Best U23 Young Players in the Liga Portugal 2
71 players aged 23 or under · ranked by Analytical Strength Index
Best Young Players in the Liga Portugal 2 (Sep 2026)
71 players tracked across 18 clubs. Updated September 2026.
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index
Market Overview: Liga Portugal 2 Young Players 2023-24
Our database tracked 71 Liga Portugal 2 Young Players in the 2023-24 season, representing 18 clubs with a combined market value of €34.5M. The average market value for Liga Portugal 2 Young Players was €486K, with the average age at 21 years old.
The most valuable young player in the Liga Portugal 2 was Mateus Mide, worth €2.5M and played for FC Porto B at 18 years old. The top 5 Young Players averaged €1.7M in market value, including Paulo Cardoso and Dinis.
Age distribution showed the youngest tracked young player was Mateus Mide (18 years, FC Porto B, €2.5M), while the oldest was Dany Jean (23 years, SC União Torreense, €700K). Research shows Young Players typically peak at age 26.
Historical analysis showed 59 Young Players (83%) increased in market value over the following 12 months based on age-curve trajectories, then-current performance trends, and playing time analysis. The Liga Portugal 2 market for Young Players remained actively developing with emerging talent in the 2023-24 season.
Explore Market Size by Position in Liga Portugal 2
Interactive bubble chart showing predicted 2-year growth vs current age for all Liga Portugal 2 Young Players. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 18 clubs with €34.5M combined value.
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.
Player Rankings
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index. Click any player to view full profile, or click the chart icon to see value history.
Mateus Mide
FC Porto B • 18 years old
€2.2M
€2.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.8M
38.1
Paulo Cardoso
Sporting CP B • 20 years old
€1.6M
€1.8M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.0M
35.1
Dinis
FC Porto B • 21 years old
€1.1M
€1.3M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.3M
31.6
Kaio Henrique
FC Porto B • 20 years old
€1.1M
€1.3M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.4M
31.3
Duarte Cunha
FC Porto B • 18 years old
€1.3M
€1.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.7M
31.1
Léo Azevedo
SC União Torreense • 22 years old
€1.0M
€1.2M
+15.6%
30.9
Anhá Cande
FC Porto B • 19 years old
€1.0M
€1.2M
+15.6%
29.3
Rui Silva
SL Benfica B • 19 years old
€865K
€1.0M
+15.6%
27.7
Federico Coletta
SL Benfica B • 19 years old
€865K
€1.0M
+15.6%
27.1
Werton
Leixões SC • 22 years old
€649K
€750K
+15.6%
24.8
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Sign up freeMateus Mide
FC Porto B · 18 years old
38.1
ASI
Current Value
€2.5M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€2.3M - €3.2M
Paulo Cardoso
Sporting CP B · 20 years old
35.1
ASI
Current Value
€1.8M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€1.6M - €2.4M
Dinis
FC Porto B · 21 years old
31.6
ASI
Current Value
€1.3M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€1.2M - €1.5M
Kaio Henrique
FC Porto B · 20 years old
31.3
ASI
Current Value
€1.3M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€1.3M - €1.6M
Duarte Cunha
FC Porto B · 18 years old
31.1
ASI
Current Value
€1.5M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€1.3M - €2.0M
Léo Azevedo
SC União Torreense · 22 years old
30.9
ASI
Current Value
€1.2M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
Anhá Cande
FC Porto B · 19 years old
29.3
ASI
Current Value
€1.2M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
Rui Silva
SL Benfica B · 19 years old
27.7
ASI
Current Value
€1.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
Federico Coletta
SL Benfica B · 19 years old
27.1
ASI
Current Value
€1.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
Werton
Leixões SC · 22 years old
24.8
ASI
Current Value
€750K
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
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Sign up freeAge Distribution: Liga Portugal 2 Young Players
The Liga Portugal 2 ALL market shows 2 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 21-23 bracket (50 players, 70% of market). The 21-23 age group holds the most value at €18.7M, averaging €374K per player.
Top Young Players by Age Bracket
U21 Years (21 players)
21-23 Years (50 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 8 Young Players (11% of players) control €11.8M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows concentrated value with emerging (<€5m) tier representing 100% of the Liga Portugal 2 ALL pool.
Emerging (<€5M)
Club Distribution: Liga Portugal 2 Young Players
Among 18 Liga Portugal 2 clubs, FC Porto B leads with 12 Young Players worth €10.7M (averaging €894K per player). The top 10 clubs account for 83% of tracked Young Players.
