Best Centre-Backs in the Liga Portugal (Dec 2025)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Score
Market Overview: Liga Portugal Centre-Backs 2024-25
Our database tracked 70 Liga Portugal Centre-Backs in the 2024-25 season, representing 19 clubs with a combined market value of €332.2M. The average market value for Liga Portugal Centre-Backs was €4.7M, with the average age at 25.3 years old.
The most valuable centre-back in the Liga Portugal was Gonçalo Inácio, worth €45.0M and played for Sporting CP at 24 years old. The top 5 Centre-Backs averaged €36.8M in market value, including Ousmane Diomande and Tomás Araújo.
Age distribution showed the youngest tracked centre-back was Bastien Meupiyou (19 years, FC Alverca, €2.5M), while the oldest was Iván Marcano (38 years, FC Porto, €200K). Research shows Centre-Backs typically peak at age 27.
Historical analysis showed 40 Centre-Backs (57%) increased in market value over the following 12 months based on age-curve trajectories, then-current performance trends, and playing time analysis. The Liga Portugal market for Centre-Backs remained actively developing with emerging talent in the 2024-25 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 Liga Portugal
Interactive bubble chart showing predicted 2-year growth vs current age for all Liga Portugal Centre-Backs. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 19 clubs with €332.2M combined value.
Age Distribution: Liga Portugal Centre-Backs
The Liga Portugal CB market shows 5 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 21-23 bracket (24 players, 34% of market). The 21-23 age group holds the most value at €185.3M, averaging €7.7M per player.
Top Centre-Backs by Age Bracket
U21 Years (4 players)
21-23 Years (24 players)
24-26 Years (24 players)
27-29 Years (7 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 7 Centre-Backs (10% of players) control €226.0M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with premium (€30-50m) tier representing 7% of the Liga Portugal CB pool.
Premium (€30-50M)
High (€15-30M)
Mid (€5-15M)
Club Distribution: Liga Portugal Centre-Backs
Among 19 Liga Portugal clubs, Sporting CP leads with 4 Centre-Backs worth €137.0M (averaging €34.3M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 60% of tracked Centre-Backs.
Sporting CP (4 Centre-Backs)
SL Benfica (3 Centre-Backs)
FC Porto (4 Centre-Backs)
SC Braga (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.
Gonçalo Inácio
Sporting CP • 24 years old
€38.9M
€45.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €48.0M
86.9
Ousmane Diomande
Sporting CP • 22 years old
€38.9M
€45.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €49.6M
86.8
Tomás Araújo
SL Benfica • 23 years old
€27.7M
€32.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €35.7M
83.2
António Silva
SL Benfica • 22 years old
€27.7M
€32.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €35.3M
82.6
Zeno Debast
Sporting CP • 22 years old
€25.9M
€30.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €31.8M
78.2
Jakub Kiwior
FC Porto • 25 years old
€21.6M
€25.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €24.4M
75.6
Eduardo Quaresma
Sporting CP • 23 years old
€14.7M
€17.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €18.2M
71.7
Nehuén Pérez
FC Porto • 25 years old
€11.2M
€13.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €12.7M
67.4
Jan Bednarek
FC Porto • 29 years old
€11.6M
€9.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €7.5M
59.1
Sikou Niakaté
SC Braga • 26 years old
€6.9M
€8.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €8.2M
57.3
Bright Arrey-Mbi
SC Braga • 22 years old
€5.2M
€6.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €6.4M
54.5
Andreas Ntoi
Rio Ave FC • 22 years old
€3.9M
€4.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.8M
50.9
Kévin Boma
