Best Midfielders in the Ligue 1 (Mar 2026)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Score
Market Overview: Ligue 1 Midfielders 2025-26
Our database tracks 41 Ligue 1 Midfielders in the 2025-26 season, representing 18 clubs with a combined market value of €438.5M. The average market value for Ligue 1 Midfielders is €10.7M, with the average age at 25.4 years old.
The most valuable midfielder in the Ligue 1 is João Neves, worth €80.0M and playing for Paris Saint-Germain at 21 years old. The top 5 Midfielders average €45.0M in market value, including Warren Zaïre-Emery and Fabián Ruiz.
Age distribution shows the youngest tracked midfielder is Ayyoub Bouaddi (18 years, LOSC Lille, €28.0M), while the oldest is Pierrick Capelle (38 years, Angers SCO, €200K). Research shows Midfielders typically peak at age 26-27.
Our 1-year forecast model projects 22 Midfielders (54%) 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 Midfielders 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 Ligue 1
Interactive bubble chart showing predicted 2-year growth vs current age for all Ligue 1 Midfielders. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 18 clubs with €438.5M combined value.
Age Distribution: Ligue 1 Midfielders
The Ligue 1 CM market shows 5 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 21-23 bracket (11 players, 27% of market). The 21-23 age group holds the most value at €147.0M, averaging €13.4M per player.
Top Midfielders by Age Bracket
U21 Years (6 players)
21-23 Years (11 players)
24-26 Years (6 players)
27-29 Years (9 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 5 Midfielders (12% of players) control €225.0M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with elite (€50m+) tier representing 5% of the Ligue 1 CM pool.
Elite (€50M+)
Premium (€30-50M)
High (€15-30M)
Club Distribution: Ligue 1 Midfielders
Among 18 Ligue 1 clubs, Paris Saint-Germain leads with 4 Midfielders worth €190.0M (averaging €47.5M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 68% of tracked Midfielders.
Paris Saint-Germain (4 Midfielders)
Stade Rennais FC (5 Midfielders)
LOSC Lille (3 Midfielders)
AS Monaco (3 Midfielders)
Player Rankings
Ranked by APE Strength Score. Click any player to view full profile, or click the chart icon to see value history.
João Neves
Paris Saint-Germain • 21 years old
€69.2M
€80.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €91.8M
93.3
Warren Zaïre-Emery
Paris Saint-Germain • 19 years old
€47.6M
€55.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €68.2M
87.9
Fabián Ruiz
Paris Saint-Germain • 29 years old
€51.7M
€40.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €34.5M
85.3
Ayyoub Bouaddi
LOSC Lille • 18 years old
€24.2M
€28.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €34.6M
75.2
Lamine Camara
AS Monaco • 22 years old
€19.0M
€22.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €23.3M
74.6
Matt O'Riley
Olympique Marseille • 25 years old
€19.0M
€22.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €21.5M
74.3
Hicham Boudaoui
OGC Nice • 26 years old
€13.0M
€15.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €15.4M
69.0
Senny Mayulu
Paris Saint-Germain • 19 years old
€13.0M
€15.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €17.9M
68.2
Corentin Tolisso
Olympique Lyon • 31 years old
€15.5M
€12.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €9.9M
66.8
Valentín Barco
RC Strasbourg Alsace • 21 years old
€10.4M
€12.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €13.2M
66.4
Seko Fofana
Stade Rennais FC • 30 years old
€12.9M
€10.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €8.3M
60.8
Mathis Amougou
RC Strasbourg Alsace • 20 years old
€8.6M
€10.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €11.5M
60.0
Valentin Rongier
Stade Rennais FC • 31 years old
€11.6M
€9.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €7.5M
59.6
Mahdi Camara
Stade Rennais FC • 27 years old
