Best U23 Young Centre-Backs in the Ligue 1
27 players aged 23 or under · ranked by Analytical Strength Index
Best Young Centre-Backs in the Ligue 1 (Jun 2026)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index
Market Overview: Ligue 1 Young Centre-Backs 2026-27
Our database tracked 27 Ligue 1 Young Centre-Backs in the 2026-27 season, representing 14 clubs with a combined market value of €262.8M. The average market value for Ligue 1 Young Centre-Backs was €9.7M, with the average age at 22 years old.
The most valuable young centre-back in the Ligue 1 was Ilya Zabarnyi, worth €50.0M and played for Paris Saint-Germain at 23 years old. The top 5 Young Centre-Backs averaged €26.6M in market value, including Mamadou Sarr and Lucas Beraldo.
Age distribution showed the youngest tracked young centre-back was Lucas Høgsberg (19 years, RC Strasbourg Alsace, €12.0M), 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 27 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 Ligue 1 market for Young Centre-Backs remained actively developing with emerging talent 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 Ligue 1
Interactive bubble chart showing predicted 2-year growth vs current age for all Ligue 1 Young Centre-Backs. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 14 clubs with €262.8M combined value.
Age Distribution: Ligue 1 Young Centre-Backs
The Ligue 1 CB market shows 2 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 21-23 bracket (22 players, 81% of market). The 21-23 age group holds the most value at €197.8M, averaging €9.0M per player.
Top Young Centre-Backs by Age Bracket
U21 Years (5 players)
21-23 Years (22 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 3 Young Centre-Backs (11% of players) control €95.0M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with elite (€50m+) tier representing 4% of the Ligue 1 CB pool.
Elite (€50M+)
High (€15-30M)
Mid (€5-15M)
Club Distribution: Ligue 1 Young Centre-Backs
Among 14 Ligue 1 clubs, Paris Saint-Germain leads with 2 Young Centre-Backs worth €70.0M (averaging €35.0M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 74% of tracked Young Centre-Backs.
Paris Saint-Germain (2 Young Centre-Backs)
RC Strasbourg Alsace (6 Young Centre-Backs)
Stade Rennais FC (1 Young Centre-Backs)
FC Toulouse (1 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
89.2
Mamadou Sarr
RC Strasbourg Alsace • 20 years old
€21.6M
€25.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €28.7M
75.0
Lucas Beraldo
Paris Saint-Germain • 22 years old
€17.3M
€20.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €21.2M
73.6
Jérémy Jacquet
Stade Rennais FC • 20 years old
€17.3M
€20.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €22.9M
72.2
Ismaël Doukouré
RC Strasbourg Alsace • 22 years old
€15.6M
€18.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €19.1M
72.1
Charlie Cresswell
FC Toulouse • 23 years old
€13.0M
€15.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €16.1M
70.4
Christian Mawissa
AS Monaco • 21 years old
€13.0M
€15.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €16.5M
69.2
CJ Egan-Riley
Olympique Marseille • 23 years old
€10.4M
€12.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €12.8M
67.7
Lucas Høgsberg
RC Strasbourg Alsace • 19 years old
€10.4M
€12.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €14.3M
65.2
Nathan Ngoy
LOSC Lille • 23 years old
€8.6M
€10.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €10.7M
61.8
Diego Coppola
Paris FC • 22 years old
€8.6M
€10.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €10.6M
61.2
Andrew Omobamidele
RC Strasbourg Alsace • 23 years old
€6.1M
€7.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €7.5M
57.4
Soumaïla Coulibaly
Stade Brestois 29 • 22 years old
€6.1M
€7.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €7.4M
56.7
Juma Bah
OGC Nice • 20 years old
€6.1M
€7.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €8.0M
55.5
Junior Diaz
Stade Brestois 29 • 22 years old
€4.3M
€5.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €5.3M
52.6
Ousmane Camara
Angers SCO • 23 years old
€3.5M
€4.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.3M
50.4
Antoine Mendy
OGC Nice • 22 years old
€3.5M
€4.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.2M
49.8
Sadibou Sané
FC Metz • 22 years old
€3.5M
€4.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.2M
49.8
Saïdou Sow
RC Strasbourg Alsace • 23 years old
€2.6M
€3.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.2M
43.2
Abakar Sylla
RC Strasbourg Alsace • 23 years old
€2.6M