GD Estoril Praia • 23 years old
€3.5M
€4.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.3M
50.1
Sidney Lima
CD Santa Clara • 28 years old
€4.5M
€3.5M
-22.6%
Expected: €3.1M
47.2
Léo Realpe
FC Famalicão • 24 years old
€2.6M
€3.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.1M
42.4
Gustaf Lagerbielke
SC Braga • 25 years old
€2.6M
€3.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.9M
42.0
Justin de Haas
FC Famalicão • 25 years old
€2.6M
€3.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.9M
42.0
Bastien Meupiyou
FC Alverca • 19 years old
€2.2M
€2.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.0M
38.2
Brayan Medina
CD Tondela • 23 years old
€1.7M
€2.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.1M
37.9
Naves
FC Alverca • 23 years old
€1.7M
€2.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.1M
37.9
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)
Sporting CP's Ousmane Diomande at 22 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 30.00×. That means Ousmane Diomande is valued 30.00× higher than the median player in the 21-23 age bracket—representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is Sporting CP's Gonçalo Inácio, who is 24 years old, with a 22.50× PPVE. Third is Tomás Araújo of SL Benfica, who is 23 years old with a 21.33× 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 30.00× means the player is worth 2900% 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 | Ousmane Diomande Sporting CP | 22 | 21-23 | €45.0M | €1.5M | 30.00× |
| #2 | Gonçalo Inácio Sporting CP | 24 | 24-26 | €45.0M | €2.0M | 22.50× |
| #3 | Tomás Araújo SL Benfica | 23 | 21-23 | €32.0M | €1.5M | 21.33× |
| #4 | António Silva SL Benfica | 22 | 21-23 | €32.0M | €1.5M | 21.33× |
| #5 | Zeno Debast Sporting CP | 22 | 21-23 | €30.0M | €1.5M | 20.00× |
| #6 | Jakub Kiwior FC Porto | 25 | 24-26 | €25.0M | €2.0M | 12.50× |
| #7 | Eduardo Quaresma Sporting CP | 23 | 21-23 | €17.0M | €1.5M | 11.33× |
| #8 | Nehuén Pérez FC Porto | 25 | 24-26 | €13.0M | €2.0M | 6.50× |
| #9 | Bright Arrey-Mbi SC Braga | 22 | 21-23 | €6.0M | €1.5M | 4.00× |
| #10 | Andreas Ntoi Rio Ave FC | 22 | 21-23 | €4.5M | €1.5M | 3.00× |
| #11 | Kévin Boma GD Estoril Praia | 23 | 21-23 | €4.0M | €1.5M | 2.67× |
| #12 | Bastien Meupiyou FC Alverca | 19 | U21 | €2.5M | €1.0M | 2.50× |
| #13 | Justin de Haas FC Famalicão | 25 | 24-26 | €3.0M | €2.0M | 1.50× |
| #14 | Gustaf Lagerbielke SC Braga | 25 | 24-26 | €3.0M | €2.0M | 1.50× |
| #15 | Léo Realpe FC Famalicão | 24 | 24-26 | €3.0M | €2.0M | 1.50× |
| #16 | Christian Marques CD Tondela | 22 | 21-23 | €2.0M | €1.5M | 1.33× |
| #17 | Naves FC Alverca | 23 | 21-23 | €2.0M | €1.5M | 1.33× |
| #18 | Brayan Medina CD Tondela | 23 | 21-23 | €2.0M | €1.5M | 1.33× |
| #19 | Ibrahima Ba FC Famalicão | 20 | U21 | €1.0M | €1.0M | 1.00× |
| #20 | Felix Bacher GD Estoril Praia | 25 | 24-26 | €2.0M | €2.0M | 1.00× |
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)
FC Alverca's Bastien Meupiyou at 19 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +40%. That means Bastien Meupiyou is projected to appreciate 40% as they reach their peak age in 7 years—representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is FC Famalicão's Ibrahima Ba, who is 20 years old, with a +35% RPP (6 years to peak). Third is Diogo Monteiro of FC Arouca, who is 20 years old with a +35% RPP (6 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 40% RPP means the player is expected to gain 40% 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 | Bastien Meupiyou FC Alverca | 19 | 7 | €2.5M | €4.2M | +40% |
| #2 | Ibrahima Ba FC Famalicão | 20 | 6 | €1.0M | €1.5M | +35% |
| #3 | Diogo Monteiro FC Arouca | 20 | 6 | €400K | €618K | +35% |
| #4 | Steven Baseya FC Alverca | 20 | 6 | €400K | €618K | +35% |
