Best Left-Backs in the Liga Portugal (Oct 2026)
128 players tracked across 31 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.
Maxi Araújo
Sporting CP • 26 years old
€30.3M
€35.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €35.9M
84.8
Samuel Dahl
SL Benfica • 23 years old
€11.2M
€13.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €12.6M
68.6
Francisco Moura
FC Porto • 27 years old
€7.8M
€9.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €8.5M
59.9
Leonardo Lelo
SC Braga • 26 years old
€5.2M
€6.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €6.1M
55.3
Chissumba
FC Alverca • 21 years old
€4.3M
€5.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €5.1M
52.3
Sidny Lopes Cabral
CF Estrela Amadora • 24 years old
€3.5M
€4.0M
+15.6%
50.3
Nuno Santos
Sporting CP • 31 years old
€3.9M
€3.0M
-22.6%
42.6
Ghislain Konan
Gil Vicente FC • 30 years old
€3.9M
€3.0M
-22.6%
42.4
Josh Tymon
FC Famalicão • 27 years old
€2.6M
€3.0M
+15.6%
42.4
Zaidu Sanusi
FC Porto • 29 years old
€3.2M
€3.0M
-5.4%
42.2
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Sign up freeMaxi Araújo
Sporting CP · 26 years old
84.8
ASI
Current Value
€35.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€32.4M - €39.5M
Samuel Dahl
SL Benfica · 23 years old
68.6
ASI
Current Value
€13.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€11.4M - €13.9M
Francisco Moura
FC Porto · 27 years old
59.9
ASI
Current Value
€9.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€7.7M - €9.4M
Leonardo Lelo
SC Braga · 26 years old
55.3
ASI
Current Value
€6.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€5.5M - €6.8M
Chissumba
FC Alverca · 21 years old
52.3
ASI
Current Value
€5.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€4.5M - €5.7M
Sidny Lopes Cabral
CF Estrela Amadora · 24 years old
50.3
ASI
Current Value
€4.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
Nuno Santos
Sporting CP · 31 years old
42.6
ASI
Current Value
€3.0M
% Change
-22.6%
1yr Forecast Range
Ghislain Konan
Gil Vicente FC · 30 years old
42.4
ASI
Current Value
€3.0M
% Change
-22.6%
1yr Forecast Range
Josh Tymon
FC Famalicão · 27 years old
42.4
ASI
Current Value
€3.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
Zaidu Sanusi
FC Porto · 29 years old
42.2
ASI
Current Value
€3.0M
% Change
-5.4%
1yr Forecast Range
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Sign up freeMarket Overview: Liga Portugal Left-Backs (updated October 2026)
Our database tracks 128 Liga Portugal Left-Backs as of October 2026, representing 31 clubs with a combined market value of €146.4M. The average market value for Liga Portugal Left-Backs is €1.1M, with the average age at 29 years old.
The most valuable left-back in the Liga Portugal is Maxi Araújo, worth €35.0M and playing for Sporting CP at 26 years old. The top 5 Left-Backs average €13.6M in market value, including Samuel Dahl and Francisco Moura.
Age distribution shows the youngest tracked left-back is José Neto (18 years, SL Benfica, €3.0M), while the oldest is Emídio Rafael (40 years, Académica Coimbra, €750K). Research shows Left-Backs typically peak at age 28.
Our 1-year forecast model projects 26 Left-Backs (20%) 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 Left-Backs 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 Left-Backs. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 31 clubs with €146.4M combined value.
Age Distribution: Liga Portugal Left-Backs
The Liga Portugal LB market shows 5 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 30+ bracket (60 players, 47% of market). The 24-26 age group holds the most value at €63.4M, averaging €2.3M per player.
Top Left-Backs by Age Bracket
U21 Years (2 players)
21-23 Years (11 players)
24-26 Years (28 players)
27-29 Years (27 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 13 Left-Backs (10% of players) control €92.0M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with premium (€30-50m) tier representing 1% of the Liga Portugal LB pool.
Premium (€30-50M)
Mid (€5-15M)
Emerging (<€5M)
Club Distribution: Liga Portugal Left-Backs
Among 31 Liga Portugal clubs, Sporting CP leads with 4 Left-Backs worth €40.8M (averaging €10.2M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 41% of tracked Left-Backs.
