Best Centre-Backs in the Ligue 1 (Apr 2026)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Score
Market Overview: Ligue 1 Centre-Backs 2022-23
Our database tracked 69 Ligue 1 Centre-Backs in the 2022-23 season, representing 19 clubs with a combined market value of €640.1M. The average market value for Ligue 1 Centre-Backs was €9.3M, with the average age at 25.9 years old.
The most valuable centre-back in the Ligue 1 was Willian Pacho, worth €65.0M and played for Paris Saint-Germain at 24 years old. The top 5 Centre-Backs averaged €38.4M in market value, including Ilya Zabarnyi and Marquinhos.
Age distribution showed the youngest tracked centre-back was Lucas Høgsberg (19 years, RC Strasbourg Alsace, €3.5M), while the oldest was Abdoulaye Bamba (35 years, Angers SCO, €300K). Research shows Centre-Backs typically peak at age 27.
Historical analysis showed 38 Centre-Backs (55%) increased in market value over the following 12 months based on age-curve trajectories, then-current performance trends, and playing time analysis. The Ligue 1 market for Centre-Backs remained highly competitive with significant transfer activity in the 2022-23 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 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 19 clubs with €640.1M combined value.
Age Distribution: Ligue 1 Centre-Backs
The Ligue 1 CB market shows 5 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 21-23 bracket (20 players, 29% of market). The 21-23 age group holds the most value at €191.9M, averaging €9.6M per player.
Top Centre-Backs by Age Bracket
U21 Years (6 players)
21-23 Years (20 players)
24-26 Years (14 players)
27-29 Years (12 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 7 Centre-Backs (10% of players) control €237.0M
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 19 Ligue 1 clubs, Paris Saint-Germain leads with 4 Centre-Backs worth €167.0M (averaging €41.8M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 64% of tracked Centre-Backs.
Paris Saint-Germain (4 Centre-Backs)
Olympique Marseille (5 Centre-Backs)
RC Strasbourg Alsace (6 Centre-Backs)
AS Monaco (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.
Willian Pacho
Paris Saint-Germain • 24 years old
€56.2M
€65.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €69.3M
92.0
Ilya Zabarnyi
Paris Saint-Germain • 23 years old
€36.3M
€42.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €46.8M
87.0
Marquinhos
Paris Saint-Germain • 31 years old
€45.2M
€35.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €30.2M
83.9
Lucas Beraldo
Paris Saint-Germain • 22 years old
€21.6M
€25.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €26.5M
76.3
Benjamin Pavard
Olympique Marseille • 30 years old
€32.3M
€25.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €20.7M
75.8
Facundo Medina
Olympique Marseille • 26 years old
€21.6M
€25.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €25.7M
75.4
Thilo Kehrer
AS Monaco • 29 years old
€25.8M
€20.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €16.6M
72.9
Leonardo Balerdi
Olympique Marseille • 27 years old
€21.1M
€20.0M
-5.4%
Expected: €17.5M
72.7
Alexsandro
LOSC Lille • 26 years old
€17.3M
€20.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €20.6M
72.6
Mamadou Sarr
RC Strasbourg Alsace • 20 years old
€17.3M
€20.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €22.9M
72.2
Ismaël Doukouré
RC Strasbourg Alsace • 22 years old
€15.6M
€18.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €19.1M
72.1
Nayef Aguerd
Olympique Marseille • 30 years old
€23.2M
€18.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €14.9M
71.7
CJ Egan-Riley
Olympique Marseille • 23 years old
€13.8M
€16.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €17.1M
71.2
