Best U23 Young Centre-Backs in the World
272 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 2026-27
Our database tracked 271 World Young Centre-Backs in the 2026-27 season, representing 239 clubs with a combined market value of €920.2M. The average market value for World Young Centre-Backs was €3.4M, with the average age at 22 years old.
The most valuable young centre-back in the World was Ilya Zabarnyi, worth €50.0M and played for Paris Saint-Germain at 23 years old. The top 5 Young Centre-Backs averaged €43.0M in market value, including Castello Lukeba and Jarrad Branthwaite.
Age distribution showed the youngest tracked young centre-back was Matteo Palma (18 years, UC Sampdoria, €5.0M), while the oldest was Ilya Zabarnyi (23 years, Paris Saint-Germain, €50.0M). Research shows Young Centre-Backs typically peak at age 27.
Historical analysis showed 271 Young Centre-Backs (100%) increased in market value over the following 12 months based on age-curve trajectories, then-current performance trends, and playing time analysis. The World market for Young Centre-Backs remained highly competitive with significant transfer activity in the 2026-27 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 239 clubs with €920.2M 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 (221 players, 82% of market). The 21-23 age group holds the most value at €771.8M, averaging €3.5M per player.
Top Young Centre-Backs by Age Bracket
U21 Years (50 players)
21-23 Years (221 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 28 Young Centre-Backs (10% of players) control €596.0M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with elite (€50m+) tier representing 0% of the World CB pool.
Elite (€50M+)
Premium (€30-50M)
High (€15-30M)
Club Distribution: World Young Centre-Backs
Among 239 World clubs, RB Leipzig leads with 2 Young Centre-Backs worth €60.0M (averaging €30.0M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 5% of tracked Young Centre-Backs.
RB Leipzig (2 Young Centre-Backs)
Paris Saint-Germain (1 Young Centre-Backs)
Everton FC (1 Young Centre-Backs)
Bayer 04 Leverkusen (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.
Ilya Zabarnyi
Paris Saint-Germain • 23 years old
€43.2M
€50.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €55.7M
79.1
Castello Lukeba
RB Leipzig • 23 years old
€38.9M
€45.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €50.1M
74.0
Jarrad Branthwaite
Everton FC • 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
Abdukodir Khusanov
Manchester City • 22 years old
€30.3M
€35.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €38.6M
64.8
Raúl Asencio
Real Madrid • 23 years old
€25.9M
€30.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €32.1M
56.0
Zeno Debast
Sporting CP • 22 years old
€25.9M
€30.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €31.8M
55.7
António Silva
SL Benfica • 22 years old
€25.9M
€30.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €31.8M
55.7
Finn Jeltsch
VfB Stuttgart • 19 years old
€21.6M
€25.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €29.8M
51.1
Pietro Comuzzo
ACF Fiorentina • 21 years old
€19.9M
€23.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €25.4M
48.8
Jérémy Jacquet
Stade Rennais FC • 20 years old
€17.3M
€20.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €22.9M
45.4
Jaydee Canvot
Crystal Palace • 19 years old
€17.3M
€20.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €23.8M
45.3
Leopold Querfeld
1.FC Union Berlin • 22 years old
€15.6M
€18.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €19.1M
43.8
Jacobo Ramón
Como 1907 • 21 years old
€15.6M
€18.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €19.8M
43.5
Nathan Zézé
NEOM SC • 20 years old
€15.6M
€18.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €20.6M
