Best U23 Young Players in the Liga Portugal
182 players aged 23 or under · ranked by Analytical Strength Index
Best Young Players in the Liga Portugal (Oct 2026)
182 players tracked across 22 clubs. Updated October 2026.
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index
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.
Victor Froholdt
FC Porto • 20 years old
€43.2M
€50.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €52.8M
87.0
Ousmane Diomande
Sporting CP • 22 years old
€36.3M
€42.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €42.4M
86.7
Samu Aghehowa
FC Porto • 22 years old
€38.9M
€45.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €45.4M
86.5
Rodrigo Mora
FC Porto • 19 years old
€32.9M
€38.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €40.1M
83.2
Geovany Quenda
Sporting CP • 19 years old
€36.3M
€42.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €44.3M
83.0
Andreas Schjelderup
SL Benfica • 22 years old
€25.9M
€30.0M
+15.6%
78.6
Zeno Debast
Sporting CP • 22 years old
€24.2M
€28.0M
+15.6%
78.0
António Silva
SL Benfica • 22 years old
€21.6M
€25.0M
+15.6%
76.6
Gustavo Sá
FC Famalicão • 21 years old
€21.6M
€25.0M
+15.6%
75.2
William Gomes
FC Porto • 20 years old
€21.6M
€25.0M
+15.6%
74.6
Sign up free to see the full ranking of 182 all players.
Sign up freeVictor Froholdt
FC Porto · 20 years old
87.0
ASI
Current Value
€50.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€44.9M - €60.7M
Ousmane Diomande
Sporting CP · 22 years old
86.7
ASI
Current Value
€42.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€38.2M - €46.7M
Samu Aghehowa
FC Porto · 22 years old
86.5
ASI
Current Value
€45.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€37.3M - €53.6M
Rodrigo Mora
FC Porto · 19 years old
83.2
ASI
Current Value
€38.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€34.1M - €46.1M
Geovany Quenda
Sporting CP · 19 years old
83.0
ASI
Current Value
€42.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€35.2M - €53.5M
Andreas Schjelderup
SL Benfica · 22 years old
78.6
ASI
Current Value
€30.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
Zeno Debast
Sporting CP · 22 years old
78.0
ASI
Current Value
€28.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
António Silva
SL Benfica · 22 years old
76.6
ASI
Current Value
€25.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
Gustavo Sá
FC Famalicão · 21 years old
75.2
ASI
Current Value
€25.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
William Gomes
FC Porto · 20 years old
74.6
ASI
Current Value
€25.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
Sign up free to see the full ranking of 182 all players.
Sign up freeMarket Overview: Liga Portugal Young Players (updated October 2026)
Our database tracks 182 Liga Portugal Young Players as of October 2026, representing 22 clubs with a combined market value of €791.5M. The average market value for Liga Portugal Young Players is €4.3M, with the average age at 22 years old.
The most valuable young player in the Liga Portugal is Victor Froholdt, worth €50.0M and playing for FC Porto at 20 years old. The top 5 Young Players average €43.4M in market value, including Ousmane Diomande and Samu Aghehowa.
Age distribution shows the youngest tracked young player is Oskar Pietuszewski (18 years, FC Porto, €25.0M), while the oldest is Alberto Costa (23 years, FC Porto, €18.0M). Research shows Young Players typically peak at age 26.
Our 1-year forecast model projects 142 Young Players (78%) will increase in market value over the next 12 months based on age-curve trajectories, current performance trends, and playing time analysis. The Liga Portugal market for Young Players remains highly competitive with significant transfer activity expected as of October 2026.
Explore Market Size by Position in Liga Portugal
Interactive bubble chart showing predicted 2-year growth vs current age for all Liga Portugal Young Players. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 22 clubs with €791.5M combined value.
Age Distribution: Liga Portugal Young Players
The Liga Portugal ALL market shows 2 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 21-23 bracket (141 players, 77% of market). The 21-23 age group holds the most value at €495.5M, averaging €3.5M per player.
Top Young Players by Age Bracket
U21 Years (41 players)
21-23 Years (141 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 19 Young Players (10% of players) control €490.0M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with elite (€50m+) tier representing 1% of the Liga Portugal ALL pool.
Elite (€50M+)
Premium (€30-50M)
High (€15-30M)
Club Distribution: Liga Portugal Young Players
Among 22 Liga Portugal clubs, FC Porto leads with 16 Young Players worth €237.7M (averaging €14.9M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 71% of tracked Young Players.
