Best U23 Young Strikers in the World
191 players aged 23 or under · ranked by Analytical Strength Index
Best Young Strikers in the World (Jun 2026)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index
Market Overview: World Young Strikers 2024-25
Our database tracked 191 World Young Strikers in the 2024-25 season, representing 179 clubs with a combined market value of €537.9M. The average market value for World Young Strikers was €2.8M, with the average age at 22 years old.
The most valuable young striker in the World was Thierno Barry, worth €30.0M and played for Everton FC at 23 years old. The top 5 Young Strikers averaged €25.4M in market value, including Fábio Silva and Endrick.
Age distribution showed the youngest tracked young striker was Hasan Ege Akdoğan (18 years, Ankara Demirspor, €400K), while the oldest was Thierno Barry (23 years, Everton FC, €30.0M). Research shows Young Strikers typically peak at age 26.
Historical analysis showed 191 Young Strikers (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 Strikers remained highly competitive with significant transfer activity in the 2024-25 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 Strikers. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 179 clubs with €537.9M combined value.
Age Distribution: World Young Strikers
The World ST market shows 2 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 21-23 bracket (156 players, 82% of market). The 21-23 age group holds the most value at €392.1M, averaging €2.5M per player.
Top Young Strikers by Age Bracket
U21 Years (35 players)
21-23 Years (156 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 20 Young Strikers (10% of players) control €328.0M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with premium (€30-50m) tier representing 1% of the World ST pool.
Premium (€30-50M)
High (€15-30M)
Mid (€5-15M)
Club Distribution: World Young Strikers
Among 179 World clubs, Everton FC leads with 1 Young Strikers worth €30.0M (averaging €30.0M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 6% of tracked Young Strikers.
Everton FC (1 Young Strikers)
Borussia Dortmund (1 Young Strikers)
Olympique Lyon (1 Young Strikers)
Shakhtar Donetsk (2 Young Strikers)
Player Rankings
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index. Click any player to view full profile, or click the chart icon to see value history.
Thierno Barry
Everton FC • 23 years old
€25.9M
€30.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €32.1M
55.9
Fábio Silva
Borussia Dortmund • 23 years old
€24.2M
€28.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €30.0M
53.9
Endrick
Olympique Lyon • 19 years old
€21.6M
€25.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €29.8M
51.1
Stefanos Tzimas
Brighton & Hove Albion • 20 years old
€19.0M
€22.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €25.2M
47.6
Eli Kroupi
AFC Bournemouth • 19 years old
€19.0M
€22.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €26.2M
47.6
Matthis Abline
FC Nantes • 23 years old
€17.3M
€20.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €21.4M
46.1
Marcos Leonardo
Al-Hilal SFC • 23 years old
€17.3M
€20.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €21.4M
45.8
Hamza Igamane
LOSC Lille • 23 years old
€15.6M
€18.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €19.3M
44.2
Jay Stansfield
Birmingham City • 23 years old
€15.6M
€18.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €19.3M
43.9
Ricardo Pepi
PSV Eindhoven • 23 years old
€13.0M
€15.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €16.1M
41.0
Gonzalo García
Real Madrid • 22 years old
€13.0M
€15.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €15.9M
41.0
William Osula
Newcastle United • 22 years old
€13.0M
€15.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €15.9M
40.8
Kauã Elias
Shakhtar Donetsk • 20 years old
€13.0M
€15.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €17.2M