Moussa Niakhaté
Olympique Lyon • 30 years old
€19.4M
€15.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €12.4M
69.5
Christian Mawissa
AS Monaco • 21 years old
€13.0M
€15.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €16.5M
69.2
Mohammed Salisu
AS Monaco • 27 years old
€12.7M
€12.0M
-5.4%
Expected: €10.5M
66.4
Youssouf Ndayishimiye
OGC Nice • 27 years old
€12.7M
€12.0M
-5.4%
Expected: €10.5M
66.4
Otávio
Paris FC • 23 years old
€8.6M
€10.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €10.7M
61.8
Charlie Cresswell
FC Toulouse • 23 years old
€8.6M
€10.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €10.7M
61.8
Abakar Sylla
RC Strasbourg Alsace • 23 years old
€8.6M
€10.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €10.7M
61.8
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 9.29×. That means Willian Pacho is valued 9.29× higher than the median player in the 24-26 age bracket—representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is Paris Saint-Germain's Ilya Zabarnyi, who is 23 years old, with a 5.25× PPVE. Third is Mamadou Sarr of RC Strasbourg Alsace, who is 20 years old with a 3.33× 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 9.29× means the player is worth 829% 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 | €65.0M | €7.0M | 9.29× |
| #2 | Ilya Zabarnyi Paris Saint-Germain | 23 | 21-23 | €42.0M | €8.0M | 5.25× |
| #3 | Mamadou Sarr RC Strasbourg Alsace | 20 | U21 | €20.0M | €6.0M | 3.33× |
| #4 | Lucas Beraldo Paris Saint-Germain | 22 | 21-23 | €25.0M | €8.0M | 3.13× |
| #5 | Ismaël Doukouré RC Strasbourg Alsace | 22 | 21-23 | €18.0M | €8.0M | 2.25× |
| #6 | CJ Egan-Riley Olympique Marseille | 23 | 21-23 | €16.0M | €8.0M | 2.00× |
| #7 | Christian Mawissa AS Monaco | 21 | 21-23 | €15.0M | €8.0M | 1.88× |
| #8 | Jérémy Jacquet Stade Rennais FC | 20 | U21 | €10.0M | €6.0M | 1.67× |
| #9 | Anthony Rouault Stade Rennais FC | 24 | 24-26 | €10.0M | €7.0M | 1.43× |
| #10 | Alidu Seidu Stade Rennais FC | 25 | 24-26 | €9.0M | €7.0M | 1.29× |
| #11 | Charlie Cresswell FC Toulouse | 23 | 21-23 | €10.0M | €8.0M | 1.25× |
| #12 | Otávio Paris FC | 23 | 21-23 | €10.0M | €8.0M | 1.25× |
| #13 | Abakar Sylla RC Strasbourg Alsace | 23 | 21-23 | €10.0M | €8.0M | 1.25× |
| #14 | Arouna Sangante Le Havre AC | 24 | 24-26 | €8.0M | €7.0M | 1.14× |
| #15 | Juma Bah OGC Nice | 20 | U21 | €6.0M | €6.0M | 1.00× |
| #16 | Andrew Omobamidele RC Strasbourg Alsace | 23 | 21-23 | €8.0M | €8.0M | 1.00× |
| #17 | Étienne Youté Kinkoué Le Havre AC | 24 | 24-26 | €7.0M | €7.0M | 1.00× |
| #18 | Soumaïla Coulibaly Stade Brestois 29 | 22 | 21-23 | €8.0M | €8.0M | 1.00× |
| #19 | Isaak Touré FC Lorient | 23 | 21-23 | €7.0M | €8.0M | 0.88× |
| #20 | Saïdou Sow RC Strasbourg Alsace | 23 | 21-23 | €6.0M | €8.0M | 0.75× |
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)
RC Strasbourg Alsace's Lucas Høgsberg at 19 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +40%. That means Lucas Høgsberg is projected to appreciate 40% as they reach their peak age in 7 years—representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is RC Lens's Nidal Celik, who is 19 years old, with a +40% RPP (7 years to peak). Third is Juma Bah of OGC Nice, 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 | Lucas Høgsberg RC Strasbourg Alsace | 19 | 7 | €3.5M | €5.8M | +40% |
| #2 | Nidal Celik RC Lens | 19 | 7 | €1.8M | €3.0M | +40% |
| #3 | Juma Bah OGC Nice | 20 | 6 | €6.0M | €9.3M | +35% |
| #4 | Jérémy Jacquet Stade Rennais FC | 20 | 6 | €10.0M | €15.5M | +35% |
| #5 | Emmanuel Biumla Angers SCO | 20 | 6 | €4.0M | €6.2M | +35% |
| #6 | Mamadou Sarr RC Strasbourg Alsace | 20 | 6 | €20.0M | €30.9M | +35% |
| #7 | Ismaëlo Ganiou RC Lens | 21 | 5 | €1.0M | €1.4M | +30% |
