Best Centre-Backs in the Liga Portugal 2 (Aug 2026)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index
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.
Player Rankings
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index. Click any player to view full profile, or click the chart icon to see value history.
Noah Madsen
CS Marítimo • 24 years old
€519K
€600K
+15.6%
Expected: €614K
22.9
José Sampaio
FC Vizela • 21 years old
€519K
€600K
+15.6%
Expected: €609K
21.6
Emanuel Fernandes
CD Feirense • 23 years old
€476K
€550K
+15.6%
Expected: €534K
21.4
Afonso Silva
FC Felgueiras 1932 • 22 years old
€476K
€550K
+15.6%
Expected: €558K
20.9
Lourenço
Leixões SC • 22 years old
€432K
€500K
+15.6%
Expected: €507K
19.8
Kauan
FC Paços de Ferreira • 23 years old
€303K
€350K
+15.6%
Expected: €340K
15.7
Rúben Pereira
Académico Viseu FC • 28 years old
€370K
€350K
-5.4%
Expected: €310K
14.9
Marlon Júnior
Portimonense SAD • 21 years old
€281K
€325K
+15.6%
Expected: €330K
14.0
Mário Júnior
FC Felgueiras 1932 • 23 years old
€259K
€300K
+15.6%
Expected: €291K
13.8
Jarleysom
Portimonense SAD • 22 years old
€259K
€300K
+15.6%
Expected: €304K
13.4
Bruno Faria
Lusitânia FC Lourosa • 22 years old
€238K
€275K
+15.6%
Expected: €279K
12.3
João Pinto
FC Felgueiras 1932 • 26 years old
€216K
€250K
+15.6%
Expected: €256K
11.0
Tiago Simões
GD Chaves • 26 years old
€216K
€250K
+15.6%
Expected: €256K
11.0
Pedro Barcelos
Académico Viseu FC • 30 years old
€323K
€250K
-22.6%
Expected: €165K
10.9
João Miguel
FC Penafiel • 32 years old
€258K
€200K
-22.6%
Expected: €115K
8.3
Alexandre Abel
Portimonense SAD • 28 years old
€211K
€200K
-5.4%
Expected: €177K
7.9
Dário
FC Felgueiras 1932 • 22 years old
€151K
€175K
+15.6%
Expected: €178K
6.7
Samy
Portimonense SAD • 26 years old
€151K
€175K
+15.6%
Expected: €179K
6.6
Andrea Hristov
FC Vizela • 27 years old
€130K
€150K
+15.6%
Expected: €154K
4.2
If you were Liga Portugal 2's sporting director, who would you sign?
Pick a club, select up to 3 players, and build your transfer proposal.
Explore Market Size by Position in Liga Portugal 2
Interactive bubble chart showing predicted 2-year growth vs current age for all Liga Portugal 2 Centre-Backs. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 11 clubs with €6.4M combined value.
Age Distribution: Liga Portugal 2 Centre-Backs
The Liga Portugal 2 CB market shows 4 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 21-23 bracket (10 players, 53% of market). The 21-23 age group holds the most value at €3.9M, averaging €392K per player.
Top Centre-Backs by Age Bracket
21-23 Years (10 players)
24-26 Years (4 players)
27-29 Years (3 players)
30+ Years (2 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 2 Centre-Backs (11% of players) control €1.2M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows concentrated value with emerging (<€5m) tier representing 100% of the Liga Portugal 2 CB pool.
Emerging (<€5M)
Club Distribution: Liga Portugal 2 Centre-Backs
Among 11 Liga Portugal 2 clubs, FC Felgueiras 1932 leads with 4 Centre-Backs worth €1.3M (averaging €319K per player). The top 10 clubs account for 95% of tracked Centre-Backs.