€9.5M
€9.0M
-5.4%
Expected: €7.9M
59.2
Djaoui Cissé
Stade Rennais FC • 22 years old
€6.9M
€8.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €8.5M
58.4
Kévin Danois
AJ Auxerre • 21 years old
€6.9M
€8.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €8.8M
57.8
Tanguy Ndombélé
OGC Nice • 29 years old
€9.0M
€7.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €5.8M
56.3
Mamadou Sangaré
RC Lens • 23 years old
€5.2M
€6.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €6.4M
55.4
André Gomes
LOSC Lille • 32 years old
€7.7M
€6.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €5.3M
54.7
Hugo Magnetti
Stade Brestois 29 • 27 years old
€6.3M
€6.0M
-5.4%
Expected: €5.3M
54.1
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 João Neves at 21 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 13.33×. That means João Neves is valued 13.33× higher than the median player in the 21-23 age bracket—representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is Olympique Marseille's Matt O'Riley, who is 25 years old, with a 4.40× PPVE. Third is Warren Zaïre-Emery of Paris Saint-Germain, who is 19 years old with a 3.67× 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 13.33× means the player is worth 1233% 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 | João Neves Paris Saint-Germain | 21 | 21-23 | €80.0M | €6.0M | 13.33× |
| #2 | Matt O'Riley Olympique Marseille | 25 | 24-26 | €22.0M | €5.0M | 4.40× |
| #3 | Warren Zaïre-Emery Paris Saint-Germain | 19 | U21 | €55.0M | €15.0M | 3.67× |
| #4 | Lamine Camara AS Monaco | 22 | 21-23 | €22.0M | €6.0M | 3.67× |
| #5 | Valentín Barco RC Strasbourg Alsace | 21 | 21-23 | €12.0M | €6.0M | 2.00× |
| #6 | Ayyoub Bouaddi LOSC Lille | 18 | U21 | €28.0M | €15.0M | 1.87× |
| #7 | Kévin Danois AJ Auxerre | 21 | 21-23 | €8.0M | €6.0M | 1.33× |
| #8 | Djaoui Cissé Stade Rennais FC | 22 | 21-23 | €8.0M | €6.0M | 1.33× |
| #9 | Yassine Kechta Le Havre AC | 24 | 24-26 | €5.0M | €5.0M | 1.00× |
| #10 | Mamadou Sangaré RC Lens | 23 | 21-23 | €6.0M | €6.0M | 1.00× |
| #11 | Senny Mayulu Paris Saint-Germain | 19 | U21 | €15.0M | €15.0M | 1.00× |
| #12 | Arthur Avom FC Lorient | 21 | 21-23 | €5.0M | €6.0M | 0.83× |
| #13 | Bilal Nadir Olympique Marseille | 22 | 21-23 | €5.0M | €6.0M | 0.83× |
| #14 | Mathis Amougou RC Strasbourg Alsace | 20 | U21 | €10.0M | €15.0M | 0.67× |
| #15 | Abu Francis FC Toulouse | 24 | 24-26 | €1.8M | €5.0M | 0.36× |
| #16 | Ethan Mbappé LOSC Lille | 19 | U21 | €5.0M | €15.0M | 0.33× |
| #17 | Yassin Belkhdim Angers SCO | 24 | 24-26 | €1.0M | €5.0M | 0.20× |
| #18 | Louis Mouton Angers SCO | 23 | 21-23 | €700K | €6.0M | 0.12× |
| #19 | Mamadou Coulibaly AS Monaco | 21 | 21-23 | €200K | €6.0M | 0.03× |
| #20 | Simon Ebonog Le Havre AC | 21 | 21-23 | €150K | €6.0M | 0.02× |
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)
LOSC Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi at 18 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +44%. That means Ayyoub Bouaddi is projected to appreciate 44% as they reach their peak age in 8 years—representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is Paris Saint-Germain's Warren Zaïre-Emery, who is 19 years old, with a +40% RPP (7 years to peak). Third is Senny Mayulu of Paris Saint-Germain, who is 19 years old with a +40% RPP (7 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 44% RPP means the player is expected to gain 44% 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 | Ayyoub Bouaddi LOSC Lille | 18 | 8 | €28.0M | €50.0M | +44% |
| #2 | Warren Zaïre-Emery Paris Saint-Germain | 19 | 7 | €55.0M | €91.4M | +40% |
| #3 | Senny Mayulu Paris Saint-Germain | 19 | 7 | €15.0M | €24.9M | +40% |
| #4 | Ethan Mbappé LOSC Lille | 19 | 7 | €5.0M | €8.3M | +40% |
| #5 | Mathis Amougou RC Strasbourg Alsace | 20 | 6 | €10.0M | €15.5M | +35% |
| #6 | Dehmaine Tabibou FC Nantes | 20 | 6 | €200K | €309K | +35% |