| #8 | Ousmane Touré LOSC Lille | 21 | 5 | €500K | €719K | +30% |
| #9 | Christian Mawissa AS Monaco | 21 | 5 | €15.0M | €21.6M | +30% |
| #10 | Sadibou Sané FC Metz | 21 | 5 | €5.0M | €7.2M | +30% |
| #11 | Junior Diaz Stade Brestois 29 | 22 | 4 | €4.0M | €5.3M | +25% |
| #12 | Nathan Ngoy LOSC Lille | 22 | 4 | €3.5M | €4.7M | +25% |
| #13 | Soumaïla Coulibaly Stade Brestois 29 | 22 | 4 | €8.0M | €10.7M | +25% |
| #14 | Ismaël Doukouré RC Strasbourg Alsace | 22 | 4 | €18.0M | €24.1M | +25% |
| #15 | Lucas Beraldo Paris Saint-Germain | 22 | 4 | €25.0M | €33.4M | +25% |
| #16 | Nathaniel Adjei FC Lorient | 23 | 3 | €1.5M | €1.9M | +20% |
| #17 | Saïdou Sow RC Strasbourg Alsace | 23 | 3 | €6.0M | €7.5M | +20% |
| #18 | Charlie Cresswell FC Toulouse | 23 | 3 | €10.0M | €12.4M | +20% |
| #19 | Ilya Zabarnyi Paris Saint-Germain | 23 | 3 | €42.0M | €52.2M | +20% |
| #20 | Otávio Paris FC | 23 | 3 | €10.0M | €12.4M | +20% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
RC Strasbourg Alsace's Lucas Høgsberg has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 58.0. That means Lucas Høgsberg has 19% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty—representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is RC Lens's Nidal Celik with a 58.0 RAU (19% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Emmanuel Biumla of Angers SCO 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 | Lucas Høgsberg RC Strasbourg Alsace | €4.2M | €3.6M-4.7M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #2 | Nidal Celik RC Lens | €2.1M | €1.8M-2.4M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #3 | Emmanuel Biumla Angers SCO | €4.6M | €4.0M-5.2M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #4 | Juma Bah OGC Nice | €6.9M | €5.9M-7.8M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #5 | Jérémy Jacquet Stade Rennais FC | €11.5M | €9.9M-13.0M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #6 | Mamadou Sarr RC Strasbourg Alsace | €22.9M | €19.8M-26.1M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #7 | Ilya Zabarnyi Paris Saint-Germain | €46.8M | €41.2M-52.4M | +11% | 42.8 |
| #8 | Sadibou Sané FC Metz | €5.5M | €4.8M-6.3M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #9 | Christian Mawissa AS Monaco | €16.5M | €14.3M-18.8M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #10 | Ismaëlo Ganiou RC Lens | €1.1M | €950K-1.3M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #11 | Ousmane Touré LOSC Lille | €551K | €475K-627K | +10% | 33.7 |
| #12 | CJ Egan-Riley Olympique Marseille | €17.1M | €15.1M-19.2M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #13 | Andrew Omobamidele RC Strasbourg Alsace | €8.6M | €7.5M-9.6M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #14 | Rafael Fernandes LOSC Lille | €1.1M | €942K-1.2M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #15 | Charlie Cresswell FC Toulouse | €10.7M | €9.4M-12.0M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #16 | Otávio Paris FC | €10.7M | €9.4M-12.0M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #17 | Abakar Sylla RC Strasbourg Alsace | €10.7M | €9.4M-12.0M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #18 | Isaak Touré FC Lorient | €7.5M | €6.6M-8.4M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #19 | Nathaniel Adjei FC Lorient | €1.6M | €1.4M-1.8M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #20 | Saïdou Sow RC Strasbourg Alsace | €6.4M | €5.7M-7.2M | +7% | 27.5 |
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)
OGC Nice's Moïse Bombito in the 24-26 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +8.3%. That means Willian Pacho captures 28.5% of total market value while representing only 20.3% of players in their age group—showing dominant elite status.
