Best Midfielders in the Liga Portugal (Oct 2026)
147 players tracked across 30 clubs. Updated October 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.
Victor Froholdt
FC Porto • 20 years old
€43.2M
€50.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €52.8M
87.0
Leandro Barreiro
SL Benfica • 26 years old
€15.6M
€18.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €17.1M
71.5
Fredrik Aursnes
SL Benfica • 30 years old
€19.4M
€15.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €9.9M
69.1
João Simões
Sporting CP • 19 years old
€13.0M
€15.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €16.5M
68.0
Daniel Bragança
Sporting CP • 27 years old
€10.4M
€12.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €11.5M
66.0
Mathias de Amorim
FC Famalicão • 21 years old
€8.6M
€10.0M
+15.6%
60.2
Gorby
SC Braga • 24 years old
€7.8M
€9.0M
+15.6%
60.2
Hidemasa Morita
Sporting CP • 31 years old
€10.3M
€8.0M
-22.6%
57.7
Amorim
FC Alverca • 21 years old
€6.9M
€8.0M
+15.6%
57.4
Stephen Eustaquio
FC Porto • 29 years old
€7.7M
€6.0M
-22.6%
53.9
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Sign up freeVictor Froholdt
FC Porto · 20 years old
87.0
ASI
Current Value
€50.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€44.9M - €60.7M
Leandro Barreiro
SL Benfica · 26 years old
71.5
ASI
Current Value
€18.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€14.9M - €19.3M
Fredrik Aursnes
SL Benfica · 30 years old
69.1
ASI
Current Value
€15.0M
% Change
-22.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€8.6M - €11.2M
João Simões
Sporting CP · 19 years old
68.0
ASI
Current Value
€15.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€14.1M - €19.0M
Daniel Bragança
Sporting CP · 27 years old
66.0
ASI
Current Value
€12.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€10.0M - €13.0M
Mathias de Amorim
FC Famalicão · 21 years old
60.2
ASI
Current Value
€10.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
Gorby
SC Braga · 24 years old
60.2
ASI
Current Value
€9.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
Hidemasa Morita
Sporting CP · 31 years old
57.7
ASI
Current Value
€8.0M
% Change
-22.6%
1yr Forecast Range
Amorim
FC Alverca · 21 years old
57.4
ASI
Current Value
€8.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
Stephen Eustaquio
FC Porto · 29 years old
53.9
ASI
Current Value
€6.0M
% Change
-22.6%
1yr Forecast Range
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Sign up freeMarket Overview: Liga Portugal Midfielders (updated October 2026)
Our database tracks 147 Liga Portugal Midfielders as of October 2026, representing 30 clubs with a combined market value of €255.5M. The average market value for Liga Portugal Midfielders is €1.7M, with the average age at 28 years old.
The most valuable midfielder in the Liga Portugal is Victor Froholdt, worth €50.0M and playing for FC Porto at 20 years old. The top 5 Midfielders average €22.0M in market value, including Leandro Barreiro and Fredrik Aursnes.
Age distribution shows the youngest tracked midfielder is João Simões (19 years, Sporting CP, €15.0M), while the oldest is João Moutinho (40 years, SC Braga, €500K). Research shows Midfielders typically peak at age 27.
Our 1-year forecast model projects 41 Midfielders (28%) 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 Midfielders remains actively developing with emerging talent as of October 2026.
Explore Market Size by Position in Liga Portugal
Interactive bubble chart showing predicted 2-year growth vs current age for all Liga Portugal Midfielders. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 30 clubs with €255.5M combined value.
Age Distribution: Liga Portugal Midfielders
The Liga Portugal CM market shows 5 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 30+ bracket (65 players, 44% of market). The U21 age group holds the most value at €66.5M, averaging €11.1M per player.
Top Midfielders by Age Bracket
U21 Years (6 players)
21-23 Years (28 players)
24-26 Years (28 players)
27-29 Years (20 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 15 Midfielders (10% of players) control €173.0M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with elite (€50m+) tier representing 1% of the Liga Portugal CM pool.
Elite (€50M+)
High (€15-30M)
Mid (€5-15M)
Club Distribution: Liga Portugal Midfielders
Among 30 Liga Portugal clubs, FC Porto leads with 4 Midfielders worth €57.3M (averaging €14.3M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 44% of tracked Midfielders.