€3.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.2M
43.2
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 10.00×. That means Ilya Zabarnyi is valued 10.00× higher than the median player in the 21-23 age bracket-representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is Paris Saint-Germain's Lucas Beraldo, who is 22 years old, with a 4.00× PPVE. Third is Ismaël Doukouré of RC Strasbourg Alsace, who is 22 years old with a 3.60× 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 10.00× means the player is worth 900% 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 | €5.0M | 10.00× |
| #2 | Lucas Beraldo Paris Saint-Germain | 22 | 21-23 | €20.0M | €5.0M | 4.00× |
| #3 | Ismaël Doukouré RC Strasbourg Alsace | 22 | 21-23 | €18.0M | €5.0M | 3.60× |
| #4 | Christian Mawissa AS Monaco | 21 | 21-23 | €15.0M | €5.0M | 3.00× |
| #5 | Charlie Cresswell FC Toulouse | 23 | 21-23 | €15.0M | €5.0M | 3.00× |
| #6 | CJ Egan-Riley Olympique Marseille | 23 | 21-23 | €12.0M | €5.0M | 2.40× |
| #7 | Mamadou Sarr RC Strasbourg Alsace | 20 | U21 | €25.0M | €12.0M | 2.08× |
| #8 | Nathan Ngoy LOSC Lille | 23 | 21-23 | €10.0M | €5.0M | 2.00× |
| #9 | Diego Coppola Paris FC | 22 | 21-23 | €10.0M | €5.0M | 2.00× |
| #10 | Jérémy Jacquet Stade Rennais FC | 20 | U21 | €20.0M | €12.0M | 1.67× |
| #11 | Andrew Omobamidele RC Strasbourg Alsace | 23 | 21-23 | €7.0M | €5.0M | 1.40× |
| #12 | Soumaïla Coulibaly Stade Brestois 29 | 22 | 21-23 | €7.0M | €5.0M | 1.40× |
| #13 | Junior Diaz Stade Brestois 29 | 22 | 21-23 | €5.0M | €5.0M | 1.00× |
| #14 | Lucas Høgsberg RC Strasbourg Alsace | 19 | U21 | €12.0M | €12.0M | 1.00× |
| #15 | Sadibou Sané FC Metz | 22 | 21-23 | €4.0M | €5.0M | 0.80× |
| #16 | Ousmane Camara Angers SCO | 23 | 21-23 | €4.0M | €5.0M | 0.80× |
| #17 | Antoine Mendy OGC Nice | 22 | 21-23 | €4.0M | €5.0M | 0.80× |
| #18 | Ismaëlo Ganiou RC Lens | 21 | 21-23 | €3.0M | €5.0M | 0.60× |
| #19 | Emmanuel Biumla Angers SCO | 21 | 21-23 | €3.0M | €5.0M | 0.60× |
| #20 | Saïdou Sow RC Strasbourg Alsace | 23 | 21-23 | €3.0M | €5.0M | 0.60× |
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)
RC Lens's Nidal Celik at 19 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +40%. That means Nidal Celik is projected to appreciate 40% as they reach their peak age in 7 years-representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is RC Strasbourg Alsace's Lucas Høgsberg, who is 19 years old, with a +40% RPP (7 years to peak). Third is Jérémy Jacquet of Stade Rennais FC, who is 20 years old with a +35% RPP (6 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 40% RPP means the player is expected to gain 40% 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 | Nidal Celik RC Lens | 19 | 7 | €1.0M | €1.7M | +40% |
| #2 | Lucas Høgsberg RC Strasbourg Alsace | 19 | 7 | €12.0M | €19.9M | +40% |
| #3 | Jérémy Jacquet Stade Rennais FC | 20 | 6 | €20.0M | €30.9M | +35% |
| #4 | Juma Bah OGC Nice | 20 | 6 | €7.0M | €10.8M | +35% |
| #5 | Mamadou Sarr RC Strasbourg Alsace | 20 | 6 | €25.0M | €38.6M | +35% |
| #6 | Ousmane Touré LOSC Lille | 21 | 5 | €500K | €719K | +30% |
| #7 | Christian Mawissa AS Monaco | 21 | 5 | €15.0M | €21.6M | +30% |
| #8 | Ismaëlo Ganiou RC Lens | 21 | 5 | €3.0M | €4.3M | +30% |
| #9 | Emmanuel Biumla Angers SCO | 21 | 5 | €3.0M | €4.3M | +30% |
| #10 | Junior Diaz Stade Brestois 29 | 22 | 4 | €5.0M | €6.7M | +25% |
| #11 | Diego Coppola Paris FC | 22 | 4 | €10.0M | €13.4M | +25% |
| #12 | Lucas Beraldo Paris Saint-Germain | 22 | 4 | €20.0M | €26.7M | +25% |
| #13 | Sadibou Sané FC Metz | 22 | 4 | €4.0M | €5.3M | +25% |
| #14 | Soumaïla Coulibaly Stade Brestois 29 | 22 | 4 | €7.0M | €9.4M | +25% |
| #15 | Antoine Mendy OGC Nice | 22 | 4 | €4.0M | €5.3M | +25% |
| #16 | Ismaël Doukouré RC Strasbourg Alsace | 22 | 4 | €18.0M | €24.1M | +25% |
| #17 | CJ Egan-Riley Olympique Marseille | 23 | 3 | €12.0M | €14.9M | +20% |
| #18 | Saïdou Sow RC Strasbourg Alsace | 23 | 3 | €3.0M | €3.7M | +20% |
| #19 | Abakar Sylla RC Strasbourg Alsace | 23 | 3 | €3.0M | €3.7M | +20% |
| #20 | Nathan Ngoy LOSC Lille | 23 | 3 | €10.0M | €12.4M | +20% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
RC Lens's Nidal Celik has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 58.0. That means Nidal Celik has 19% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty-representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is RC Strasbourg Alsace's Lucas Høgsberg with a 58.0 RAU (19% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Mamadou Sarr of RC Strasbourg Alsace with a 46.3 RAU (15% upside, 0% uncertainty).