42.9
Marc Pubill
Atlético de Madrid • 22 years old
€13.0M
€15.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €15.9M
40.8
El Chadaille Bitshiabu
RB Leipzig • 21 years old
€13.0M
€15.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €16.5M
40.3
Tarik Muharemović
US Sassuolo • 23 years old
€12.1M
€14.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €15.0M
40.3
Bashir Humphreys
Burnley FC • 23 years old
€10.4M
€12.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €12.8M
38.4
Chadi Riad
Crystal Palace • 22 years old
€10.4M
€12.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €12.7M
37.8
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 Ilya Zabarnyi at 23 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 62.50×. That means Ilya Zabarnyi is valued 62.50× 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 56.25× PPVE. Third is Jarrad Branthwaite of Everton FC, who is 23 years old with a 56.25× 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 62.50× means the player is worth 6150% 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 | Ilya Zabarnyi Paris Saint-Germain | 23 | 21-23 | €50.0M | €800K | 62.50× |
| #2 | Castello Lukeba RB Leipzig | 23 | 21-23 | €45.0M | €800K | 56.25× |
| #3 | Jarrad Branthwaite Everton FC | 23 | 21-23 | €45.0M | €800K | 56.25× |
| #4 | Jarell Quansah Bayer 04 Leverkusen | 23 | 21-23 | €40.0M | €800K | 50.00× |
| #5 | Abdukodir Khusanov Manchester City | 22 | 21-23 | €35.0M | €800K | 43.75× |
| #6 | Zeno Debast Sporting CP | 22 | 21-23 | €30.0M | €800K | 37.50× |
| #7 | António Silva SL Benfica | 22 | 21-23 | €30.0M | €800K | 37.50× |
| #8 | Raúl Asencio Real Madrid | 23 | 21-23 | €30.0M | €800K | 37.50× |
| #9 | Finn Jeltsch VfB Stuttgart | 19 | U21 | €25.0M | €800K | 31.25× |
| #10 | Pietro Comuzzo ACF Fiorentina | 21 | 21-23 | €23.0M | €800K | 28.75× |
| #11 | Jérémy Jacquet Stade Rennais FC | 20 | U21 | €20.0M | €800K | 25.00× |
| #12 | Jaydee Canvot Crystal Palace | 19 | U21 | €20.0M | €800K | 25.00× |
| #13 | Leopold Querfeld 1.FC Union Berlin | 22 | 21-23 | €18.0M | €800K | 22.50× |
| #14 | Nathan Zézé NEOM SC | 20 | U21 | €18.0M | €800K | 22.50× |
| #15 | Jacobo Ramón Como 1907 | 21 | 21-23 | €18.0M | €800K | 22.50× |
| #16 | El Chadaille Bitshiabu RB Leipzig | 21 | 21-23 | €15.0M | €800K | 18.75× |
| #17 | Marc Pubill Atlético de Madrid | 22 | 21-23 | €15.0M | €800K | 18.75× |
| #18 | Tarik Muharemović US Sassuolo | 23 | 21-23 | €14.0M | €800K | 17.50× |
| #19 | Aarón Anselmino Chelsea FC | 21 | 21-23 | €12.0M | €800K | 15.00× |
| #20 | Bashir Humphreys Burnley FC | 23 | 21-23 | €12.0M | €800K | 15.00× |
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)
Monagas SC's Marcos Maitán at 18 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +44%. That means Nunzio Engwanda is projected to appreciate 44% as they reach their peak age in 8 years-representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is RSCA Futures's Nunzio Engwanda, who is 18 years old, with a +44% RPP (8 years to peak). Third is Matteo Palma of UC Sampdoria, 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 | Marcos Maitán Monagas SC | 18 | 8 | €800K | €1.4M | +44% |
| #2 | Nunzio Engwanda RSCA Futures | 18 | 8 | €900K | €1.6M | +44% |
| #3 | Matteo Palma UC Sampdoria | 18 | 8 | €5.0M | €8.9M | +44% |
| #4 | Jens Mathijsen Willem II Tilburg | 18 | 8 | €300K | €536K | +44% |
| #5 | Michée Ndembi SL Benfica U23 | 18 | 8 | €250K | €447K | +44% |
| #6 | Nicolás Villarroel Club Always Ready | 18 | 8 | €300K | €536K | +44% |
| #7 | Dylan Smith Ross County FC | 19 | 7 | €250K | €415K | +40% |
| #8 | Michał Synoś Stal Rzeszow | 19 | 7 | €700K | €1.2M | +40% |
| #9 | Branimir Mlacic Udinese Calcio | 19 | 7 | €4.0M | €6.6M | +40% |