FC Felgueiras 1932 (4 Centre-Backs)
Portimonense SAD (4 Centre-Backs)
FC Vizela (2 Centre-Backs)
CS Marítimo (1 Centre-Backs)
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 Vizela's José Sampaio at 21 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 1.71×. That means José Sampaio is valued 1.71× higher than the median player in the 21-23 age bracket-representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is CD Feirense's Emanuel Fernandes, who is 23 years old, with a 1.57× PPVE. Third is Afonso Silva of FC Felgueiras 1932, who is 22 years old with a 1.57× 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 1.71× means the player is worth 71% 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 | José Sampaio FC Vizela | 21 | 21-23 | €600K | €350K | 1.71× |
| #2 | Emanuel Fernandes CD Feirense | 23 | 21-23 | €550K | €350K | 1.57× |
| #3 | Afonso Silva FC Felgueiras 1932 | 22 | 21-23 | €550K | €350K | 1.57× |
| #4 | Lourenço Leixões SC | 22 | 21-23 | €500K | €350K | 1.43× |
| #5 | Kauan FC Paços de Ferreira | 23 | 21-23 | €350K | €350K | 1.00× |
| #6 | Noah Madsen CS Marítimo | 24 | 24-26 | €600K | €600K | 1.00× |
| #7 | Marlon Júnior Portimonense SAD | 21 | 21-23 | €325K | €350K | 0.93× |
| #8 | Jarleysom Portimonense SAD | 22 | 21-23 | €300K | €350K | 0.86× |
| #9 | Mário Júnior FC Felgueiras 1932 | 23 | 21-23 | €300K | €350K | 0.86× |
| #10 | Bruno Faria Lusitânia FC Lourosa | 22 | 21-23 | €275K | €350K | 0.79× |
| #11 | Dário FC Felgueiras 1932 | 22 | 21-23 | €175K | €350K | 0.50× |
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)
FC Vizela's José Sampaio at 21 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +35%. That means José Sampaio is projected to appreciate 35% as they reach their peak age in 5 years-representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is Portimonense SAD's Marlon Júnior, who is 21 years old, with a +35% RPP (5 years to peak). Third is Lourenço of Leixões SC, who is 22 years old with a +30% RPP (4 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 35% RPP means the player is expected to gain 35% 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 | José Sampaio FC Vizela | 21 | 5 | €600K | €927K | +35% |
| #2 | Marlon Júnior Portimonense SAD | 21 | 5 | €325K | €502K | +35% |
| #3 | Lourenço Leixões SC | 22 | 4 | €500K | €719K | +30% |
| #4 | Dário FC Felgueiras 1932 | 22 | 4 | €175K | €252K | +30% |
| #5 | Jarleysom Portimonense SAD | 22 | 4 | €300K | €431K | +30% |
| #6 | Bruno Faria Lusitânia FC Lourosa | 22 | 4 | €275K | €395K | +30% |
| #7 | Afonso Silva FC Felgueiras 1932 | 22 | 4 | €550K | €791K | +30% |
| #8 | Kauan FC Paços de Ferreira | 23 | 3 | €350K | €468K | +25% |
| #9 | Mário Júnior FC Felgueiras 1932 | 23 | 3 | €300K | €401K | +25% |
| #10 | Emanuel Fernandes CD Feirense | 23 | 3 | €550K | €735K | +25% |
| #11 | Noah Madsen CS Marítimo | 24 | 2 | €600K | €746K | +20% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
FC Vizela's Andrea Hristov has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 12.0. That means Andrea Hristov has 3% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty-representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is Portimonense SAD's Samy with a 9.8 RAU (2% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Noah Madsen of CS Marítimo with a 9.8 RAU (2% upside, 0% uncertainty).