FC Porto B (12 Young Players)
SL Benfica B (8 Young Players)
Sporting CP B (9 Young Players)
SC União Torreense (6 Young Players)
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)
FC Porto B's Mateus Mide at 18 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 5.56×. That means Mateus Mide is valued 5.56× higher than the median player in the U21 age bracket-representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is FC Porto B's Dinis, who is 21 years old, with a 4.33× PPVE. Third is Léo Azevedo of SC União Torreense, who is 22 years old with a 4.00× 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 5.56× means the player is worth 456% 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 | Mateus Mide FC Porto B | 18 | U21 | €2.5M | €450K | 5.56x |
| #2 | Dinis FC Porto B | 21 | 21-23 | €1.3M | €300K | 4.33x |
| #3 | Léo Azevedo SC União Torreense | 22 | 21-23 | €1.2M | €300K | 4.00x |
| #4 | Paulo Cardoso Sporting CP B | 20 | U21 | €1.8M | €450K | 4.00x |
| #5 | Duarte Cunha FC Porto B | 18 | U21 | €1.5M | €450K | 3.33x |
| #6 | Kaio Henrique FC Porto B | 20 | U21 | €1.3M | €450K | 2.89x |
| #7 | Anhá Cande FC Porto B | 19 | U21 | €1.2M | €450K | 2.67x |
| #8 | Werton Leixões SC | 22 | 21-23 | €750K | €300K | 2.50x |
| #9 | Dany Jean SC União Torreense | 23 | 21-23 | €700K | €300K | 2.33x |
| #10 | Federico Coletta SL Benfica B | 19 | U21 | €1.0M | €450K | 2.22x |
| #11 | Rui Silva SL Benfica B | 19 | U21 | €1.0M | €450K | 2.22x |
| #12 | José Sampaio FC Vizela | 21 | 21-23 | €600K | €300K | 2.00x |
| #13 | José Melro SL Benfica B | 22 | 21-23 | €600K | €300K | 2.00x |
| #14 | Emanuel Fernandes CD Feirense | 23 | 21-23 | €550K | €300K | 1.83x |
| #15 | Afonso Silva FC Felgueiras 1932 | 22 | 21-23 | €550K | €300K | 1.83x |
| #16 | Martim Ferreira SL Benfica B | 20 | U21 | €800K | €450K | 1.78x |
| #17 | Lourenço Leixões SC | 22 | 21-23 | €500K | €300K | 1.67x |
| #18 | Lucas D'Agrella SC Farense | 21 | 21-23 | €500K | €300K | 1.67x |
| #19 | Arnau Casas SC União Torreense | 22 | 21-23 | €500K | €300K | 1.67x |
| #20 | Leonardo Vonić FC Porto B | 23 | 21-23 | €500K | €300K | 1.67x |
Return-to-Peak Potential (RPP)
Recovery potential from current value to forecasted peak. Shows how much upside remains for players approaching their prime.
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Upgrade to FanRisk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
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Upgrade to FanRoster Pressure Index (RPI)
Squad depth pressure based on Z-score distribution. Negative RPI = thin depth, positive = deep roster.
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Upgrade to FanAge-Share Concentration (ASC)
Identifies players capturing disproportionate value relative to age group representation. Positive ASC = value concentration.
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Upgrade to FanBuy-Now vs Wait-List Map
Categorizes players by age position and upside potential to guide timing of acquisition.
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Upgrade to FanPrice vs Peer Z-Score
IQR-based pricing analysis relative to position peers. Identifies over/undervalued players vs market.
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How We Rank Liga Portugal 2 Young Players
Our Analytical Strength Index is calibrated specifically for young players, using position-specific age curves and playing time benchmarks. The model draws from academic research on player valuation (Franck & Nüesch, 2012) and age-performance curves (Dendir, 2016).
Scoring Components for ALL
Historical Achievement Index (35%)
Peak career market value for Liga Portugal 2 young players, reflecting proven track record and reputation. Uses log-scale to account for exponential value distribution at elite level.
Current Performance Proxy (30%)
Present market value for Liga Portugal 2 young players, capturing recent form, injuries, and current performance level. Weighted to reflect age-related depreciation patterns.
Playing Time Utilization (18%)
Midfielders with 2,400+ minutes score highest, indicating regular starting role and sustained performance.
Age-Adjusted Performance Curve (12%)
Midfielders peak at 27 with 6.0%/year decline. Pre-peak players score higher on development trajectory.
