Best Centre-Backs in the Ligue 1 (Oct 2026)
245 players tracked across 36 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.
Willian Pacho
Paris Saint-Germain • 24 years old
€69.2M
€80.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €75.6M
94.7
Jérémy Jacquet
Stade Rennais FC • 21 years old
€47.6M
€55.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €55.5M
90.2
Ilya Zabarnyi
Paris Saint-Germain • 24 years old
€34.6M
€40.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €38.9M
87.2
Marquinhos
Paris Saint-Germain • 32 years old
€36.2M
€28.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €16.1M
78.9
Charlie Cresswell
FC Toulouse • 24 years old
€21.6M
€25.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €24.3M
77.4
Nathan Ngoy
LOSC Lille • 23 years old
€21.6M
€25.0M
+15.6%
77.1
Samson Baidoo
RC Lens • 22 years old
€21.6M
€25.0M
+15.6%
76.9
Tylel Tati
FC Nantes • 18 years old
€21.6M
€25.0M
+15.6%
75.7
Lucas Beraldo
Paris Saint-Germain • 22 years old
€19.0M
€22.0M
+15.6%
75.4
Ismaël Doukouré
RC Strasbourg Alsace • 23 years old
€17.3M
€20.0M
+15.6%
74.3
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Sign up freeWillian Pacho
Paris Saint-Germain · 24 years old
94.7
ASI
Current Value
€80.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€68.1M - €83.2M
Jérémy Jacquet
Stade Rennais FC · 21 years old
90.2
ASI
Current Value
€55.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€49.2M - €61.9M
Ilya Zabarnyi
Paris Saint-Germain · 24 years old
87.2
ASI
Current Value
€40.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€35.0M - €42.8M
Marquinhos
Paris Saint-Germain · 32 years old
78.9
ASI
Current Value
€28.0M
% Change
-22.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€14.4M - €17.7M
Charlie Cresswell
FC Toulouse · 24 years old
77.4
ASI
Current Value
€25.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€21.8M - €26.7M
Nathan Ngoy
LOSC Lille · 23 years old
77.1
ASI
Current Value
€25.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
Samson Baidoo
RC Lens · 22 years old
76.9
ASI
Current Value
€25.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
Tylel Tati
FC Nantes · 18 years old
75.7
ASI
Current Value
€25.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
Lucas Beraldo
Paris Saint-Germain · 22 years old
75.4
ASI
Current Value
€22.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
Ismaël Doukouré
RC Strasbourg Alsace · 23 years old
74.3
ASI
Current Value
€20.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
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Sign up freeMarket Overview: Ligue 1 Centre-Backs (updated October 2026)
Our database tracks 245 Ligue 1 Centre-Backs as of October 2026, representing 36 clubs with a combined market value of €961.1M. The average market value for Ligue 1 Centre-Backs is €3.9M, with the average age at 29 years old.
The most valuable centre-back in the Ligue 1 is Willian Pacho, worth €80.0M and playing for Paris Saint-Germain at 24 years old. The top 5 Centre-Backs average €45.6M in market value, including Jérémy Jacquet and Ilya Zabarnyi.
Age distribution shows the youngest tracked centre-back is Tylel Tati (18 years, FC Nantes, €25.0M), while the oldest is Cédric Cambon (40 years, Thonon Évian Grand Genève FC, €400K). Research shows Centre-Backs typically peak at age 28.
Our 1-year forecast model projects 57 Centre-Backs (23%) will increase in market value over the next 12 months based on age-curve trajectories, current performance trends, and playing time analysis. The Ligue 1 market for Centre-Backs remains highly competitive with significant transfer activity expected as of October 2026.
Explore Market Size by Position in Ligue 1
Interactive bubble chart showing predicted 2-year growth vs current age for all Ligue 1 Centre-Backs. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 36 clubs with €961.1M combined value.
Age Distribution: Ligue 1 Centre-Backs
The Ligue 1 CB market shows 5 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 30+ bracket (118 players, 48% of market). The 21-23 age group holds the most value at €289.0M, averaging €6.9M per player.
Top Centre-Backs by Age Bracket
U21 Years (11 players)
21-23 Years (42 players)
24-26 Years (39 players)
27-29 Years (35 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 25 Centre-Backs (10% of players) control €569.0M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with elite (€50m+) tier representing 1% of the Ligue 1 CB pool.
Elite (€50M+)
Premium (€30-50M)
High (€15-30M)
Club Distribution: Ligue 1 Centre-Backs
Among 36 Ligue 1 clubs, Paris Saint-Germain leads with 9 Centre-Backs worth €178.6M (averaging €19.8M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 38% of tracked Centre-Backs.