39.6
Elye Wahi
OGC Nice • 23 years old
€10.4M
€12.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €12.8M
38.4
Marc Guiu
Chelsea FC • 20 years old
€10.4M
€12.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €13.8M
36.8
Gift Orban
Hellas Verona • 23 years old
€7.4M
€8.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €9.1M
31.4
Tom Cannon
Sheffield United • 23 years old
€6.9M
€8.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €8.6M
30.6
Matija Frigan
Parma Calcio 1913 • 23 years old
€6.5M
€7.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €8.0M
30.4
Luca Meirelles
Shakhtar Donetsk • 19 years old
€8.6M
€10.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €11.9M
30.0
Igor Matanovic
SC Freiburg • 23 years old
€6.1M
€7.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €7.5M
29.9
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)
Everton FC's Thierno Barry at 23 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 42.86×. That means Thierno Barry is valued 42.86× higher than the median player in the 21-23 age bracket-representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is Borussia Dortmund's Fábio Silva, who is 23 years old, with a 40.00× PPVE. Third is Endrick of Olympique Lyon, who is 19 years old with a 31.25× 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 42.86× means the player is worth 4186% 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 | Thierno Barry Everton FC | 23 | 21-23 | €30.0M | €700K | 42.86× |
| #2 | Fábio Silva Borussia Dortmund | 23 | 21-23 | €28.0M | €700K | 40.00× |
| #3 | Endrick Olympique Lyon | 19 | U21 | €25.0M | €800K | 31.25× |
| #4 | Matthis Abline FC Nantes | 23 | 21-23 | €20.0M | €700K | 28.57× |
| #5 | Marcos Leonardo Al-Hilal SFC | 23 | 21-23 | €20.0M | €700K | 28.57× |
| #6 | Stefanos Tzimas Brighton & Hove Albion | 20 | U21 | €22.0M | €800K | 27.50× |
| #7 | Eli Kroupi AFC Bournemouth | 19 | U21 | €22.0M | €800K | 27.50× |
| #8 | Jay Stansfield Birmingham City | 23 | 21-23 | €18.0M | €700K | 25.71× |
| #9 | Hamza Igamane LOSC Lille | 23 | 21-23 | €18.0M | €700K | 25.71× |
| #10 | William Osula Newcastle United | 22 | 21-23 | €15.0M | €700K | 21.43× |
| #11 | Ricardo Pepi PSV Eindhoven | 23 | 21-23 | €15.0M | €700K | 21.43× |
| #12 | Gonzalo García Real Madrid | 22 | 21-23 | €15.0M | €700K | 21.43× |
| #13 | Kauã Elias Shakhtar Donetsk | 20 | U21 | €15.0M | €800K | 18.75× |
| #14 | Elye Wahi OGC Nice | 23 | 21-23 | €12.0M | €700K | 17.14× |
| #15 | Marc Guiu Chelsea FC | 20 | U21 | €12.0M | €800K | 15.00× |
| #16 | Luca Meirelles Shakhtar Donetsk | 19 | U21 | €10.0M | €800K | 12.50× |
| #17 | Gift Orban Hellas Verona | 23 | 21-23 | €8.5M | €700K | 12.14× |
| #18 | Tom Cannon Sheffield United | 23 | 21-23 | €8.0M | €700K | 11.43× |
| #19 | Romeo Vermant Club Brugge KV | 22 | 21-23 | €8.0M | €700K | 11.43× |
| #20 | Matija Frigan Parma Calcio 1913 | 23 | 21-23 | €7.5M | €700K | 10.71× |
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)
Ankara Demirspor's Hasan Ege Akdoğan at 18 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +44%. That means Hasan Ege Akdoğan is projected to appreciate 44% as they reach their peak age in 8 years-representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is Paykan FC's Kasra Taheri, who is 19 years old, with a +40% RPP (7 years to peak). Third is Samy Jr. Merheg of SC Braga, 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 | Hasan Ege Akdoğan Ankara Demirspor | 18 | 8 | €400K | €715K | +44% |
| #2 | Kasra Taheri Paykan FC | 19 | 7 | €500K | €831K | +40% |
| #3 | Samy Jr. Merheg SC Braga | 19 | 7 | €1.0M | €1.7M | +40% |
| #4 | Kayke Fortaleza Esporte Clube | 19 | 7 | €1.0M | €1.7M | +40% |
| #5 | Julián Vignolo FC Toulouse | 19 | 7 | €1.0M | €1.7M | +40% |
| #6 | Ibra Sow Sevilla Atlético | 19 | 7 | €250K | €415K | +40% |
| #7 | Jesse Bal ADO Den Haag | 19 | 7 | €400K | €665K | +40% |
