Best Centre-Backs in the Liga Portugal (Jun 2026)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Score
Market Overview: Liga Portugal Centre-Backs 2025-26
Our database tracks 70 Liga Portugal Centre-Backs in the 2025-26 season, representing 18 clubs with a combined market value of €338.2M. The average market value for Liga Portugal Centre-Backs is €4.8M, with the average age at 25.9 years old.
The most valuable centre-back in the Liga Portugal is Gonçalo Inácio, worth €45.0M and playing for Sporting CP at 24 years old. The top 5 Centre-Backs average €35.6M in market value, including Ousmane Diomande and António Silva.
Age distribution shows the youngest tracked centre-back is Bastien Meupiyou (20 years, FC Alverca, €4.0M), while the oldest is Nicolás Otamendi (38 years, SL Benfica, €1.0M). Research shows Centre-Backs typically peak at age 27.
Our 1-year forecast model projects 40 Centre-Backs (57%) 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 market for Centre-Backs 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 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 18 clubs with €338.2M combined value.
Age Distribution: Liga Portugal Centre-Backs
The Liga Portugal CB market shows 5 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 24-26 bracket (29 players, 41% of market). The 24-26 age group holds the most value at €176.0M, averaging €6.1M per player.
Top Centre-Backs by Age Bracket
U21 Years (1 players)
21-23 Years (19 players)
24-26 Years (29 players)
27-29 Years (9 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 7 Centre-Backs (10% of players) control €220.0M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with premium (€30-50m) tier representing 6% of the Liga Portugal CB pool.
Premium (€30-50M)
High (€15-30M)
Mid (€5-15M)
Club Distribution: Liga Portugal Centre-Backs
Among 18 Liga Portugal clubs, Sporting CP leads with 4 Centre-Backs worth €135.0M (averaging €33.8M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 54% of tracked Centre-Backs.
Sporting CP (4 Centre-Backs)
SL Benfica (3 Centre-Backs)
FC Porto (3 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
António Silva
SL Benfica • 22 years old
€25.9M
€30.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €31.8M
78.2
Zeno Debast
Sporting CP • 22 years old
€25.9M
€30.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €31.8M
78.2
Tomás Araújo
SL Benfica • 24 years old
€24.2M
€28.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €28.7M
77.4
Jakub Kiwior
FC Porto • 26 years old
€23.4M
€27.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €27.8M
76.0
Eduardo Quaresma
Sporting CP • 24 years old
€13.0M
€15.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €15.4M
69.7
Nehuén Pérez
FC Porto • 25 years old
€11.2M
€13.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €12.7M
67.4
Jan Bednarek
FC Porto • 30 years old
€14.2M
€11.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €9.1M
65.3
Sikou Niakaté
SC Braga • 26 years old
€6.9M
€8.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €8.2M
57.3
Bright Arrey-Mbi
SC Braga • 23 years old
€6.1M
€7.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €7.5M
57.1
Gustaf Lagerbielke
SC Braga • 26 years old
€4.3M
€5.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €5.1M
51.5
MT
CD Santa Clara • 25 years old
€3.9M
€4.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.4M
50.6
Andreas Ntoi
Rio Ave FC • 23 years old
€3.5M