Competition Level Adjustment (3%)
Liga Portugal 2 competition level factored into comparative strength assessment.
Performance Expectations Multiplier (2%)
Players at clubs with Champions League pedigree face higher performance standards and tactical complexity, contributing to development and market validation.
ALL Performance Benchmarks
Peak Age: 27 years (technical skill and tactical awareness)
Decline Rate: Widening steps, not a flat rate: about -5% at 28, -10% at 29, steeper from 30 (technical skills age better than physical attributes)
Optimal Minutes: 2,400-2,500 per season (balance of involvement and recovery)
1-Year Market Value Forecast
Probabilistic model combining age-curve depreciation, value momentum, and playing time factors:
• Age Factor: Compounding and banded around a peak of 27: +25%/year through age 21, +15% at 22-23, +10% up to the year before peak, then -5%, -10% and steeper with each later band. Growth is damped above €30M.
• Value Trajectory: Near career peak (>95% of peak value): +3% momentum | Moderate decline: -5%
• Playing Time Factor: Regular starters (+2%), Squad rotation (-2%)
• Forecast Range: ±12-15% confidence interval
Research Foundation
• Dendir (2016): Age-performance curves for young players
• Carmichael et al. (2011): Player depreciation in top leagues
• Franck & Nüesch (2012): Hedonic pricing models for talent valuation
• Szymanski, S. (2015). Money and Soccer: A Soccernomics Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Liga Portugal 2 Young Players in the 2023-24 season
Who are the most valuable Young Players in the Liga Portugal 2 in 2023-24?
The most valuable young player in the Liga Portugal 2 in 2023-24 is Mateus Mide, who is worth €2.5M and plays for FC Porto B. The second most valuable is Paulo Cardoso (€1.8M, Sporting CP B), followed by Dinis (€1.3M, FC Porto B). Our database tracks 71 Liga Portugal 2 Young Players with comprehensive market valuations updated for the 2023-24 season.
How are Liga Portugal 2 Young Players ranked?
Liga Portugal 2 Young Players are ranked by our proprietary Analytical Strength Index, which is specifically calibrated for Young Players. The score combines six factors: Historical Achievement Index (35%) measuring peak career value, Current Performance Proxy (30%) reflecting recent market signals, Playing Time Utilization (18%) tracking minutes played, Age-Adjusted Performance Curve (12%) using position-specific peak ages, League Quality Coefficient (3%) for Liga Portugal 2 competition level, and Club Tier Multiplier (2%) accounting for club prestige. This methodology is grounded in academic research including work by Dendir (2016) on age-performance curves and Franck & Nüesch (2012) on hedonic pricing models.
What age do Young Players peak?
How much does it cost to sign a top young player from the Liga Portugal 2?
Transfer fees for Liga Portugal 2 Young Players vary significantly based on market value, contract length, and club bargaining position. For the top-ranked young player Mateus Mide (market value: €2.5M), estimated transfer fees would range from €2.0M to €3.5M depending on contract situation. Players with longer contracts (3+ years) command premium fees (1.2-1.4× market value), while those in the final year may be available for 0.8-1.1× market value. Our fee estimates are derived from historical transfer patterns and contract-clock modifiers validated against actual Liga Portugal 2 transactions.
What is the value forecast for Liga Portugal 2 Young Players?
Our 1-year forecast model projects market value changes for Liga Portugal 2 Young Players based on age-curve depreciation, historical trajectory, and playing time adjustments. The forecast combines three factors: age-based appreciation/depreciation (pre-peak players compound gains toward their position's peak age, up to +25% a year through age 21 and easing as they approach it, while post-peak players fall in widening steps), market trajectory momentum (comparing current to peak value), and playing time confidence (regular starters receive +2% boost). Forecast confidence intervals account for position-specific volatility-midfielders have ±12-15% volatility. Young players (under 22) and older players (over 32) receive 1.15× uncertainty multipliers due to unpredictable development or decline patterns.
Where does the Liga Portugal 2 young player data come from?
Our Liga Portugal 2 young player data is sourced from Football Analytics AI's proprietary Transfer Intelligence Database, which aggregates market valuations, player statistics, contract information, and transfer histories from multiple industry sources. Market values are updated regularly based on player performance, injuries, contract negotiations, and transfer market activity. We enhance this data with our proprietary analytics including position-specific scoring algorithms, age-performance curves calibrated to academic research, and statistical forecast models. All data is validated against official Liga Portugal 2 sources and updated monthly for the 2023-24 season to ensure accuracy for recruitment and investment decisions.