| #10 | Finn Jeltsch VfB Stuttgart | 19 | 7 | €25.0M | €41.5M | +40% |
| #11 | Nóel Atli Arnórsson Aalborg BK | 19 | 7 | €700K | €1.2M | +40% |
| #12 | Harrison Murray-Campbell Chelsea FC U21 | 19 | 7 | €500K | €831K | +40% |
| #13 | Matai Akinmboni AFC Bournemouth | 19 | 7 | €1.0M | €1.7M | +40% |
| #14 | Oluwaseun Ogbemudia SV Waldhof Mannheim | 19 | 7 | €250K | €415K | +40% |
| #15 | Jaydee Canvot Crystal Palace | 19 | 7 | €20.0M | €33.2M | +40% |
| #16 | Noah Markmann FC Nordsjaelland | 19 | 7 | €2.5M | €4.2M | +40% |
| #17 | Iván Román Clube Atlético Mineiro | 19 | 7 | €1.5M | €2.5M | +40% |
| #18 | Raul Gomez Real Oruro | 19 | 7 | €375K | €623K | +40% |
| #19 | Lucas Høgsberg RC Strasbourg Alsace | 19 | 7 | €12.0M | €19.9M | +40% |
| #20 | Emmanuel Kakou Cercle Brugge | 20 | 6 | €1.5M | €2.3M | +35% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
UC Sampdoria's Matteo Palma has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 68.9. That means Matteo Palma has 23% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty-representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is SL Benfica U23's Michée Ndembi with a 68.9 RAU (23% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Jens Mathijsen of Willem II Tilburg 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 | Matteo Palma UC Sampdoria | €6.2M | €5.3M-7.0M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #2 | Michée Ndembi SL Benfica U23 | €309K | €266K-351K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #3 | Jens Mathijsen Willem II Tilburg | €370K | €319K-422K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #4 | Nicolás Villarroel Club Always Ready | €370K | €319K-422K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #5 | Nunzio Engwanda RSCA Futures | €1.1M | €958K-1.3M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #6 | Marcos Maitán Monagas SC | €988K | €852K-1.1M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #7 | Michał Synoś Stal Rzeszow | €833K | €718K-949K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #8 | Nóel Atli Arnórsson Aalborg BK | €833K | €718K-949K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #9 | Dylan Smith Ross County FC | €298K | €257K-339K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #10 | Branimir Mlacic Udinese Calcio | €4.8M | €4.1M-5.4M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #11 | Harrison Murray-Campbell Chelsea FC U21 | €595K | €513K-678K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #12 | Matai Akinmboni AFC Bournemouth | €1.2M | €1.0M-1.4M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #13 | Oluwaseun Ogbemudia SV Waldhof Mannheim | €298K | €257K-339K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #14 | Jaydee Canvot Crystal Palace | €23.8M | €20.5M-27.1M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #15 | Noah Markmann FC Nordsjaelland | €3.0M | €2.6M-3.4M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #16 | Iván Román Clube Atlético Mineiro | €1.8M | €1.5M-2.0M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #17 | Raul Gomez Real Oruro | €447K | €385K-508K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #18 | Lucas Høgsberg RC Strasbourg Alsace | €14.3M | €12.3M-16.3M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #19 | Finn Jeltsch VfB Stuttgart | €29.8M | €25.7M-33.9M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #20 | Fellipe Jack US Catanzaro | €2.1M | €1.8M-2.3M | +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 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)
Dundee FC's Luke Graham in the 21-23 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +2.3%. That means Ilya Zabarnyi captures 83.9% of total market value while representing only 81.5% of players in their age group-showing dominant elite status.