FC Porto (4 Midfielders)
Sporting CP (6 Midfielders)
SL Benfica (6 Midfielders)
SC Braga (7 Midfielders)
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 Porto's Victor Froholdt at 20 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 83.33×. That means Victor Froholdt is valued 83.33× higher than the median player in the U21 age bracket-representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is Sporting CP's João Simões, who is 19 years old, with a 25.00× PPVE. Third is Gorby of SC Braga, who is 24 years old with a 18.00× 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 83.33× means the player is worth 8233% 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 | Victor Froholdt FC Porto | 20 | U21 | €50.0M | €600K | 83.33x |
| #2 | João Simões Sporting CP | 19 | U21 | €15.0M | €600K | 25.00x |
| #3 | Gorby SC Braga | 24 | 24-26 | €9.0M | €500K | 18.00x |
| #4 | Mathias de Amorim FC Famalicão | 21 | 21-23 | €10.0M | €1.2M | 8.33x |
| #5 | Beni Mukendi Vitória Guimarães SC | 24 | 24-26 | €4.0M | €500K | 8.00x |
| #6 | Amorim FC Alverca | 21 | 21-23 | €8.0M | €1.2M | 6.67x |
| #7 | Gonçalo Franco Moreirense FC | 25 | 24-26 | €3.0M | €500K | 6.00x |
| #8 | Facundo Cáseres Gil Vicente FC | 25 | 24-26 | €2.5M | €500K | 5.00x |
| #9 | Taichi Fukui FC Arouca | 22 | 21-23 | €5.0M | €1.2M | 4.17x |
| #10 | Diego Rodrigues SC Braga | 21 | 21-23 | €5.0M | €1.2M | 4.17x |
| #11 | Gonçalo Nogueira Vitória Guimarães SC | 22 | 21-23 | €4.0M | €1.2M | 3.33x |
| #12 | Pedro Lima Avs Futebol | 23 | 21-23 | €3.0M | €1.2M | 2.50x |
| #13 | Bernardo Folha FC Porto | 24 | 24-26 | €1.0M | €500K | 2.00x |
| #14 | Vasco Sousa Moreirense FC | 23 | 21-23 | €2.0M | €1.2M | 1.67x |
| #15 | Rodri Alonso Moreirense FC | 23 | 21-23 | €2.0M | €1.2M | 1.67x |
| #16 | Diogo Prioste SL Benfica | 22 | 21-23 | €2.0M | €1.2M | 1.67x |
| #17 | Matija Mitrović Vitória Guimarães SC | 21 | 21-23 | €2.0M | €1.2M | 1.67x |
| #18 | Zé Carlos Gil Vicente FC | 24 | 24-26 | €800K | €500K | 1.60x |
| #19 | Nodar Lominadze GD Estoril Praia | 24 | 24-26 | €700K | €500K | 1.40x |
| #20 | Marcos Peña FC Famalicão | 21 | 21-23 | €1.5M | €1.2M | 1.25x |
Return-to-Peak Potential (RPP)
Recovery potential from current value to forecasted peak. Shows how much upside remains for players approaching their prime.
Unlock Return-to-Peak analysis for Liga Portugal Midfielders.
Upgrade to FanRisk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
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Upgrade to FanRoster Pressure Index (RPI)
Squad depth pressure based on Z-score distribution. Negative RPI = thin depth, positive = deep roster.
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Upgrade to FanAge-Share Concentration (ASC)
Identifies players capturing disproportionate value relative to age group representation. Positive ASC = value concentration.
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Upgrade to FanBuy-Now vs Wait-List Map
Categorizes players by age position and upside potential to guide timing of acquisition.
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Upgrade to FanPrice vs Peer Z-Score
IQR-based pricing analysis relative to position peers. Identifies over/undervalued players vs market.
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How We Rank Liga Portugal Midfielders
Our Analytical Strength Index is calibrated specifically for midfielders, 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 CM
Historical Achievement Index (35%)
Peak career market value for Liga Portugal midfielders, 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 midfielders, capturing recent form, injuries, and current performance level. Weighted to reflect age-related depreciation patterns.
Playing Time Utilization (18%)
Midfielders with 2,400+ minutes score highest, indicating regular starting role and sustained performance.
Age-Adjusted Performance Curve (12%)
Midfielders peak at 27 with 6.0%/year decline. Pre-peak players score higher on development trajectory.
Competition Level Adjustment (3%)
Liga Portugal 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.
CM Performance Benchmarks
Peak Age: 27 years (technical skill and tactical awareness)
Decline Rate: Widening steps, not a flat rate: about -5% at 28, -10% at 29, steeper from 30 (technical skills age better than physical attributes)
Optimal Minutes: 2,400-2,500 per season (balance of involvement and recovery)
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 27: +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: ±12-15% confidence interval
Research Foundation
• Dendir (2016): Age-performance curves for midfielders
• 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 Midfielders, updated October 2026
Who are the most valuable Midfielders in the Liga Portugal right now?
The most valuable midfielder in the Liga Portugal today is Victor Froholdt, who is worth €50.0M and plays for FC Porto. The second most valuable is Leandro Barreiro (€18.0M, SL Benfica), followed by Fredrik Aursnes (€15.0M, SL Benfica). Our database tracks 147 Liga Portugal Midfielders with comprehensive market valuations updated in October 2026.
How are Liga Portugal Midfielders ranked?
Liga Portugal Midfielders are ranked by our proprietary Analytical Strength Index, which is specifically calibrated for Midfielders. 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 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 Midfielders peak?
Midfielders typically peak at age 27. In our valuation model, value then falls in widening steps rather than at a flat annual rate: around -5% at 28, -10% at 29, -15% at 30, and steeper thereafter. Central midfielders require a blend of physicality, technical skill, and tactical awareness. The optimal playing time for peak performance is around 2,400-2,500 minutes per season.
How much does it cost to sign a top midfielder from the Liga Portugal?
Transfer fees for Liga Portugal Midfielders vary significantly based on market value, contract length, and club bargaining position. For the top-ranked midfielder Victor Froholdt (market value: €50.0M), estimated transfer fees would range from €40.0M to €70.0M 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 transactions.
What is the value forecast for Liga Portugal Midfielders?
Our 1-year forecast model projects market value changes for Liga Portugal Midfielders 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-midfielders have ±12-15% 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 midfielder data come from?
Our Liga Portugal midfielder 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 sources and updated monthly (last update October 2026) to ensure accuracy for recruitment and investment decisions.
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