| #5 | Antonio Espigares Gil Vicente FC | 21 | 5 | €500K | €719K | +30% |
| #6 | Semeu Commey CF Estrela Amadora | 21 | 5 | €300K | €431K | +30% |
| #7 | Chico Gonçalves CD Nacional | 21 | 5 | €200K | €287K | +30% |
| #8 | Gilberto Batista Moreirense FC | 21 | 5 | €200K | €287K | +30% |
| #9 | Nelson Abbey Rio Ave FC | 22 | 4 | €700K | €936K | +25% |
| #10 | Omar Fayed FC Arouca | 22 | 4 | €1.0M | €1.3M | +25% |
| #11 | Kaly Casa Pia AC | 22 | 4 | €250K | €334K | +25% |
| #12 | Christian Marques CD Tondela | 22 | 4 | €2.0M | €2.7M | +25% |
| #13 | Zeno Debast Sporting CP | 22 | 4 | €30.0M | €40.1M | +25% |
| #14 | António Silva SL Benfica | 22 | 4 | €32.0M | €42.8M | +25% |
| #15 | Marvin Elimbi Gil Vicente FC | 22 | 4 | €1.0M | €1.3M | +25% |
| #16 | Michel Moreirense FC | 22 | 4 | €1.0M | €1.3M | +25% |
| #17 | Antef Tsoungui GD Estoril Praia | 22 | 4 | €650K | €869K | +25% |
| #18 | Andreas Ntoi Rio Ave FC | 22 | 4 | €4.5M | €6.0M | +25% |
| #19 | Ousmane Diomande Sporting CP | 22 | 4 | €45.0M | €60.2M | +25% |
| #20 | Bright Arrey-Mbi SC Braga | 22 | 4 | €6.0M | €8.0M | +25% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
FC Alverca's Bastien Meupiyou has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 58.0. That means Bastien Meupiyou has 19% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty—representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is FC Famalicão's Ibrahima Ba with a 46.3 RAU (15% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Diogo Monteiro of FC Arouca with a 46.3 RAU (15% upside, 0% uncertainty).
How RAU is calculated: RAU divides upside potential by forecast uncertainty (RAU = Upside % ÷ Uncertainty %). A RAU of 58.0 means the upside is 58.0× 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 | Bastien Meupiyou FC Alverca | €3.0M | €2.6M-3.4M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #2 | Ibrahima Ba FC Famalicão | €1.1M | €988K-1.3M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #3 | Diogo Monteiro FC Arouca | €459K | €395K-522K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #4 | Steven Baseya FC Alverca | €459K | €395K-522K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #5 | Tomás Araújo SL Benfica | €35.7M | €31.4M-39.9M | +11% | 42.8 |
| #6 | Ousmane Diomande Sporting CP | €49.6M | €43.6M-55.5M | +10% | 38.4 |
| #7 | António Silva SL Benfica | €35.3M | €31.0M-39.5M | +10% | 38.4 |
| #8 | Semeu Commey CF Estrela Amadora | €331K | €285K-376K | +10% | 33.7 |
| #9 | Antonio Espigares Gil Vicente FC | €551K | €475K-627K | +10% | 33.7 |
| #10 | Chico Gonçalves CD Nacional | €221K | €190K-251K | +10% | 33.7 |
| #11 | Gilberto Batista Moreirense FC | €221K | €190K-251K | +10% | 33.7 |
| #12 | Luan Patrick CF Estrela Amadora | €1.1M | €942K-1.2M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #13 | Kévin Boma GD Estoril Praia | €4.3M | €3.8M-4.8M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #14 | Julien Lomboto Rio Ave FC | €535K | €471K-600K | +7% | 27.5 |
| #15 | Naves FC Alverca | €2.1M | €1.9M-2.4M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #16 | Brayan Medina CD Tondela | €2.1M | €1.9M-2.4M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #17 | Eduardo Quaresma Sporting CP | €18.2M | €16.0M-20.4M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #18 | Francisco Petrasso Rio Ave FC | €1.6M | €1.4M-1.8M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #19 | Gonçalo Inácio Sporting CP | €48.0M | €42.2M-53.7M | +7% | 25.8 |
| #20 | Andreas Ntoi Rio Ave FC | €4.8M | €4.2M-5.3M | +6% | 23.0 |
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)
CD Nacional's Chico Gonçalves in the 21-23 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +21.5%. That means Ousmane Diomande captures 55.8% of total market value while representing only 34.3% of players in their age group—showing dominant elite status.