Paris Saint-Germain (9 Centre-Backs)
Stade Rennais FC (11 Centre-Backs)
RC Lens (12 Centre-Backs)
Olympique Marseille (9 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)
Paris Saint-Germain's Willian Pacho at 24 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 26.67×. That means Willian Pacho is valued 26.67× higher than the median player in the 24-26 age bracket-representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is Stade Rennais FC's Jérémy Jacquet, who is 21 years old, with a 22.00× PPVE. Third is Ilya Zabarnyi of Paris Saint-Germain, who is 24 years old with a 13.33× 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 26.67× means the player is worth 2567% 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 | Willian Pacho Paris Saint-Germain | 24 | 24-26 | €80.0M | €3.0M | 26.67x |
| #2 | Jérémy Jacquet Stade Rennais FC | 21 | 21-23 | €55.0M | €2.5M | 22.00x |
| #3 | Ilya Zabarnyi Paris Saint-Germain | 24 | 24-26 | €40.0M | €3.0M | 13.33x |
| #4 | Nathan Ngoy LOSC Lille | 23 | 21-23 | €25.0M | €2.5M | 10.00x |
| #5 | Samson Baidoo RC Lens | 22 | 21-23 | €25.0M | €2.5M | 10.00x |
| #6 | Lucas Beraldo Paris Saint-Germain | 22 | 21-23 | €22.0M | €2.5M | 8.80x |
| #7 | Tylel Tati FC Nantes | 18 | U21 | €25.0M | €3.0M | 8.33x |
| #8 | Charlie Cresswell FC Toulouse | 24 | 24-26 | €25.0M | €3.0M | 8.33x |
| #9 | Ismaëlo Ganiou RC Lens | 21 | 21-23 | €20.0M | €2.5M | 8.00x |
| #10 | Ismaël Doukouré RC Strasbourg Alsace | 23 | 21-23 | €20.0M | €2.5M | 8.00x |
| #11 | Diego Coppola Paris FC | 22 | 21-23 | €18.0M | €2.5M | 7.20x |
| #12 | Christian Mawissa AS Monaco | 21 | 21-23 | €15.0M | €2.5M | 6.00x |
| #13 | Kojo Peprah Oppong OGC Nice | 22 | 21-23 | €10.0M | €2.5M | 4.00x |
| #14 | Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal Stade Rennais FC | 20 | U21 | €12.0M | €3.0M | 4.00x |
| #15 | Anthony Rouault Stade Rennais FC | 25 | 24-26 | €12.0M | €3.0M | 4.00x |
| #16 | Antoine Mendy OGC Nice | 22 | 21-23 | €10.0M | €2.5M | 4.00x |
| #17 | CJ Egan-Riley Olympique Marseille | 23 | 21-23 | €9.0M | €2.5M | 3.60x |
| #18 | Juma Bah OGC Nice | 20 | U21 | €10.0M | €3.0M | 3.33x |
| #19 | Otávio Paris FC | 24 | 24-26 | €10.0M | €3.0M | 3.33x |
| #20 | Ousmane Camara Angers SCO | 23 | 21-23 | €8.0M | €2.5M | 3.20x |
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 Ligue 1 Centre-Backs.
Upgrade to FanRisk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Unlock Risk-Adjusted Upside for Ligue 1 Centre-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.
Unlock Age-Share Concentration for Ligue 1 Centre-Backs.
Upgrade to FanBuy-Now vs Wait-List Map
Categorizes players by age position and upside potential to guide timing of acquisition.
Unlock the Buy Map for Ligue 1 Centre-Backs.
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 Ligue 1's sporting director, who would you sign?
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How We Rank Ligue 1 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 Ligue 1 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 Ligue 1 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%)
Ligue 1 receives Top 5 European league premium for competitive intensity and quality of opposition.
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 Ligue 1 Centre-Backs, updated October 2026
Who are the most valuable Centre-Backs in the Ligue 1 right now?
The most valuable centre-back in the Ligue 1 today is Willian Pacho, who is worth €80.0M and plays for Paris Saint-Germain. The second most valuable is Jérémy Jacquet (€55.0M, Stade Rennais FC), followed by Ilya Zabarnyi (€40.0M, Paris Saint-Germain). Our database tracks 245 Ligue 1 Centre-Backs with comprehensive market valuations updated in October 2026.
How are Ligue 1 Centre-Backs ranked?
Ligue 1 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 Ligue 1 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 Ligue 1?
Transfer fees for Ligue 1 Centre-Backs vary significantly based on market value, contract length, and club bargaining position. For the top-ranked centre-back Willian Pacho (market value: €80.0M), estimated transfer fees would range from €64.0M to €112.0M 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 Ligue 1 transactions.
What is the value forecast for Ligue 1 Centre-Backs?
Our 1-year forecast model projects market value changes for Ligue 1 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 Ligue 1 centre-back data come from?
Our Ligue 1 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 Ligue 1 sources and updated monthly (last update October 2026) to ensure accuracy for recruitment and investment decisions.
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