| #8 | Eli Kroupi AFC Bournemouth | 19 | 7 | €22.0M | €36.6M | +40% |
| #9 | Endrick Olympique Lyon | 19 | 7 | €25.0M | €41.5M | +40% |
| #10 | Lucciano Reinoso Caracas FC | 19 | 7 | €300K | €499K | +40% |
| #11 | Sidiki Chérif Fenerbahce | 19 | 7 | €7.0M | €11.6M | +40% |
| #12 | Mustafa Hekimoğlu Besiktas JK | 19 | 7 | €5.0M | €8.3M | +40% |
| #13 | Luca Meirelles Shakhtar Donetsk | 19 | 7 | €10.0M | €16.6M | +40% |
| #14 | Zepiqueno Redmond Aston Villa U21 | 19 | 7 | €750K | €1.2M | +40% |
| #15 | Amin Chiakha Rosenborg BK | 20 | 6 | €3.0M | €4.6M | +35% |
| #16 | Marc Guiu Chelsea FC | 20 | 6 | €12.0M | €18.5M | +35% |
| #17 | Stefanos Tzimas Brighton & Hove Albion | 20 | 6 | €22.0M | €34.0M | +35% |
| #18 | Agustín Ruberto CA River Plate | 20 | 6 | €2.0M | €3.1M | +35% |
| #19 | Aboubacar Ali Francs Borains | 20 | 6 | €250K | €386K | +35% |
| #20 | Leon Chiwome Wolverhampton Wanderers U21 | 20 | 6 | €500K | €773K | +35% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Ankara Demirspor's Hasan Ege Akdoğan has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 68.9. That means Hasan Ege Akdoğan has 23% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty-representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is Caracas FC's Lucciano Reinoso with a 58.0 RAU (19% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Eli Kroupi of AFC Bournemouth 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 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 | Hasan Ege Akdoğan Ankara Demirspor | €494K | €426K-562K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #2 | Lucciano Reinoso Caracas FC | €357K | €308K-407K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #3 | Eli Kroupi AFC Bournemouth | €26.2M | €22.6M-29.8M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #4 | Kasra Taheri Paykan FC | €595K | €513K-678K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #5 | Samy Jr. Merheg SC Braga | €1.2M | €1.0M-1.4M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #6 | Kayke Fortaleza Esporte Clube | €1.2M | €1.0M-1.4M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #7 | Julián Vignolo FC Toulouse | €1.2M | €1.0M-1.4M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #8 | Ibra Sow Sevilla Atlético | €298K | €257K-339K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #9 | Mustafa Hekimoğlu Besiktas JK | €6.0M | €5.1M-6.8M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #10 | Luca Meirelles Shakhtar Donetsk | €11.9M | €10.3M-13.6M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #11 | Zepiqueno Redmond Aston Villa U21 | €893K | €770K-1.0M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #12 | Jesse Bal ADO Den Haag | €476K | €411K-542K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #13 | Sidiki Chérif Fenerbahce | €8.3M | €7.2M-9.5M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #14 | Endrick Olympique Lyon | €29.8M | €25.7M-33.9M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #15 | Agustín Ruberto CA River Plate | €2.3M | €2.0M-2.6M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #16 | Aboubacar Ali Francs Borains | €287K | €247K-326K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #17 | Leon Chiwome Wolverhampton Wanderers U21 | €573K | €494K-652K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #18 | Leo Rimac FC Koper | €287K | €247K-326K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #19 | Jerónimo Dómina Cádiz CF | €2.3M | €2.0M-2.6M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #20 | Yojan Garcés CD América de Cali | €516K | €445K-587K | +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 striker 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)
CA River Plate's Agustín Ruberto in the U21 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +8.8%. That means Endrick captures 27.1% of total market value while representing only 18.3% of players in their age group-showing dominant elite status.