How RAU is calculated: RAU divides upside potential by forecast uncertainty (RAU = Upside % ÷ Uncertainty %). A RAU of 12.0 means the upside is 12.0× 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 | Andrea Hristov FC Vizela | €154K | €136K-173K | +3% | 12.0 |
| #2 | Samy Portimonense SAD | €179K | €158K-201K | +2% | 9.8 |
| #3 | Noah Madsen CS Marítimo | €614K | €541K-688K | +2% | 9.8 |
| #4 | João Pinto FC Felgueiras 1932 | €256K | €225K-287K | +2% | 9.8 |
| #5 | Tiago Simões GD Chaves | €256K | €225K-287K | +2% | 9.8 |
| #6 | Dário FC Felgueiras 1932 | €178K | €156K-199K | +1% | 5.9 |
| #7 | Jarleysom Portimonense SAD | €304K | €268K-341K | +1% | 5.9 |
| #8 | Bruno Faria Lusitânia FC Lourosa | €279K | €245K-312K | +1% | 5.9 |
| #9 | Afonso Silva FC Felgueiras 1932 | €558K | €491K-625K | +1% | 5.9 |
| #10 | Lourenço Leixões SC | €507K | €446K-568K | +1% | 5.9 |
| #11 | José Sampaio FC Vizela | €609K | €525K-693K | +1% | 5.1 |
| #12 | Marlon Júnior Portimonense SAD | €330K | €284K-375K | +1% | 5.1 |
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 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)
FC Paços de Ferreira's Kauan in the 21-23 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +9.2%. That means José Sampaio captures 61.8% of total market value while representing only 52.6% of players in their age group-showing dominant elite status.
In second is Leixões SC's Lourenço with a +9.2% ASC (61.8% value share vs 52.6% player share in 21-23 bracket). Third is José Sampaio of FC Vizela with a +9.2% ASC (61.8% value vs 52.6% players in 21-23 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +9.2% ASC means the player captures 9.2% 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 | Kauan FC Paços de Ferreira | 21-23 | 61.8% | 52.6% | +9.2% |
| #2 | Lourenço Leixões SC | 21-23 | 61.8% | 52.6% | +9.2% |
| #3 | José Sampaio FC Vizela | 21-23 | 61.8% | 52.6% | +9.2% |
| #4 | Bruno Faria Lusitânia FC Lourosa | 21-23 | 61.8% | 52.6% | +9.2% |
| #5 | Jarleysom Portimonense SAD | 21-23 | 61.8% | 52.6% | +9.2% |
| #6 | Dário FC Felgueiras 1932 | 21-23 | 61.8% | 52.6% | +9.2% |
| #7 | Marlon Júnior Portimonense SAD | 21-23 | 61.8% | 52.6% | +9.2% |
| #8 | Mário Júnior FC Felgueiras 1932 | 21-23 | 61.8% | 52.6% | +9.2% |
| #9 | Emanuel Fernandes CD Feirense | 21-23 | 61.8% | 52.6% | +9.2% |
| #10 | Afonso Silva FC Felgueiras 1932 | 21-23 | 61.8% | 52.6% | +9.2% |
| #11 | Andrea Hristov FC Vizela | 27-29 | 11.0% | 15.8% | -4.8% |
| #12 | Rúben Pereira Académico Viseu FC | 27-29 | 11.0% | 15.8% | -4.8% |
| #13 | Alexandre Abel Portimonense SAD | 27-29 | 11.0% | 15.8% | -4.8% |
| #14 | João Miguel FC Penafiel | 30+ | 7.1% | 10.5% | -3.4% |
| #15 | Pedro Barcelos Académico Viseu FC | 30+ | 7.1% | 10.5% | -3.4% |
| #16 | João Pinto FC Felgueiras 1932 | 24-26 | 20.1% | 21.1% | -1.0% |
| #17 | Tiago Simões GD Chaves | 24-26 | 20.1% | 21.1% | -1.0% |
| #18 | Noah Madsen CS Marítimo | 24-26 | 20.1% | 21.1% | -1.0% |
| #19 | Samy Portimonense SAD | 24-26 | 20.1% | 21.1% | -1.0% |
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: 0 immediate targets, 0 standard acquisitions, 10 watch-list prospects, 7 at peak.
