M | 0.20× |
| #14 | Hyan Santos FC | 22 | 21-23 | €300K | €2.5M | 0.12× |
| #15 | Japa Cruzeiro Esporte Clube | 22 | 21-23 | €300K | €2.5M | 0.12× |
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)
Clube de Regatas Vasco da Gama's Cauan Barros at 21 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +30%. That means Cauan Barros is projected to appreciate 30% as they reach their peak age in 5 years—representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is Red Bull Bragantino's Gustavo Neves, who is 21 years old, with a +30% RPP (5 years to peak). Third is Gabriel Bontempo of Santos FC, who is 21 years old with a +30% RPP (5 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 30% RPP means the player is expected to gain 30% 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 | Cauan Barros Clube de Regatas Vasco da Gama | 21 | 5 | €500K | €719K | +30% |
| #2 | Gustavo Neves Red Bull Bragantino | 21 | 5 | €2.5M | €3.6M | +30% |
| #3 | Gabriel Bontempo Santos FC | 21 | 5 | €5.0M | €7.2M | +30% |
| #4 | Breno Bidon Sport Club Corinthians Paulista | 21 | 5 | €12.0M | €17.2M | +30% |
| #5 | Hyan Santos FC | 22 | 4 | €300K | €401K | +25% |
| #6 | Japa Cruzeiro Esporte Clube | 22 | 4 | €300K | €401K | +25% |
| #7 | Praxedes Red Bull Bragantino | 24 | 2 | €2.0M | €2.3M | +14% |
| #8 | Damián Bobadilla São Paulo Futebol Clube | 24 | 2 | €4.0M | €4.6M | +14% |
| #9 | Mandaca Esporte Clube Juventude | 24 | 2 | €1.5M | €1.7M | +14% |
| #10 | Marcos Antônio São Paulo Futebol Clube | 25 | 1 | €8.0M | €8.6M | +7% |
| #11 | Rodrigo Nestor Esporte Clube Bahia | 25 | 1 | €8.0M | €8.6M | +7% |
| #12 | Gabriel Menino Clube Atlético Mineiro | 25 | 1 | €7.0M | €7.5M | +7% |
| #13 | Hércules Fluminense Football Club | 25 | 1 | €10.0M | €10.8M | +7% |
| #14 | Eric Ramires Red Bull Bragantino | 25 | 1 | €4.5M | €4.8M | +7% |
| #15 | Christian Cruzeiro Esporte Clube | 25 | 1 | €9.0M | €9.7M | +7% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Sport Club Corinthians Paulista's Breno Bidon has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 33.7. That means Breno Bidon has 10% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty—representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is Red Bull Bragantino's Gustavo Neves with a 33.7 RAU (10% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Gabriel Bontempo of Santos FC with a 33.7 RAU (10% upside, 0% uncertainty).
How RAU is calculated: RAU divides upside potential by forecast uncertainty (RAU = Upside % ÷ Uncertainty %). A RAU of 33.7 means the upside is 33.7× 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 | Breno Bidon Sport Club Corinthians Paulista | €13.2M | €11.4M-15.1M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #2 | Gustavo Neves Red Bull Bragantino | €2.8M | €2.4M-3.1M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #3 | Gabriel Bontempo Santos FC | €5.5M | €4.8M-6.3M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #4 | Cauan Barros Clube de Regatas Vasco da Gama | €551K | €475K-627K | +10% | 33.7 |
| #5 | Hyan Santos FC | €318K | €279K-356K | +6% | 23.0 |
| #6 | Japa Cruzeiro Esporte Clube | €318K | €279K-356K | +6% | 23.0 |
| #7 | Alan Rodríguez Sport Club Internacional | €2.4M | €2.1M-2.7M | +3% | 12.0 |
| #8 | Pablo Roberto Fortaleza Esporte Clube | €824K | €725K-923K | +3% | 12.0 |
| #9 | Mandaca Esporte Clube Juventude | €1.5M | €1.4M-1.7M | +2% | 9.8 |
| #10 | Praxedes Red Bull Bragantino | €2.0M | €1.8M-2.3M | +2% | 9.8 |
| #11 | Damián Bobadilla São Paulo Futebol Clube | €4.1M | €3.6M-4.6M | +2% | 9.8 |
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)
Sport Club do Recife's Sérgio Oliveira in the 30+ age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +-15.4%. That means Lucas Evangelista captures 16.5% of total market value while representing only 31.9% of players in their age group—showing dominant elite status.