In second is Francs Borains's Aboubacar Ali with a +8.8% ASC (27.1% value share vs 18.3% player share in U21 bracket). Third is Amin Chiakha of Rosenborg BK with a +8.8% ASC (27.1% value vs 18.3% players in U21 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +8.8% ASC means the player captures 8.8% 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 | Agustín Ruberto CA River Plate | U21 | 27.1% | 18.3% | +8.8% |
| #2 | Aboubacar Ali Francs Borains | U21 | 27.1% | 18.3% | +8.8% |
| #3 | Amin Chiakha Rosenborg BK | U21 | 27.1% | 18.3% | +8.8% |
| #4 | Leon Chiwome Wolverhampton Wanderers U21 | U21 | 27.1% | 18.3% | +8.8% |
| #5 | Kasra Taheri Paykan FC | U21 | 27.1% | 18.3% | +8.8% |
| #6 | Leo Rimac FC Koper | U21 | 27.1% | 18.3% | +8.8% |
| #7 | Medin Gashi HNK Gorica | U21 | 27.1% | 18.3% | +8.8% |
| #8 | Mustafa Hekimoğlu Besiktas JK | U21 | 27.1% | 18.3% | +8.8% |
| #9 | Michael Bermúdez Orense SC | U21 | 27.1% | 18.3% | +8.8% |
| #10 | Jerónimo Dómina Cádiz CF | U21 | 27.1% | 18.3% | +8.8% |
| #11 | Kauã Elias Shakhtar Donetsk | U21 | 27.1% | 18.3% | +8.8% |
| #12 | Hasan Ege Akdoğan Ankara Demirspor | U21 | 27.1% | 18.3% | +8.8% |
| #13 | Yojan Garcés CD América de Cali | U21 | 27.1% | 18.3% | +8.8% |
| #14 | Samy Jr. Merheg SC Braga | U21 | 27.1% | 18.3% | +8.8% |
| #15 | Kayke Fortaleza Esporte Clube | U21 | 27.1% | 18.3% | +8.8% |
| #16 | Luca Meirelles Shakhtar Donetsk | U21 | 27.1% | 18.3% | +8.8% |
| #17 | Julián Vignolo FC Toulouse | U21 | 27.1% | 18.3% | +8.8% |
| #18 | Jovan Mijatovic Eintracht Braunschweig | U21 | 27.1% | 18.3% | +8.8% |
| #19 | Zepiqueno Redmond Aston Villa U21 | U21 | 27.1% | 18.3% | +8.8% |
| #20 | Denis Bokov Spartak Kostroma | U21 | 27.1% | 18.3% | +8.8% |
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, 177 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, 28 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Kauã Elias Shakhtar Donetsk | €15.0M | €700K | -2.33 | Undervalued |
Mustafa Hekimoğlu Besiktas JK | €5.0M | €700K | -0.67 | Good Value |
William Bøving 1.FSV Mainz 05 | €5.0M | €700K | -0.67 | Good Value |
Daniel Karlsbakk Sarpsborg 08 FF | €5.0M | €700K | -0.67 | Good Value |
Keke Topp SV Werder Bremen | €5.0M | €700K | -0.67 | Good Value |
Andréas Hountondji FC St. Pauli | €5.0M | €700K | -0.67 | Good Value |
Iker Bravo UD Las Palmas | €5.0M | €700K | -0.67 | Good Value |
William Osula Newcastle United | €15.0M | €700K | -0.60 | Good Value |
Ricardo Pepi PSV Eindhoven | €15.0M | €700K | -0.60 | Good Value |
Gonzalo García Real Madrid | €15.0M | €700K | -0.60 | Good Value |
Ignacio Rodríguez CA Atlanta | €225K | €700K | -0.58 | Good Value |
Franco Rami CD Ñublense | €225K | €700K | -0.58 | Good Value |
Kieran Offord Linfield FC | €225K | €700K | -0.58 | Good Value |
Renan Viana Club Athletico Paranaense | €225K | €700K | -0.58 | Good Value |
Marcos Echeverría CA Temperley | €250K | €700K | -0.54 | Good Value |
Tiziano Correa Cerro Largo FC | €250K | €700K | -0.54 | Good Value |
Nahuel Da Silva Montevideo City Torque | €250K | €700K | -0.54 | Good Value |
Vadym Sydun Epicentr Kamyanets-Podilskyi | €250K | €700K | -0.54 | Good Value |
Maelo Rentería Monagas SC | €250K | €700K | -0.54 | Good Value |
Frederik Heiselberg Hilleröd Fodbold | €250K | €700K | -0.54 | Good Value |