Sporting CP (4 Left-Backs)
SL Benfica (4 Left-Backs)
FC Porto (2 Left-Backs)
CF Estrela Amadora (8 Left-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)
SL Benfica's Samuel Dahl at 23 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 26.00×. That means Samuel Dahl is valued 26.00× higher than the median player in the 21-23 age bracket-representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is FC Alverca's Chissumba, who is 21 years old, with a 10.00× PPVE. Third is Sidny Lopes Cabral of CF Estrela Amadora, who is 24 years old with a 8.00× 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 26.00× means the player is worth 2500% 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 | Samuel Dahl SL Benfica | 23 | 21-23 | €13.0M | €500K | 26.00x |
| #2 | Chissumba FC Alverca | 21 | 21-23 | €5.0M | €500K | 10.00x |
| #3 | Sidny Lopes Cabral CF Estrela Amadora | 24 | 24-26 | €4.0M | €500K | 8.00x |
| #4 | Pedro Bondo FC Famalicão | 21 | 21-23 | €2.0M | €500K | 4.00x |
| #5 | Kiko Moreirense FC | 24 | 24-26 | €1.5M | €500K | 3.00x |
| #6 | Rafa Rodrigues Avs Futebol | 24 | 24-26 | €1.3M | €500K | 2.60x |
| #7 | Sandro Cruz Gil Vicente FC | 25 | 24-26 | €1.2M | €500K | 2.40x |
| #8 | Nikolaos Athanasiou Rio Ave FC | 25 | 24-26 | €1.2M | €500K | 2.40x |
| #9 | Nilton CF Estrela Amadora | 25 | 24-26 | €1.2M | €500K | 2.40x |
| #10 | Leonardo Buta Rio Ave FC | 24 | 24-26 | €1.0M | €500K | 2.00x |
| #11 | Paulo Victor CD Santa Clara | 25 | 24-26 | €800K | €500K | 1.60x |
| #12 | Guilherme Montóia CF Estrela Amadora | 23 | 21-23 | €750K | €500K | 1.50x |
| #13 | Arvin Appiah CD Nacional | 25 | 24-26 | €700K | €500K | 1.40x |
| #14 | Isaac James FC Alverca | 22 | 21-23 | €600K | €500K | 1.20x |
| #15 | José Neto SL Benfica | 18 | U21 | €3.0M | €3.0M | 1.00x |
| #16 | Arnau Solà FC Arouca | 23 | 21-23 | €500K | €500K | 1.00x |
| #17 | Daniel Rivas Avs Futebol | 24 | 24-26 | €500K | €500K | 1.00x |
| #18 | Tiago Parente GD Estoril Praia | 22 | 21-23 | €500K | €500K | 1.00x |
| #19 | Pedro Rosas Casa Pia AC | 25 | 24-26 | €450K | €500K | 0.90x |
| #20 | Ryan Carlos CF Estrela Amadora | 24 | 24-26 | €400K | €500K | 0.80x |
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 Left-Backs.
Upgrade to FanRisk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Unlock Risk-Adjusted Upside for Liga Portugal Left-Backs.
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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Upgrade to FanIf you were Liga Portugal's sporting director, who would you sign?
Pick a club, select up to 3 players, and build your transfer proposal.
How We Rank Liga Portugal Left-Backs
Our Analytical Strength Index is calibrated specifically for left-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 LB
Historical Achievement Index (35%)
Peak career market value for Liga Portugal left-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 left-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 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.
LB 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 left-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 Left-Backs, updated October 2026
Who are the most valuable Left-Backs in the Liga Portugal right now?
The most valuable left-back in the Liga Portugal today is Maxi Araújo, who is worth €35.0M and plays for Sporting CP. The second most valuable is Samuel Dahl (€13.0M, SL Benfica), followed by Francisco Moura (€9.0M, FC Porto). Our database tracks 128 Liga Portugal Left-Backs with comprehensive market valuations updated in October 2026.
How are Liga Portugal Left-Backs ranked?
Liga Portugal Left-Backs are ranked by our proprietary Analytical Strength Index, which is specifically calibrated for Left-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 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 Left-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 left-back from the Liga Portugal?
Transfer fees for Liga Portugal Left-Backs vary significantly based on market value, contract length, and club bargaining position. For the top-ranked left-back Maxi Araújo (market value: €35.0M), estimated transfer fees would range from €28.0M to €49.0M 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 Left-Backs?
Our 1-year forecast model projects market value changes for Liga Portugal Left-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 left-back data come from?
Our Liga Portugal left-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 sources and updated monthly (last update October 2026) to ensure accuracy for recruitment and investment decisions.
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