€4.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.3M
50.1
Kévin Boma
GD Estoril Praia • 23 years old
€3.5M
€4.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.3M
50.1
Léo Realpe
FC Famalicão • 25 years old
€3.5M
€4.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.9M
49.1
Justin de Haas
FC Famalicão • 26 years old
€3.5M
€4.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.1M
48.7
Bastien Meupiyou
FC Alverca • 20 years old
€3.5M
€4.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.6M
48.3
Sidney Lima
CD Santa Clara • 29 years old
€4.5M
€3.5M
-22.6%
Expected: €2.9M
47.3
Marvin Elimbi
Gil Vicente FC • 23 years old
€2.2M
€2.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.7M
40.6
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 45.00×. That means Ousmane Diomande is valued 45.00× higher than the median player in the 21-23 age bracket—representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is Sporting CP's Zeno Debast, who is 22 years old, with a 30.00× PPVE. Third is António Silva of SL Benfica, who is 22 years old with a 30.00× 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 45.00× means the player is worth 4400% 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 | €1.0M | 45.00× |
| #2 | Zeno Debast Sporting CP | 22 | 21-23 | €30.0M | €1.0M | 30.00× |
| #3 | António Silva SL Benfica | 22 | 21-23 | €30.0M | €1.0M | 30.00× |
| #4 | Gonçalo Inácio Sporting CP | 24 | 24-26 | €45.0M | €2.0M | 22.50× |
| #5 | Tomás Araújo SL Benfica | 24 | 24-26 | €28.0M | €2.0M | 14.00× |
| #6 | Eduardo Quaresma Sporting CP | 24 | 24-26 | €15.0M | €2.0M | 7.50× |
| #7 | Bright Arrey-Mbi SC Braga | 23 | 21-23 | €7.0M | €1.0M | 7.00× |
| #8 | Nehuén Pérez FC Porto | 25 | 24-26 | €13.0M | €2.0M | 6.50× |
| #9 | Kévin Boma GD Estoril Praia | 23 | 21-23 | €4.0M | €1.0M | 4.00× |
| #10 | Andreas Ntoi Rio Ave FC | 23 | 21-23 | €4.0M | €1.0M | 4.00× |
| #11 | Marvin Elimbi Gil Vicente FC | 23 | 21-23 | €2.5M | €1.0M | 2.50× |
| #12 | MT CD Santa Clara | 25 | 24-26 | €4.5M | €2.0M | 2.25× |
| #13 | Christian Marques CD Tondela | 23 | 21-23 | €2.0M | €1.0M | 2.00× |
| #14 | Léo Realpe FC Famalicão | 25 | 24-26 | €4.0M | €2.0M | 2.00× |
| #15 | Naves FC Alverca | 24 | 24-26 | €2.5M | €2.0M | 1.25× |
| #16 | Omar Fayed FC Arouca | 22 | 21-23 | €1.0M | €1.0M | 1.00× |
| #17 | Ibrahima Ba FC Famalicão | 21 | 21-23 | €1.0M | €1.0M | 1.00× |
| #18 | Felix Bacher GD Estoril Praia | 25 | 24-26 | €2.0M | €2.0M | 1.00× |
| #19 | Nelson Abbey Rio Ave FC | 22 | 21-23 | €1.0M | €1.0M | 1.00× |
| #20 | Zé Vítor CD Nacional | 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 20 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +35%. That means Bastien Meupiyou is projected to appreciate 35% as they reach their peak age in 6 years—representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is FC Famalicão's Ibrahima Ba, who is 21 years old, with a +30% RPP (5 years to peak). Third is Antonio Espigares of Gil Vicente 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 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 | Bastien Meupiyou FC Alverca | 20 | 6 | €4.0M | €6.2M | +35% |
| #2 | Ibrahima Ba FC Famalicão | 21 | 5 | €1.0M | €1.4M | +30% |
| #3 | Antonio Espigares Gil Vicente FC | 21 | 5 | €500K | €719K | +30% |
| #4 | Diogo Monteiro FC Arouca | 21 | 5 | €300K | €431K | +30% |
| #5 | Steven Baseya FC Alverca | 21 | 5 | €400K | €575K | +30% |
| #6 | Omar Fayed FC Arouca | 22 | 4 | €1.0M | €1.3M | +25% |