In second is Sport Club Corinthians Paulista's André Carrillo with a +-15.4% ASC (16.5% value share vs 31.9% player share in 30+ bracket). Third is Saúl Ñíguez of CR Flamengo with a +-15.4% ASC (16.5% value vs 31.9% players in 30+ bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +-15.4% ASC means the player captures -15.4% 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 | Sérgio Oliveira Sport Club do Recife | 30+ | 16.5% | 31.9% | -15.4% |
| #2 | André Carrillo Sport Club Corinthians Paulista | 30+ | 16.5% | 31.9% | -15.4% |
| #3 | Saúl Ñíguez CR Flamengo | 30+ | 16.5% | 31.9% | -15.4% |
| #4 | Edenilson Grêmio Foot-Ball Porto Alegrense | 30+ | 16.5% | 31.9% | -15.4% |
| #5 | Jádson Esporte Clube Juventude | 30+ | 16.5% | 31.9% | -15.4% |
| #6 | Alex Santana Grêmio Foot-Ball Porto Alegrense | 30+ | 16.5% | 31.9% | -15.4% |
| #7 | Zé Rafael Santos FC | 30+ | 16.5% | 31.9% | -15.4% |
| #8 | Alisson São Paulo Futebol Clube | 30+ | 16.5% | 31.9% | -15.4% |
| #9 | Lucas Evangelista Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras | 30+ | 16.5% | 31.9% | -15.4% |
| #10 | Bruno Henrique Sport Club Internacional | 30+ | 16.5% | 31.9% | -15.4% |
| #11 | Danielzinho Mirassol Futebol Clube (SP) | 30+ | 16.5% | 31.9% | -15.4% |
| #12 | Yago Felipe Mirassol Futebol Clube (SP) | 30+ | 16.5% | 31.9% | -15.4% |
| #13 | Fernando Sobral Ceará Sporting Club | 30+ | 16.5% | 31.9% | -15.4% |
| #14 | Tchê Tchê Clube de Regatas Vasco da Gama | 30+ | 16.5% | 31.9% | -15.4% |
| #15 | Lucas Kal Sport Club do Recife | 30+ | 16.5% | 31.9% | -15.4% |
| #16 | Alan Rodríguez Sport Club Internacional | 24-26 | 38.6% | 23.4% | +15.2% |
| #17 | Marcos Antônio São Paulo Futebol Clube | 24-26 | 38.6% | 23.4% | +15.2% |
| #18 | Rodrigo Nestor Esporte Clube Bahia | 24-26 | 38.6% | 23.4% | +15.2% |
| #19 | Praxedes Red Bull Bragantino | 24-26 | 38.6% | 23.4% | +15.2% |
| #20 | Pablo Roberto Fortaleza Esporte Clube | 24-26 | 38.6% | 23.4% | +15.2% |
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: 0 immediate targets, 6 standard acquisitions, 0 watch-list prospects, 22 at peak.
BUY NOW - High Upside
No players in this category
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 €300K. 0 undervalued, 5 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Gabriel Bontempo Santos FC | €5.0M | €1.8M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Gabriel Menino Clube Atlético Mineiro | €7.0M | €1.8M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Bruno Henrique Sport Club Internacional | €400K | €1.8M | -0.90 | Good Value |
José Aldo Mirassol Futebol Clube (SP) | €700K | €1.8M | -0.80 | Good Value |
Matheus Henrique Cruzeiro Esporte Clube | €5.0M | €1.8M | -0.71 | Good Value |
Edenilson Grêmio Foot-Ball Porto Alegrense | €600K | €1.8M | -0.70 | Good Value |
Matheus Bianqui Mirassol Futebol Clube (SP) | €800K | €1.8M | -0.70 | Good Value |
Pablo Roberto Fortaleza Esporte Clube | €800K | €1.8M | -0.60 | Good Value |
Charles Sport Club Corinthians Paulista | €1.0M | €1.8M | -0.50 | Fair Value |
Paulinho Paula Clube de Regatas Vasco da Gama | €1.0M | €1.8M | -0.50 | Fair Value |
Danielzinho Mirassol Futebol Clube (SP) | €900K | €1.8M | -0.40 | Fair Value |
Mandaca Esporte Clube Juventude | €1.5M | €1.8M | -0.32 | Fair Value |
André Carrillo Sport Club Corinthians Paulista | €1.0M | €1.8M | -0.30 | Fair Value |
Jádson Esporte Clube Juventude | €1.0M | €1.8M | -0.30 | Fair Value |
Matheus Pereira Fortaleza Esporte Clube | €1.2M | €1.8M | -0.30 | Fair Value |
Nonato Fluminense Football Club | €1.2M | €1.8M | -0.30 | Fair Value |
Praxedes Red Bull Bragantino | €2.0M | €1.8M | -0.12 | Fair Value |
Alex Santana Grêmio Foot-Ball Porto Alegrense | €1.2M | €1.8M | -0.10 | Fair Value |
Tchê Tchê Clube de Regatas Vasco da Gama | €1.2M | €1.8M | -0.10 | Fair Value |
Hyan Santos FC | €300K | €1.8M | -0.09 | Fair Value |