| #7 | Kévin Danois AJ Auxerre | 21 | 5 | €8.0M | €11.5M | +30% |
| #8 | Arthur Avom FC Lorient | 21 | 5 | €5.0M | €7.2M | +30% |
| #9 | João Neves Paris Saint-Germain | 21 | 5 | €80.0M | €115.0M | +30% |
| #10 | Simon Ebonog Le Havre AC | 21 | 5 | €150K | €216K | +30% |
| #11 | Mamadou Coulibaly AS Monaco | 21 | 5 | €200K | €287K | +30% |
| #12 | Valentín Barco RC Strasbourg Alsace | 21 | 5 | €12.0M | €17.2M | +30% |
| #13 | Bilal Nadir Olympique Marseille | 22 | 4 | €5.0M | €6.7M | +25% |
| #14 | Lamine Camara AS Monaco | 22 | 4 | €22.0M | €29.4M | +25% |
| #15 | Djaoui Cissé Stade Rennais FC | 22 | 4 | €8.0M | €10.7M | +25% |
| #16 | Louis Mouton Angers SCO | 23 | 3 | €700K | €870K | +20% |
| #17 | Mamadou Sangaré RC Lens | 23 | 3 | €6.0M | €7.5M | +20% |
| #18 | Yassine Kechta Le Havre AC | 24 | 2 | €5.0M | €5.8M | +14% |
| #19 | Yassin Belkhdim Angers SCO | 24 | 2 | €1.0M | €1.2M | +14% |
| #20 | Abu Francis FC Toulouse | 24 | 2 | €1.8M | €2.1M | +14% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Paris Saint-Germain's Warren Zaïre-Emery has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 70.0. That means Warren Zaïre-Emery has 24% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty—representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is LOSC Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi with a 68.9 RAU (23% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Ethan Mbappé of LOSC Lille with a 58.0 RAU (19% upside, 0% uncertainty).
How RAU is calculated: RAU divides upside potential by forecast uncertainty (RAU = Upside % ÷ Uncertainty %). A RAU of 70.0 means the upside is 70.0× 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 | Warren Zaïre-Emery Paris Saint-Germain | €68.2M | €58.8M-77.6M | +24% | 70.0 |
| #2 | Ayyoub Bouaddi LOSC Lille | €34.6M | €29.8M-39.3M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #3 | Ethan Mbappé LOSC Lille | €6.0M | €5.1M-6.8M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #4 | Senny Mayulu Paris Saint-Germain | €17.9M | €15.4M-20.3M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #5 | João Neves Paris Saint-Germain | €91.8M | €79.1M-104.5M | +15% | 46.6 |
| #6 | Dehmaine Tabibou FC Nantes | €229K | €198K-261K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #7 | Mathis Amougou RC Strasbourg Alsace | €11.5M | €9.9M-13.0M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #8 | Arthur Avom FC Lorient | €5.5M | €4.8M-6.3M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #9 | Valentín Barco RC Strasbourg Alsace | €13.2M | €11.4M-15.1M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #10 | Simon Ebonog Le Havre AC | €165K | €143K-188K | +10% | 33.7 |
| #11 | Kévin Danois AJ Auxerre | €8.8M | €7.6M-10.0M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #12 | Mamadou Coulibaly AS Monaco | €221K | €190K-251K | +10% | 33.7 |
| #13 | Louis Mouton Angers SCO | €749K | €660K-839K | +7% | 27.5 |
| #14 | Mamadou Sangaré RC Lens | €6.4M | €5.7M-7.2M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #15 | Djaoui Cissé Stade Rennais FC | €8.5M | €7.5M-9.5M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #16 | Lamine Camara AS Monaco | €23.3M | €20.5M-26.1M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #17 | Bilal Nadir Olympique Marseille | €5.3M | €4.7M-5.9M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #18 | Hicham Boudaoui OGC Nice | €15.4M | €13.6M-17.3M | +3% | 12.0 |
| #19 | Cristian Cásseres Jr. FC Toulouse | €6.2M | €5.4M-6.9M | +3% | 12.0 |
| #20 | Abu Francis FC Toulouse | €1.8M | €1.6M-2.1M | +2% | 9.8 |
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: midfielder 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)
FC Nantes's Dehmaine Tabibou in the U21 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +11.2%. That means Warren Zaïre-Emery captures 25.8% of total market value while representing only 14.6% of players in their age group—showing dominant elite status.