| #7 | Kaly Casa Pia AC | 22 | 4 | €250K | €334K | +25% |
| #8 | Zeno Debast Sporting CP | 22 | 4 | €30.0M | €40.1M | +25% |
| #9 | Nelson Abbey Rio Ave FC | 22 | 4 | €1.0M | €1.3M | +25% |
| #10 | António Silva SL Benfica | 22 | 4 | €30.0M | €40.1M | +25% |
| #11 | Gilberto Batista Moreirense FC | 22 | 4 | €400K | €535K | +25% |
| #12 | Ousmane Diomande Sporting CP | 22 | 4 | €45.0M | €60.2M | +25% |
| #13 | Marvin Elimbi Gil Vicente FC | 23 | 3 | €2.5M | €3.1M | +20% |
| #14 | Christian Marques CD Tondela | 23 | 3 | €2.0M | €2.5M | +20% |
| #15 | Kévin Boma GD Estoril Praia | 23 | 3 | €4.0M | €5.0M | +20% |
| #16 | Andreas Ntoi Rio Ave FC | 23 | 3 | €4.0M | €5.0M | +20% |
| #17 | Thiago Balieiro Vitória Guimarães SC | 23 | 3 | €500K | €622K | +20% |
| #18 | Antef Tsoungui GD Estoril Praia | 23 | 3 | €650K | €808K | +20% |
| #19 | Bright Arrey-Mbi SC Braga | 23 | 3 | €7.0M | €8.7M | +20% |
| #20 | Michel Moreirense FC | 23 | 3 | €800K | €995K | +20% |
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 46.3. That means Bastien Meupiyou has 15% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty—representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is Sporting CP's Ousmane Diomande with a 38.4 RAU (10% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Diogo Monteiro of FC Arouca 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 46.3 means the upside is 46.3× 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 | €4.6M | €4.0M-5.2M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #2 | Ousmane Diomande Sporting CP | €49.6M | €43.6M-55.5M | +10% | 38.4 |
| #3 | Diogo Monteiro FC Arouca | €331K | €285K-376K | +10% | 33.7 |
| #4 | Ibrahima Ba FC Famalicão | €1.1M | €950K-1.3M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #5 | Antonio Espigares Gil Vicente FC | €551K | €475K-627K | +10% | 33.7 |
| #6 | Steven Baseya FC Alverca | €441K | €380K-502K | +10% | 33.7 |
| #7 | Christian Marques CD Tondela | €2.1M | €1.9M-2.4M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #8 | Kévin Boma GD Estoril Praia | €4.3M | €3.8M-4.8M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #9 | Andreas Ntoi Rio Ave FC | €4.3M | €3.8M-4.8M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #10 | Thiago Balieiro Vitória Guimarães SC | €535K | €471K-600K | +7% | 27.5 |
| #11 | Marvin Elimbi Gil Vicente FC | €2.7M | €2.4M-3.0M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #12 | Antef Tsoungui GD Estoril Praia | €696K | €612K-779K | +7% | 27.5 |
| #13 | Bright Arrey-Mbi SC Braga | €7.5M | €6.6M-8.4M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #14 | Michel Moreirense FC | €857K | €754K-959K | +7% | 27.5 |
| #15 | Gonçalo Inácio Sporting CP | €48.0M | €42.2M-53.7M | +7% | 25.8 |
| #16 | Omar Fayed FC Arouca | €1.1M | €931K-1.2M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #17 | Kaly Casa Pia AC | €265K | €233K-296K | +6% | 23.0 |
| #18 | Nelson Abbey Rio Ave FC | €1.1M | €931K-1.2M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #19 | Zeno Debast Sporting CP | €31.8M | €27.9M-35.6M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #20 | António Silva SL Benfica | €31.8M | €27.9M-35.6M | +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)
Rio Ave FC's Jakub Brabec in the 30+ age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +-12.1%. That means Jan Bednarek captures 5.1% of total market value while representing only 17.1% of players in their age group—showing dominant elite status.