In second is Olympique Marseille's Facundo Medina with a +8.3% ASC (28.5% value share vs 20.3% player share in 24-26 bracket). Third is Lilian Brassier of Stade Rennais FC with a +8.3% ASC (28.5% value vs 20.3% players in 24-26 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +8.3% ASC means the player captures 8.3% 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 | Moïse Bombito OGC Nice | 24-26 | 28.5% | 20.3% | +8.3% |
| #2 | Facundo Medina Olympique Marseille | 24-26 | 28.5% | 20.3% | +8.3% |
| #3 | Lilian Brassier Stade Rennais FC | 24-26 | 28.5% | 20.3% | +8.3% |
| #4 | Ruben Kluivert Olympique Lyon | 24-26 | 28.5% | 20.3% | +8.3% |
| #5 | Étienne Youté Kinkoué Le Havre AC | 24-26 | 28.5% | 20.3% | +8.3% |
| #6 | Alexsandro LOSC Lille | 24-26 | 28.5% | 20.3% | +8.3% |
| #7 | Moustapha Mbow Paris FC | 24-26 | 28.5% | 20.3% | +8.3% |
| #8 | Willian Pacho Paris Saint-Germain | 24-26 | 28.5% | 20.3% | +8.3% |
| #9 | Anthony Rouault Stade Rennais FC | 24-26 | 28.5% | 20.3% | +8.3% |
| #10 | Sinaly Diomandé AJ Auxerre | 24-26 | 28.5% | 20.3% | +8.3% |
| #11 | Arouna Sangante Le Havre AC | 24-26 | 28.5% | 20.3% | +8.3% |
| #12 | Alidu Seidu Stade Rennais FC | 24-26 | 28.5% | 20.3% | +8.3% |
| #13 | Clément Akpa AJ Auxerre | 24-26 | 28.5% | 20.3% | +8.3% |
| #14 | Bamo Meïté FC Lorient | 24-26 | 28.5% | 20.3% | +8.3% |
| #15 | Nikola Maksimović NK Kustosija Zagreb | 30+ | 19.6% | 24.6% | -5.1% |
| #16 | Samuel Umtiti LOSC Lille | 30+ | 19.6% | 24.6% | -5.1% |
| #17 | Jonathan Gradit RC Lens | 30+ | 19.6% | 24.6% | -5.1% |
| #18 | Uros Radakovic FC Nantes | 30+ | 19.6% | 24.6% | -5.1% |
| #19 | Eric Dier AS Monaco | 30+ | 19.6% | 24.6% | -5.1% |
| #20 | Marquinhos Paris Saint-Germain | 30+ | 19.6% | 24.6% | -5.1% |
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: 2 immediate targets, 25 standard acquisitions, 0 watch-list prospects, 22 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 €65.0M. 0 undervalued, 0 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Sinaly Diomandé AJ Auxerre | €5.0M | €6.0M | -1.33 | Good Value |
Clément Akpa AJ Auxerre | €5.0M | €6.0M | -1.33 | Good Value |
Sadibou Sané FC Metz | €5.0M | €6.0M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Juma Bah OGC Nice | €6.0M | €6.0M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Brendan Chardonnet Stade Brestois 29 | €6.0M | €6.0M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Ruben Kluivert Olympique Lyon | €700K | €6.0M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Alexsandro LOSC Lille | €20.0M | €6.0M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Nidal Celik RC Lens | €1.8M | €6.0M | -0.77 | Good Value |
Étienne Youté Kinkoué Le Havre AC | €7.0M | €6.0M | -0.67 | Good Value |
Saïdou Sow RC Strasbourg Alsace | €6.0M | €6.0M | -0.67 | Good Value |
Timothée Kolodziejczak Paris FC | €250K | €6.0M | -0.46 | Fair Value |
Nikola Maksimović NK Kustosija Zagreb | €300K | €6.0M | -0.44 | Fair Value |
Abdoulaye Bamba Angers SCO | €300K | €6.0M | -0.44 | Fair Value |
Christian Mawissa AS Monaco | €15.0M | €6.0M | -0.33 | Fair Value |
Isaak Touré FC Lorient | €7.0M | €6.0M | -0.33 | Fair Value |
Arouna Sangante Le Havre AC | €8.0M | €6.0M | -0.33 | Fair Value |
Uros Radakovic FC Nantes | €650K | €6.0M | -0.31 | Fair Value |
Moussa Niakhaté Olympique Lyon | €15.0M | €6.0M | -0.30 | Fair Value |
Francisco Sierralta AJ Auxerre | €1.5M | €6.0M | -0.25 | Fair Value |
CJ Egan-Riley Olympique Marseille | €16.0M | €6.0M | -0.22 | Fair Value |