In second is FC Arouca's Omar Fayed with a +21.5% ASC (55.8% value share vs 34.3% player share in 21-23 bracket). Third is Semeu Commey of CF Estrela Amadora with a +21.5% ASC (55.8% value vs 34.3% players in 21-23 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +21.5% ASC means the player captures 21.5% 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 | Chico Gonçalves CD Nacional | 21-23 | 55.8% | 34.3% | +21.5% |
| #2 | Omar Fayed FC Arouca | 21-23 | 55.8% | 34.3% | +21.5% |
| #3 | Semeu Commey CF Estrela Amadora | 21-23 | 55.8% | 34.3% | +21.5% |
| #4 | Kaly Casa Pia AC | 21-23 | 55.8% | 34.3% | +21.5% |
| #5 | Antef Tsoungui GD Estoril Praia | 21-23 | 55.8% | 34.3% | +21.5% |
| #6 | Eduardo Quaresma Sporting CP | 21-23 | 55.8% | 34.3% | +21.5% |
| #7 | Tomás Araújo SL Benfica | 21-23 | 55.8% | 34.3% | +21.5% |
| #8 | Christian Marques CD Tondela | 21-23 | 55.8% | 34.3% | +21.5% |
| #9 | Zeno Debast Sporting CP | 21-23 | 55.8% | 34.3% | +21.5% |
| #10 | Nelson Abbey Rio Ave FC | 21-23 | 55.8% | 34.3% | +21.5% |
| #11 | Bright Arrey-Mbi SC Braga | 21-23 | 55.8% | 34.3% | +21.5% |
| #12 | António Silva SL Benfica | 21-23 | 55.8% | 34.3% | +21.5% |
| #13 | Luan Patrick CF Estrela Amadora | 21-23 | 55.8% | 34.3% | +21.5% |
| #14 | Kévin Boma GD Estoril Praia | 21-23 | 55.8% | 34.3% | +21.5% |
| #15 | Andreas Ntoi Rio Ave FC | 21-23 | 55.8% | 34.3% | +21.5% |
| #16 | Gilberto Batista Moreirense FC | 21-23 | 55.8% | 34.3% | +21.5% |
| #17 | Julien Lomboto Rio Ave FC | 21-23 | 55.8% | 34.3% | +21.5% |
| #18 | Marvin Elimbi Gil Vicente FC | 21-23 | 55.8% | 34.3% | +21.5% |
| #19 | Antonio Espigares Gil Vicente FC | 21-23 | 55.8% | 34.3% | +21.5% |
| #20 | Michel Moreirense FC | 21-23 | 55.8% | 34.3% | +21.5% |
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: 1 immediate targets, 28 standard acquisitions, 0 watch-list prospects, 28 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 €45.0M. 0 undervalued, 3 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Ivanildo Fernandes CD Nacional | €200K | €1.0M | -1.25 | Good Value |
Sikou Niakaté SC Braga | €8.0M | €1.0M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Miguel Nóbrega Vitória Guimarães SC | €400K | €1.0M | -0.85 | Good Value |
Matías Rocha FC Arouca | €400K | €1.0M | -0.85 | Good Value |
Óscar Rivas Vitória Guimarães SC | €500K | €1.0M | -0.77 | Good Value |
Till Cissokho CF Estrela Amadora | €600K | €1.0M | -0.69 | Good Value |
Issiar Dramé CF Estrela Amadora | €600K | €1.0M | -0.69 | Good Value |
David Sousa Casa Pia AC | €700K | €1.0M | -0.62 | Good Value |
Bernardo Schappo CF Estrela Amadora | €750K | €1.0M | -0.58 | Good Value |
Iván Marcano FC Porto | €200K | €1.0M | -0.57 | Good Value |
Eliaquim Mangala Without Club | €200K | €1.0M | -0.57 | Good Value |
Cristian Devenish Avs Futebol | €800K | €1.0M | -0.54 | Good Value |
Paulo Vitor Avs Futebol | €800K | €1.0M | -0.54 | Good Value |
Chico Gonçalves CD Nacional | €200K | €1.0M | -0.53 | Good Value |
Gilberto Batista Moreirense FC | €200K | €1.0M | -0.53 | Good Value |
Kaly Casa Pia AC | €250K | €1.0M | -0.50 | Fair Value |
Semeu Commey CF Estrela Amadora | €300K | €1.0M | -0.47 | Fair Value |
Nino Galović Without Club | €300K | €1.0M | -0.43 | Fair Value |
Julien Lomboto Rio Ave FC | €500K | €1.0M | -0.33 | Fair Value |
Antonio Espigares Gil Vicente FC | €500K | €1.0M | -0.33 | Fair Value |