In second is Gil Vicente FC's Buatu with a +-12.1% ASC (5.1% value share vs 17.1% player share in 30+ bracket). Third is Paulo Oliveira of SC Braga with a +-12.1% ASC (5.1% value vs 17.1% players in 30+ bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +-12.1% ASC means the player captures -12.1% 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 | Jakub Brabec Rio Ave FC | 30+ | 5.1% | 17.1% | -12.1% |
| #2 | Buatu Gil Vicente FC | 30+ | 5.1% | 17.1% | -12.1% |
| #3 | Paulo Oliveira SC Braga | 30+ | 5.1% | 17.1% | -12.1% |
| #4 | Frederico Venâncio CD Santa Clara | 30+ | 5.1% | 17.1% | -12.1% |
| #5 | Rúben Semedo Avs Futebol | 30+ | 5.1% | 17.1% | -12.1% |
| #6 | Jan Bednarek FC Porto | 30+ | 5.1% | 17.1% | -12.1% |
| #7 | Ivanildo Fernandes CD Nacional | 30+ | 5.1% | 17.1% | -12.1% |
| #8 | Ponck Avs Futebol | 30+ | 5.1% | 17.1% | -12.1% |
| #9 | Rodrigo Abascal Vitória Guimarães SC | 30+ | 5.1% | 17.1% | -12.1% |
| #10 | Maracás Moreirense FC | 30+ | 5.1% | 17.1% | -12.1% |
| #11 | Nicolás Otamendi SL Benfica | 30+ | 5.1% | 17.1% | -12.1% |
| #12 | Sergi Gómez FC Alverca | 30+ | 5.1% | 17.1% | -12.1% |
| #13 | Omar Fayed FC Arouca | 21-23 | 38.8% | 27.1% | +11.7% |
| #14 | Ibrahima Ba FC Famalicão | 21-23 | 38.8% | 27.1% | +11.7% |
| #15 | Kaly Casa Pia AC | 21-23 | 38.8% | 27.1% | +11.7% |
| #16 | Antef Tsoungui GD Estoril Praia | 21-23 | 38.8% | 27.1% | +11.7% |
| #17 | Christian Marques CD Tondela | 21-23 | 38.8% | 27.1% | +11.7% |
| #18 | Zeno Debast Sporting CP | 21-23 | 38.8% | 27.1% | +11.7% |
| #19 | Nelson Abbey Rio Ave FC | 21-23 | 38.8% | 27.1% | +11.7% |
| #20 | Bright Arrey-Mbi SC Braga | 21-23 | 38.8% | 27.1% | +11.7% |
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, 21 standard acquisitions, 0 watch-list prospects, 33 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 €650K. 2 undervalued, 8 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Ivanildo Fernandes CD Nacional | €200K | €1.0M | -2.00 | Undervalued |
Ponck Avs Futebol | €200K | €1.0M | -2.00 | Undervalued |
Pedro Pacheco CD Santa Clara | €400K | €1.0M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Issiar Dramé CF Estrela Amadora | €400K | €1.0M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Eduardo Quaresma Sporting CP | €15.0M | €1.0M | -0.92 | Good Value |
Miguel Nóbrega Vitória Guimarães SC | €400K | €1.0M | -0.67 | Good Value |
Matías Rocha FC Arouca | €400K | €1.0M | -0.67 | Good Value |
Julien Lomboto Rio Ave FC | €400K | €1.0M | -0.67 | Good Value |
Paulo Vitor Avs Futebol | €500K | €1.0M | -0.58 | Good Value |
Ferro GD Estoril Praia | €600K | €1.0M | -0.50 | Good Value |
Paulo Oliveira SC Braga | €500K | €1.0M | -0.50 | Fair Value |
Frederico Venâncio CD Santa Clara | €500K | €1.0M | -0.50 | Fair Value |
Sergi Gómez FC Alverca | €500K | €1.0M | -0.50 | Fair Value |
Gustaf Lagerbielke SC Braga | €5.0M | €1.0M | -0.38 | Fair Value |
Kaly Casa Pia AC | €250K | €1.0M | -0.34 | Fair Value |
Cristian Devenish Avs Futebol | €800K | €1.0M | -0.33 | Fair Value |
David Sousa Casa Pia AC | €800K | €1.0M | -0.33 | Fair Value |
Diogo Monteiro FC Arouca | €300K | €1.0M | -0.31 | Fair Value |
Gilberto Batista Moreirense FC | €400K | €1.0M | -0.25 | Fair Value |
Steven Baseya FC Alverca | €400K | €1.0M | -0.25 | Fair Value |