In second is RC Strasbourg Alsace's Mathis Amougou with a +11.2% ASC (25.8% value share vs 14.6% player share in U21 bracket). Third is Ayyoub Bouaddi of LOSC Lille with a +11.2% ASC (25.8% value vs 14.6% players in U21 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +11.2% ASC means the player captures 11.2% 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 | Dehmaine Tabibou FC Nantes | U21 | 25.8% | 14.6% | +11.2% |
| #2 | Mathis Amougou RC Strasbourg Alsace | U21 | 25.8% | 14.6% | +11.2% |
| #3 | Ayyoub Bouaddi LOSC Lille | U21 | 25.8% | 14.6% | +11.2% |
| #4 | Warren Zaïre-Emery Paris Saint-Germain | U21 | 25.8% | 14.6% | +11.2% |
| #5 | Ethan Mbappé LOSC Lille | U21 | 25.8% | 14.6% | +11.2% |
| #6 | Senny Mayulu Paris Saint-Germain | U21 | 25.8% | 14.6% | +11.2% |
| #7 | Paul Pogba AS Monaco | 30+ | 12.4% | 22.0% | -9.6% |
| #8 | Haris Belkebla Angers SCO | 30+ | 12.4% | 22.0% | -9.6% |
| #9 | Morgan Sanson OGC Nice | 30+ | 12.4% | 22.0% | -9.6% |
| #10 | Seko Fofana Stade Rennais FC | 30+ | 12.4% | 22.0% | -9.6% |
| #11 | Corentin Tolisso Olympique Lyon | 30+ | 12.4% | 22.0% | -9.6% |
| #12 | Pierrick Capelle Angers SCO | 30+ | 12.4% | 22.0% | -9.6% |
| #13 | André Gomes LOSC Lille | 30+ | 12.4% | 22.0% | -9.6% |
| #14 | Glen Kamara Stade Rennais FC | 30+ | 12.4% | 22.0% | -9.6% |
| #15 | Valentin Rongier Stade Rennais FC | 30+ | 12.4% | 22.0% | -9.6% |
| #16 | Arthur Avom FC Lorient | 21-23 | 33.5% | 26.8% | +6.7% |
| #17 | Bilal Nadir Olympique Marseille | 21-23 | 33.5% | 26.8% | +6.7% |
| #18 | João Neves Paris Saint-Germain | 21-23 | 33.5% | 26.8% | +6.7% |
| #19 | Kévin Danois AJ Auxerre | 21-23 | 33.5% | 26.8% | +6.7% |
| #20 | Mamadou Coulibaly AS Monaco | 21-23 | 33.5% | 26.8% | +6.7% |
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: 4 immediate targets, 13 standard acquisitions, 0 watch-list prospects, 13 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 €150K. 0 undervalued, 0 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Niklas Schmidt FC Toulouse | €1.8M | €6.0M | -1.40 | Good Value |
Arthur Avom FC Lorient | €5.0M | €6.0M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Pierrick Capelle Angers SCO | €200K | €6.0M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Vincent Marchetti Paris FC | €2.0M | €6.0M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Hicham Boudaoui OGC Nice | €15.0M | €6.0M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Bilal Nadir Olympique Marseille | €5.0M | €6.0M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Yassine Kechta Le Havre AC | €5.0M | €6.0M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Yassin Belkhdim Angers SCO | €1.0M | €6.0M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Ethan Mbappé LOSC Lille | €5.0M | €6.0M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Senny Mayulu Paris Saint-Germain | €15.0M | €6.0M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Mamadou Sangaré RC Lens | €6.0M | €6.0M | -0.67 | Good Value |
Hugo Magnetti Stade Brestois 29 | €6.0M | €6.0M | -0.33 | Fair Value |
Paul Pogba AS Monaco | €5.0M | €6.0M | -0.20 | Fair Value |
Morgan Sanson OGC Nice | €5.0M | €6.0M | -0.20 | Fair Value |
Glen Kamara Stade Rennais FC | €5.0M | €6.0M | -0.20 | Fair Value |
Simon Ebonog Le Havre AC | €150K | €6.0M | -0.09 | Fair Value |
Dehmaine Tabibou FC Nantes | €200K | €6.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Mathis Amougou RC Strasbourg Alsace | €10.0M | €6.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Ayyoub Bouaddi LOSC Lille | €28.0M | €6.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Haris Belkebla Angers SCO | €2.0M | €6.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |