Best U23 Young Centre-Backs in the World
167 players aged 23 or under · ranked by Analytical Strength Index
Best Young Centre-Backs in the World (Jun 2026)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index
Market Overview: World Young Centre-Backs 2025-26
Our database tracks 167 World Young Centre-Backs in the 2025-26 season, representing 142 clubs with a combined market value of €561.7M. The average market value for World Young Centre-Backs is €3.4M, with the average age at 22 years old.
The most valuable young centre-back in the World is Murillo, worth €55.0M and playing for Nottingham Forest at 23 years old. The top 5 Young Centre-Backs average €43.0M in market value, including Ousmane Diomande and Castello Lukeba.
Age distribution shows the youngest tracked young centre-back is Virgilio Olaya (18 years, SD Aucas, €1.2M), while the oldest is Murillo (23 years, Nottingham Forest, €55.0M). Research shows Young Centre-Backs typically peak at age 27.
Our 1-year forecast model projects 167 Young Centre-Backs (100%) will increase in market value over the next 12 months based on age-curve trajectories, current performance trends, and playing time analysis. The World market for Young Centre-Backs remains highly competitive with significant transfer activity expected 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 World
Interactive bubble chart showing predicted 2-year growth vs current age for all World Young Centre-Backs. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 142 clubs with €561.7M combined value.
Age Distribution: World Young Centre-Backs
The World CB market shows 2 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 21-23 bracket (132 players, 79% of market). The 21-23 age group holds the most value at €494.4M, averaging €3.7M per player.
Top Young Centre-Backs by Age Bracket
U21 Years (35 players)
21-23 Years (132 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 17 Young Centre-Backs (10% of players) control €383.0M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with elite (€50m+) tier representing 1% of the World CB pool.
Elite (€50M+)
Premium (€30-50M)
High (€15-30M)
Club Distribution: World Young Centre-Backs
Among 142 World clubs, Sporting CP leads with 2 Young Centre-Backs worth €75.0M (averaging €37.5M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 10% of tracked Young Centre-Backs.
Sporting CP (2 Young Centre-Backs)
Nottingham Forest (2 Young Centre-Backs)
RB Leipzig (2 Young Centre-Backs)
RC Strasbourg Alsace (2 Young Centre-Backs)
Player Rankings
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index. Click any player to view full profile, or click the chart icon to see value history.
Murillo
Nottingham Forest • 23 years old
€47.6M
€55.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €61.3M
83.8
Ousmane Diomande
Sporting CP • 22 years old
€38.9M
€45.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €49.6M
74.4
Castello Lukeba
RB Leipzig • 23 years old
€38.9M
€45.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €50.1M
74.0
Jarell Quansah
Bayer 04 Leverkusen • 23 years old
€34.6M
€40.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €44.6M
69.2
Zeno Debast
Sporting CP • 22 years old
€25.9M
€30.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €31.8M
55.7
Mamadou Sarr
RC Strasbourg Alsace • 20 years old
€21.6M
€25.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €28.7M
50.9
Ismaël Doukouré
RC Strasbourg Alsace • 22 years old
€15.6M
€18.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €19.1M
43.8
Leopold Querfeld
1.FC Union Berlin • 22 years old
€15.6M
€18.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €19.1M
43.8
Javi Rodríguez
Celta de Vigo • 22 years old
€13.0M
€15.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €15.9M
40.8
Christian Mawissa
AS Monaco • 21 years old
€13.0M
€15.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €16.5M
40.3
Bashir Humphreys
Burnley FC • 23 years old
€10.4M
€12.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €12.8M
38.4
Valentín Gómez
Real Betis Balompié • 22 years old
€10.4M
€12.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €12.7M
37.8
Aarón Anselmino
Chelsea FC • 21 years old
€10.4M
€12.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €13.2M
37.3
Jair Cunha
Nottingham Forest • 21 years old
€10.4M
€12.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €13.2M
37.2
Matte Smets
KRC Genk • 22 years old
€9.5M
€11.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €11.6M
36.4
Nathan Ngoy
LOSC Lille • 23 years old
€8.6M
€10.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €10.7M
32.8
Max Rosenfelder
SC Freiburg • 23 years old
€6.9M
€8.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €8.6M
30.9
Jon Martín
Real Sociedad • 20 years old
€8.6M
€10.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €11.5M
30.9
Robert Renan
Clube de Regatas Vasco da Gama • 22 years old
€7.8M
€9.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €9.5M
30.8
Bright Arrey-Mbi
SC Braga • 23 years old
€6.1M
€7.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €7.5M
29.6
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)
Nottingham Forest's Murillo at 23 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 78.57×. That means Murillo is valued 78.57× higher than the median player in the 21-23 age bracket-representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is RB Leipzig's Castello Lukeba, who is 23 years old, with a 64.29× PPVE. Third is Ousmane Diomande of Sporting CP, who is 22 years old with a 64.29× 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 78.57× means the player is worth 7757% 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 | Murillo Nottingham Forest | 23 | 21-23 | €55.0M | €700K | 78.57× |
| #2 | Castello Lukeba RB Leipzig | 23 | 21-23 | €45.0M | €700K | 64.29× |
| #3 | Ousmane Diomande Sporting CP | 22 | 21-23 | €45.0M | €700K | 64.29× |
| #4 | Jarell Quansah Bayer 04 Leverkusen | 23 | 21-23 | €40.0M | €700K | 57.14× |
| #5 | Zeno Debast Sporting CP | 22 | 21-23 | €30.0M | €700K | 42.86× |
| #6 | Mamadou Sarr RC Strasbourg Alsace | 20 | U21 | €25.0M | €600K | 41.67× |
| #7 | Leopold Querfeld 1.FC Union Berlin | 22 | 21-23 | €18.0M | €700K | 25.71× |
| #8 | Ismaël Doukouré RC Strasbourg Alsace | 22 | 21-23 | €18.0M | €700K | 25.71× |
| #9 | Christian Mawissa AS Monaco | 21 | 21-23 | €15.0M | €700K | 21.43× |
| #10 | Javi Rodríguez Celta de Vigo | 22 | 21-23 | €15.0M | €700K | 21.43× |
| #11 | Aarón Anselmino Chelsea FC | 21 | 21-23 | €12.0M | €700K | 17.14× |
| #12 | Bashir Humphreys Burnley FC | 23 | 21-23 | €12.0M | €700K | 17.14× |
| #13 | Jair Cunha Nottingham Forest | 21 | 21-23 | €12.0M | €700K | 17.14× |
| #14 | Valentín Gómez Real Betis Balompié | 22 | 21-23 | €12.0M | €700K | 17.14× |
| #15 | Jon Martín Real Sociedad | 20 | U21 | €10.0M | €600K | 16.67× |
| #16 | Matte Smets KRC Genk | 22 | 21-23 | €11.0M | €700K | 15.71× |
| #17 | Nathan Ngoy LOSC Lille | 23 | 21-23 | €10.0M | €700K | 14.29× |
| #18 | Robert Renan Clube de Regatas Vasco da Gama | 22 | 21-23 | €9.0M | €700K | 12.86× |
| #19 | Max Rosenfelder SC Freiburg | 23 | 21-23 | €8.0M | €700K | 11.43× |
| #20 | Lautaro Rivero CA River Plate | 22 | 21-23 | €7.0M | €700K | 10.00× |
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)
Willem II Tilburg's Jens Mathijsen at 18 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +44%. That means Virgilio Olaya is projected to appreciate 44% as they reach their peak age in 8 years-representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is SL Benfica U23's Michée Ndembi, who is 18 years old, with a +44% RPP (8 years to peak). Third is Virgilio Olaya of SD Aucas, who is 18 years old with a +44% RPP (8 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 | Jens Mathijsen Willem II Tilburg | 18 | 8 | €300K | €536K | +44% |
| #2 | Michée Ndembi SL Benfica U23 | 18 | 8 | €250K | €447K | +44% |
| #3 | Virgilio Olaya SD Aucas | 18 | 8 | €1.2M | €2.1M | +44% |
| #4 | Jonathan Norbye RB Leipzig | 19 | 7 | €300K | €499K | +40% |
| #5 | Lazar Stefanović Toronto FC | 19 | 7 | €300K | €499K | +40% |
| #6 | Arda Ünyay Galatasaray | 19 | 7 | €1.0M | €1.7M | +40% |
| #7 | Naoufel El Hannach Montpellier HSC | 19 | 7 | €1.2M | €2.0M | +40% |
| #8 | Lautaro Dufur CA Rentistas | 19 | 7 | €250K | €415K | +40% |
| #9 | Michał Synoś Stal Rzeszow | 19 | 7 | €700K | €1.2M | +40% |
| #10 | Branimir Mlacic Udinese Calcio | 19 | 7 | €4.0M | €6.6M | +40% |
| #11 | Rui Silva SL Benfica B | 19 | 7 | €350K | €582K | +40% |
| #12 | João Fonseca SL Benfica B | 19 | 7 | €600K | €997K | +40% |
| #13 | Joachim Kayi Sanda Southampton FC | 19 | 7 | €1.2M | €2.0M | +40% |
| #14 | Tobías Ramírez AA Argentinos Juniors | 19 | 7 | €2.5M | €4.2M | +40% |
| #15 | Emmanuel Kakou Cercle Brugge | 20 | 6 | €1.5M | €2.3M | +35% |
| #16 | Pietro Comi Atalanta U23 | 20 | 6 | €350K | €541K | +35% |
| #17 | Juan Giménez CA Rosario Central | 20 | 6 | €2.5M | €3.9M | +35% |
| #18 | Jon Martín Real Sociedad | 20 | 6 | €10.0M | €15.5M | +35% |
| #19 | Joseph Jones Kryvbas Kryvyi Rig | 20 | 6 | €275K | €425K | +35% |
| #20 | Juan David Sánchez Deportivo Táchira | 20 | 6 | €275K | €425K | +35% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
SL Benfica U23's Michée Ndembi has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 68.9. That means Michée Ndembi has 23% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty-representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is Willem II Tilburg's Jens Mathijsen with a 68.9 RAU (23% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Virgilio Olaya of SD Aucas with a 68.9 RAU (23% upside, 0% uncertainty).
How RAU is calculated: RAU divides upside potential by forecast uncertainty (RAU = Upside % ÷ Uncertainty %). A RAU of 68.9 means the upside is 68.9× 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 | Michée Ndembi SL Benfica U23 | €309K | €266K-351K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #2 | Jens Mathijsen Willem II Tilburg | €370K | €319K-422K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #3 | Virgilio Olaya SD Aucas | €1.5M | €1.3M-1.7M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #4 | Jonathan Norbye RB Leipzig | €357K | €308K-407K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #5 | Lazar Stefanović Toronto FC | €357K | €308K-407K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #6 | Naoufel El Hannach Montpellier HSC | €1.4M | €1.2M-1.6M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #7 | João Fonseca SL Benfica B | €714K | €616K-813K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #8 | Joachim Kayi Sanda Southampton FC | €1.4M | €1.2M-1.6M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #9 | Michał Synoś Stal Rzeszow | €833K | €718K-949K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #10 | Rui Silva SL Benfica B | €417K | €359K-474K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #11 | Arda Ünyay Galatasaray | €1.2M | €1.0M-1.4M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #12 | Lautaro Dufur CA Rentistas | €298K | €257K-339K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #13 | Branimir Mlacic Udinese Calcio | €4.8M | €4.1M-5.4M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #14 | Tobías Ramírez AA Argentinos Juniors | €3.0M | €2.6M-3.4M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #15 | Stephen Acquah FC Nordsjaelland | €573K | €494K-652K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #16 | Diego Saavedra Gualberto Villarroel San José | €258K | €222K-294K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #17 | Cheikh Mbacke Diop NK Lokomotiva Zagreb | €1.1M | €988K-1.3M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #18 | German Ignatov FC Rostov | €516K | €445K-587K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #19 | Bastien Meupiyou FC Alverca | €4.6M | €4.0M-5.2M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #20 | João Muniz Sporting CP B | €573K | €494K-652K | +15% | 46.3 |
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: young centre-back position shows weak 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)
Magallanes's Alonso Walters in the 21-23 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +9.0%. That means Murillo captures 88.0% of total market value while representing only 79.0% of players in their age group-showing dominant elite status.
In second is AS Monaco's Christian Mawissa with a +9.0% ASC (88.0% value share vs 79.0% player share in 21-23 bracket). Third is Murillo of Nottingham Forest with a +9.0% ASC (88.0% value vs 79.0% players in 21-23 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +9.0% ASC means the player captures 9.0% 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 | Alonso Walters Magallanes | 21-23 | 88.0% | 79.0% | +9.0% |
| #2 | Christian Mawissa AS Monaco | 21-23 | 88.0% | 79.0% | +9.0% |
| #3 | Murillo Nottingham Forest | 21-23 | 88.0% | 79.0% | +9.0% |
| #4 | Junior Diaz Stade Brestois 29 | 21-23 | 88.0% | 79.0% | +9.0% |
| #5 | Jason Dalle Molle Francs Borains | 21-23 | 88.0% | 79.0% | +9.0% |
| #6 | Matte Smets KRC Genk | 21-23 | 88.0% | 79.0% | +9.0% |
| #7 | Ismaëlo Ganiou RC Lens | 21-23 | 88.0% | 79.0% | +9.0% |
| #8 | Kevin Jappert CA Barracas Central | 21-23 | 88.0% | 79.0% | +9.0% |
| #9 | Amando Lapage KVC Westerlo | 21-23 | 88.0% | 79.0% | +9.0% |
| #10 | Djovkar Doudaev RWDM Brussels | 21-23 | 88.0% | 79.0% | +9.0% |
| #11 | Omar Fayed FC Arouca | 21-23 | 88.0% | 79.0% | +9.0% |
| #12 | Noah Solheid RFC Seraing | 21-23 | 88.0% | 79.0% | +9.0% |
| #13 | James Ndjeungoue KV Kortrijk | 21-23 | 88.0% | 79.0% | +9.0% |
| #14 | David Moreira Sporting CP B | 21-23 | 88.0% | 79.0% | +9.0% |
| #15 | Vitaliy Kholod Karpaty Lviv | 21-23 | 88.0% | 79.0% | +9.0% |
| #16 | Marcos Gómez CA Boston River | 21-23 | 88.0% | 79.0% | +9.0% |
| #17 | Ezequiel Burdín Albion FC | 21-23 | 88.0% | 79.0% | +9.0% |
| #18 | Bakary Konaté Kryvbas Kryvyi Rig | 21-23 | 88.0% | 79.0% | +9.0% |
| #19 | Tomás Avilés CF Montréal | 21-23 | 88.0% | 79.0% | +9.0% |
| #20 | Valentín Vidal Unión Española | 21-23 | 88.0% | 79.0% | +9.0% |
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: 14 immediate targets, 153 standard acquisitions, 0 watch-list prospects, 0 at peak.
BUY NOW - High Upside
WATCH LIST - High Upside
No players in this category
BUY NOW - Medium Upside
PEAK Players
No players in this category
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 €450K. 1 undervalued, 26 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Zeno Debast Sporting CP | €30.0M | €600K | -3.00 | Undervalued |
Christian Mawissa AS Monaco | €15.0M | €600K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Javi Rodríguez Celta de Vigo | €15.0M | €600K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Jarell Quansah Bayer 04 Leverkusen | €40.0M | €600K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Junior Diaz Stade Brestois 29 | €5.0M | €600K | -0.80 | Good Value |
Juan Rodríguez Cagliari Calcio | €5.0M | €600K | -0.80 | Good Value |
Jenson Seelt VfL Wolfsburg | €5.0M | €600K | -0.80 | Good Value |
Adrián Brizuela Sportivo Luqueño | €225K | €600K | -0.42 | Fair Value |
Elquin Chichande AD Nueve de Octubre | €225K | €600K | -0.42 | Fair Value |
Jamal Baptiste Rotherham United | €225K | €600K | -0.42 | Fair Value |
Lautaro Rivero CA River Plate | €7.0M | €600K | -0.40 | Fair Value |
Bright Arrey-Mbi SC Braga | €7.0M | €600K | -0.40 | Fair Value |
Jason Dalle Molle Francs Borains | €250K | €600K | -0.38 | Fair Value |
Bruno Ramos Sporting CP B | €250K | €600K | -0.38 | Fair Value |
Juan Viveros Alianza FC | €250K | €600K | -0.38 | Fair Value |
Anghelo Flores Sport Boys Association | €250K | €600K | -0.38 | Fair Value |
Rafael Corrales Club Deportivo Guabirá | €250K | €600K | -0.38 | Fair Value |
Kaly Casa Pia AC | €250K | €600K | -0.38 | Fair Value |
Líder Cáceres Club Nacional Asunción | €250K | €600K | -0.38 | Fair Value |
Lenny Lacroix Dijon FCO | €250K | €600K | -0.38 | Fair Value |