BUY NOW - High Upside
No players in this category
WATCH LIST - High Upside
BUY NOW - Medium Upside
No players in this category
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 €325K. 0 undervalued, 0 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
João Miguel FC Penafiel | €200K | €300K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Dário FC Felgueiras 1932 | €175K | €300K | -0.70 | Good Value |
Bruno Faria Lusitânia FC Lourosa | €275K | €300K | -0.30 | Fair Value |
Andrea Hristov FC Vizela | €150K | €300K | -0.25 | Fair Value |
Samy Portimonense SAD | €175K | €300K | -0.21 | Fair Value |
Jarleysom Portimonense SAD | €300K | €300K | -0.20 | Fair Value |
Mário Júnior FC Felgueiras 1932 | €300K | €300K | -0.20 | Fair Value |
Marlon Júnior Portimonense SAD | €325K | €300K | -0.10 | Fair Value |
Kauan FC Paços de Ferreira | €350K | €300K | 0.00 | Fair Value |
João Pinto FC Felgueiras 1932 | €250K | €300K | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Pedro Barcelos Académico Viseu FC | €250K | €300K | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Tiago Simões GD Chaves | €250K | €300K | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Alexandre Abel Portimonense SAD | €200K | €300K | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Lourenço Leixões SC | €500K | €300K | +0.60 | Above Market |
Rúben Pereira Académico Viseu FC | €350K | €300K | +0.75 | Above Market |
Emanuel Fernandes CD Feirense | €550K | €300K | +0.80 | Above Market |
Afonso Silva FC Felgueiras 1932 | €550K | €300K | +0.80 | Above Market |
José Sampaio FC Vizela | €600K | €300K | +1.00 | Above Market |
Noah Madsen CS Marítimo | €600K | €300K | +1.00 | Above Market |
Market Overview: Liga Portugal 2 Centre-Backs 2025-26
Our database tracks 19 Liga Portugal 2 Centre-Backs in the 2025-26 season, representing 11 clubs with a combined market value of €6.4M. The average market value for Liga Portugal 2 Centre-Backs is €334K, with the average age at 25 years old.
The most valuable centre-back in the Liga Portugal 2 is Noah Madsen, worth €600K and playing for CS Marítimo at 24 years old. The top 5 Centre-Backs average €560K in market value, including José Sampaio and Emanuel Fernandes.
Age distribution shows the youngest tracked centre-back is José Sampaio (21 years, FC Vizela, €600K), while the oldest is João Miguel (32 years, FC Penafiel, €200K). Research shows Centre-Backs typically peak at age 28.
Our 1-year forecast model projects 12 Centre-Backs (63%) will increase in market value over the next 12 months based on age-curve trajectories, current performance trends, and playing time analysis. The Liga Portugal 2 market for Centre-Backs remains actively developing with emerging talent in the 2025-26 season.
How We Rank Liga Portugal 2 Centre-Backs
Our Analytical Strength Index is calibrated specifically for centre-backs, using position-specific age curves and playing time benchmarks. The model draws from academic research on player valuation (Franck & Nüesch, 2012) and age-performance curves (Dendir, 2016).
Scoring Components for CB
Historical Achievement Index (35%)
Peak career market value for Liga Portugal 2 centre-backs, reflecting proven track record and reputation. Uses log-scale to account for exponential value distribution at elite level.
Current Performance Proxy (30%)
Present market value for Liga Portugal 2 centre-backs, capturing recent form, injuries, and current performance level. Weighted to reflect age-related depreciation patterns.
Playing Time Utilization (18%)
Defenders with 2,500+ minutes score highest, indicating regular starting role and sustained performance.
Age-Adjusted Performance Curve (12%)
Defenders peak at 28 with 5.0%/year decline rate. Pre-peak players score higher on development trajectory.
Competition Level Adjustment (3%)
Liga Portugal 2 competition level factored into comparative strength assessment.
Performance Expectations Multiplier (2%)
Players at clubs with Champions League pedigree face higher performance standards and tactical complexity, contributing to development and market validation.
CB Performance Benchmarks
Peak Age: 28 years (balance of physicality and tactical intelligence)
Decline Rate: Widening steps, not a flat rate: about -5% at 29, -10% at 30, steeper from 31 (positioning offsets pace loss)
Optimal Minutes: 2,500 per season (regular starter with rotation management)
1-Year Market Value Forecast
Probabilistic model combining age-curve depreciation, value momentum, and playing time factors:
• Age Factor: Compounding and banded around a peak of 28: +25%/year through age 21, +15% at 22-23, +10% up to the year before peak, then -5%, -10% and steeper with each later band. Growth is damped above €30M.