In second is Sport Club Corinthians Paulista's Tchoca with a +2.3% ASC (83.9% value share vs 81.5% player share in 21-23 bracket). Third is João Tornich of LASK with a +2.3% ASC (83.9% value vs 81.5% players in 21-23 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +2.3% ASC means the player captures 2.3% 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 | Luke Graham Dundee FC | 21-23 | 83.9% | 81.5% | +2.3% |
| #2 | Tchoca Sport Club Corinthians Paulista | 21-23 | 83.9% | 81.5% | +2.3% |
| #3 | João Tornich LASK | 21-23 | 83.9% | 81.5% | +2.3% |
| #4 | David Morosini CA Juventud | 21-23 | 83.9% | 81.5% | +2.3% |
| #5 | Miguel Vázquez CF América | 21-23 | 83.9% | 81.5% | +2.3% |
| #6 | Pedro Gomes Valencia Mestalla | 21-23 | 83.9% | 81.5% | +2.3% |
| #7 | Valentín Gauthier Club León FC | 21-23 | 83.9% | 81.5% | +2.3% |
| #8 | Nobel Mendy Rayo Vallecano | 21-23 | 83.9% | 81.5% | +2.3% |
| #9 | Modou Tambedou Kalju FC | 21-23 | 83.9% | 81.5% | +2.3% |
| #10 | Fallou Fall St. Louis CITY SC | 21-23 | 83.9% | 81.5% | +2.3% |
| #11 | Adrián Palacios KRC Genk | 21-23 | 83.9% | 81.5% | +2.3% |
| #12 | Maizon Rodríguez CA Unión (Santa Fe) | 21-23 | 83.9% | 81.5% | +2.3% |
| #13 | Jhair Soto Asociación Deportiva Tarma | 21-23 | 83.9% | 81.5% | +2.3% |
| #14 | Gustavo Mancha Olympiacos Piraeus | 21-23 | 83.9% | 81.5% | +2.3% |
| #15 | Jonathan Jesus Cruzeiro Esporte Clube | 21-23 | 83.9% | 81.5% | +2.3% |
| #16 | Ramiro Franco Mazatlán FC U21 | 21-23 | 83.9% | 81.5% | +2.3% |
| #17 | Jorge Berlanga CF Pachuca | 21-23 | 83.9% | 81.5% | +2.3% |
| #18 | Matías Vásquez Magallanes | 21-23 | 83.9% | 81.5% | +2.3% |
| #19 | Kayky Almeida Clube do Remo (PA) | 21-23 | 83.9% | 81.5% | +2.3% |
| #20 | Bruno Ramos Sporting CP B | 21-23 | 83.9% | 81.5% | +2.3% |
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: 19 immediate targets, 252 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 €600K. 0 undervalued, 35 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
El Chadaille Bitshiabu RB Leipzig | €15.0M | €800K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Marc Pubill Atlético de Madrid | €15.0M | €800K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Juan Rodríguez Cagliari Calcio | €5.0M | €800K | -0.50 | Fair Value |
Jenson Seelt VfL Wolfsburg | €5.0M | €800K | -0.50 | Fair Value |
Clemens Riedel RCD Espanyol Barcelona | €5.0M | €800K | -0.50 | Fair Value |
Adrián Brizuela Sportivo Luqueño | €225K | €800K | -0.41 | Fair Value |
Elquin Chichande AD Nueve de Octubre | €225K | €800K | -0.41 | Fair Value |
Fabian Chaverra Trujillanos FC | €225K | €800K | -0.41 | Fair Value |
Jamal Baptiste Rotherham United | €225K | €800K | -0.41 | Fair Value |
Nathan Zézé NEOM SC | €18.0M | €800K | -0.40 | Fair Value |
Bruno Ramos Sporting CP B | €250K | €800K | -0.39 | Fair Value |
Sebastián Acuña Rangers de Talca | €250K | €800K | -0.39 | Fair Value |
David Retamal Universidad de Concepción | €250K | €800K | -0.39 | Fair Value |
Kaly Casa Pia AC | €250K | €800K | -0.39 | Fair Value |
Lenny Lacroix Dijon FCO | €250K | €800K | -0.39 | Fair Value |
Joshua Mukeh FC Utrecht U21 | €250K | €800K | -0.39 | Fair Value |
Leon Reichardt FC Hansa Rostock | €250K | €800K | -0.39 | Fair Value |
Kevin Miranda AC Trento | €250K | €800K | -0.39 | Fair Value |
Dino Grozdanic Asteras Aktor B | €250K | €800K | -0.39 | Fair Value |
Finn Dicke MVV Maastricht | €250K | €800K | -0.39 | Fair Value |