FC Porto (16 Young Players)
Sporting CP (16 Young Players)
SL Benfica (17 Young Players)
FC Famalicão (12 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's Samu Aghehowa at 22 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 45.00×. That means Samu Aghehowa is valued 45.00× higher than the median player in the 21-23 age bracket-representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is Sporting CP's Ousmane Diomande, who is 22 years old, with a 42.00× PPVE. Third is Victor Froholdt of FC Porto, who is 20 years old with a 33.33× 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 45.00× means the player is worth 4400% 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 | Samu Aghehowa FC Porto | 22 | 21-23 | €45.0M | €1.0M | 45.00x |
| #2 | Ousmane Diomande Sporting CP | 22 | 21-23 | €42.0M | €1.0M | 42.00x |
| #3 | Victor Froholdt FC Porto | 20 | U21 | €50.0M | €1.5M | 33.33x |
| #4 | Andreas Schjelderup SL Benfica | 22 | 21-23 | €30.0M | €1.0M | 30.00x |
| #5 | Geovany Quenda Sporting CP | 19 | U21 | €42.0M | €1.5M | 28.00x |
| #6 | Zeno Debast Sporting CP | 22 | 21-23 | €28.0M | €1.0M | 28.00x |
| #7 | Rodrigo Mora FC Porto | 19 | U21 | €38.0M | €1.5M | 25.33x |
| #8 | António Silva SL Benfica | 22 | 21-23 | €25.0M | €1.0M | 25.00x |
| #9 | Gustavo Sá FC Famalicão | 21 | 21-23 | €25.0M | €1.0M | 25.00x |
| #10 | Alberto Costa FC Porto | 23 | 21-23 | €18.0M | €1.0M | 18.00x |
| #11 | William Gomes FC Porto | 20 | U21 | €25.0M | €1.5M | 16.67x |
| #12 | Oskar Pietuszewski FC Porto | 18 | U21 | €25.0M | €1.5M | 16.67x |
| #13 | Iván Fresneda Sporting CP | 22 | 21-23 | €15.0M | €1.0M | 15.00x |
| #14 | Gianluca Prestianni SL Benfica | 20 | U21 | €20.0M | €1.5M | 13.33x |
| #15 | Samuel Dahl SL Benfica | 23 | 21-23 | €13.0M | €1.0M | 13.00x |
| #16 | Ibrahima Ba FC Famalicão | 21 | 21-23 | €12.0M | €1.0M | 12.00x |
| #17 | Mario Dorgeles SC Braga | 22 | 21-23 | €10.0M | €1.0M | 10.00x |
| #18 | Mathias de Amorim FC Famalicão | 21 | 21-23 | €10.0M | €1.0M | 10.00x |
| #19 | Noah Saviolo Vitória Guimarães SC | 22 | 21-23 | €10.0M | €1.0M | 10.00x |
| #20 | João Simões Sporting CP | 19 | U21 | €15.0M | €1.5M | 10.00x |
Return-to-Peak Potential (RPP)
Recovery potential from current value to forecasted peak. Shows how much upside remains for players approaching their prime.
Unlock Return-to-Peak analysis for Liga Portugal Young Players.
Upgrade to FanRisk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Unlock Risk-Adjusted Upside for Liga Portugal Young Players.
Upgrade to FanRoster Pressure Index (RPI)
Squad depth pressure based on Z-score distribution. Negative RPI = thin depth, positive = deep roster.
Unlock Roster Pressure Index for Liga Portugal Young Players.
Upgrade to FanAge-Share Concentration (ASC)
Identifies players capturing disproportionate value relative to age group representation. Positive ASC = value concentration.
Unlock Age-Share Concentration for Liga Portugal Young Players.
Upgrade to FanBuy-Now vs Wait-List Map
Categorizes players by age position and upside potential to guide timing of acquisition.
Unlock the Buy Map for Liga Portugal Young Players.
Upgrade to FanPrice vs Peer Z-Score
IQR-based pricing analysis relative to position peers. Identifies over/undervalued players vs market.
Unlock Peer Z-Score analysis for Liga Portugal Young Players.
Upgrade to FanIf you were Liga Portugal's sporting director, who would you sign?
Pick a club, select up to 3 players, and build your transfer proposal.
How We Rank Liga Portugal 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 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 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 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 Young Players, updated October 2026
Who are the most valuable Young Players in the Liga Portugal right now?
The most valuable young player in the Liga Portugal today is Victor Froholdt, who is worth €50.0M and plays for FC Porto. The second most valuable is Ousmane Diomande (€42.0M, Sporting CP), followed by Samu Aghehowa (€45.0M, FC Porto). Our database tracks 182 Liga Portugal Young Players with comprehensive market valuations updated in October 2026.
How are Liga Portugal Young Players ranked?
Liga Portugal 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 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?
Transfer fees for Liga Portugal Young Players vary significantly based on market value, contract length, and club bargaining position. For the top-ranked young player Victor Froholdt (market value: €50.0M), estimated transfer fees would range from €40.0M to €70.0M 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 transactions.
What is the value forecast for Liga Portugal Young Players?
Our 1-year forecast model projects market value changes for Liga Portugal 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 young player data come from?
Our Liga Portugal 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 sources and updated monthly (last update October 2026) to ensure accuracy for recruitment and investment decisions.