• Value Trajectory: Near career peak (>95% of peak value): +3% momentum | Moderate decline: -5%
• Playing Time Factor: Regular starters (+2%), Squad rotation (-2%)
• Forecast Range: ±10% confidence interval
Research Foundation
• Dendir (2016): Age-performance curves for centre-backs
• Carmichael et al. (2011): Player depreciation in top leagues
• Franck & Nüesch (2012): Hedonic pricing models for talent valuation
• Szymanski, S. (2015). Money and Soccer: A Soccernomics Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Liga Portugal 2 Centre-Backs in the 2025-26 season
Who are the most valuable Centre-Backs in the Liga Portugal 2 in 2025-26?
The most valuable centre-back in the Liga Portugal 2 in 2025-26 is Noah Madsen, who is worth €600K and plays for CS Marítimo. The second most valuable is José Sampaio (€600K, FC Vizela), followed by Emanuel Fernandes (€550K, CD Feirense). Our database tracks 19 Liga Portugal 2 Centre-Backs with comprehensive market valuations updated for the 2025-26 season.
How are Liga Portugal 2 Centre-Backs ranked?
Liga Portugal 2 Centre-Backs are ranked by our proprietary Analytical Strength Index, which is specifically calibrated for Centre-Backs. The score combines six factors: Historical Achievement Index (35%) measuring peak career value, Current Performance Proxy (30%) reflecting recent market signals, Playing Time Utilization (18%) tracking minutes played, Age-Adjusted Performance Curve (12%) using position-specific peak ages, League Quality Coefficient (3%) for Liga Portugal 2 competition level, and Club Tier Multiplier (2%) accounting for club prestige. This methodology is grounded in academic research including work by Dendir (2016) on age-performance curves and Franck & Nüesch (2012) on hedonic pricing models.
What age do Centre-Backs peak?
Defenders typically peak at age 28. In our valuation model, value then falls in widening steps rather than at a flat annual rate: around -5% at 29, -10% at 30, and -25% or more from 31. Research shows defenders balance physical attributes with tactical intelligence, allowing them to maintain high performance through their late 20s. The optimal playing time for peak performance is around 2,500 minutes per season.
How much does it cost to sign a top centre-back from the Liga Portugal 2?
Transfer fees for Liga Portugal 2 Centre-Backs vary significantly based on market value, contract length, and club bargaining position. For the top-ranked centre-back Noah Madsen (market value: €600K), estimated transfer fees would range from €480K to €840K depending on contract situation. Players with longer contracts (3+ years) command premium fees (1.2-1.4× market value), while those in the final year may be available for 0.8-1.1× market value. Our fee estimates are derived from historical transfer patterns and contract-clock modifiers validated against actual Liga Portugal 2 transactions.
What is the value forecast for Liga Portugal 2 Centre-Backs?
Our 1-year forecast model projects market value changes for Liga Portugal 2 Centre-Backs based on age-curve depreciation, historical trajectory, and playing time adjustments. The forecast combines three factors: age-based appreciation/depreciation (pre-peak players compound gains toward their position's peak age, up to +25% a year through age 21 and easing as they approach it, while post-peak players fall in widening steps), market trajectory momentum (comparing current to peak value), and playing time confidence (regular starters receive +2% boost). Forecast confidence intervals account for position-specific volatility-defenders have ±10% volatility. Young players (under 22) and older players (over 32) receive 1.15× uncertainty multipliers due to unpredictable development or decline patterns.
Where does the Liga Portugal 2 centre-back data come from?
Our Liga Portugal 2 centre-back data is sourced from Football Analytics AI's proprietary Transfer Intelligence Database, which aggregates market valuations, player statistics, contract information, and transfer histories from multiple industry sources. Market values are updated regularly based on player performance, injuries, contract negotiations, and transfer market activity. We enhance this data with our proprietary analytics including position-specific scoring algorithms, age-performance curves calibrated to academic research, and statistical forecast models. All data is validated against official Liga Portugal 2 sources and updated monthly for the 2025-26 season to ensure accuracy for recruitment and investment decisions.