How RAU is calculated: RAU divides upside potential by forecast uncertainty (RAU = Upside % ÷ Uncertainty %). A RAU of 58.0 means the upside is 58.0× 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 | Nidal Celik RC Lens | €1.2M | €1.0M-1.4M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #2 | Lucas Høgsberg RC Strasbourg Alsace | €14.3M | €12.3M-16.3M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #3 | Mamadou Sarr RC Strasbourg Alsace | €28.7M | €24.7M-32.6M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #4 | Jérémy Jacquet Stade Rennais FC | €22.9M | €19.8M-26.1M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #5 | Juma Bah OGC Nice | €8.0M | €6.9M-9.1M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #6 | Ilya Zabarnyi Paris Saint-Germain | €55.7M | €49.0M-62.4M | +11% | 42.8 |
| #7 | Ismaëlo Ganiou RC Lens | €3.3M | €2.9M-3.8M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #8 | Emmanuel Biumla Angers SCO | €3.3M | €2.9M-3.8M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #9 | Christian Mawissa AS Monaco | €16.5M | €14.3M-18.8M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #10 | Ousmane Touré LOSC Lille | €551K | €475K-627K | +10% | 33.7 |
| #11 | Ousmane Camara Angers SCO | €4.3M | €3.8M-4.8M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #12 | Charlie Cresswell FC Toulouse | €16.1M | €14.1M-18.0M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #13 | Nathaniel Adjei FC Lorient | €1.3M | €1.1M-1.4M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #14 | Rafael Fernandes LOSC Lille | €642K | €565K-719K | +7% | 27.5 |
| #15 | Nathan Ngoy LOSC Lille | €10.7M | €9.4M-12.0M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #16 | Isaak Touré FC Lorient | €2.7M | €2.4M-3.0M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #17 | Andrew Omobamidele RC Strasbourg Alsace | €7.5M | €6.6M-8.4M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #18 | CJ Egan-Riley Olympique Marseille | €12.8M | €11.3M-14.4M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #19 | Saïdou Sow RC Strasbourg Alsace | €3.2M | €2.8M-3.6M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #20 | Abakar Sylla RC Strasbourg Alsace | €3.2M | €2.8M-3.6M | +7% | 27.5 |
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)
AS Monaco's Christian Mawissa in the 21-23 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +-6.2%. That means Ilya Zabarnyi captures 75.3% of total market value while representing only 81.5% of players in their age group-showing dominant elite status.
In second is Stade Brestois 29's Junior Diaz with a +-6.2% ASC (75.3% value share vs 81.5% player share in 21-23 bracket). Third is Ismaëlo Ganiou of RC Lens with a +-6.2% ASC (75.3% value vs 81.5% players in 21-23 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +-6.2% ASC means the player captures -6.2% 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 | Christian Mawissa AS Monaco | 21-23 | 75.3% | 81.5% | -6.2% |
| #2 | Junior Diaz Stade Brestois 29 | 21-23 | 75.3% | 81.5% | -6.2% |
| #3 | Ismaëlo Ganiou RC Lens | 21-23 | 75.3% | 81.5% | -6.2% |
| #4 | Emmanuel Biumla Angers SCO | 21-23 | 75.3% | 81.5% | -6.2% |
| #5 | Sadibou Sané FC Metz | 21-23 | 75.3% | 81.5% | -6.2% |
| #6 | Nathan Ngoy LOSC Lille | 21-23 | 75.3% | 81.5% | -6.2% |
| #7 | CJ Egan-Riley Olympique Marseille | 21-23 | 75.3% | 81.5% | -6.2% |
| #8 | Charlie Cresswell FC Toulouse | 21-23 | 75.3% | 81.5% | -6.2% |
| #9 | Andrew Omobamidele RC Strasbourg Alsace | 21-23 | 75.3% | 81.5% | -6.2% |
| #10 | Nathaniel Adjei FC Lorient | 21-23 | 75.3% | 81.5% | -6.2% |
| #11 | Ilya Zabarnyi Paris Saint-Germain | 21-23 | 75.3% | 81.5% | -6.2% |
| #12 | Soumaïla Coulibaly Stade Brestois 29 | 21-23 | 75.3% | 81.5% | -6.2% |
| #13 | Diego Coppola Paris FC | 21-23 | 75.3% | 81.5% | -6.2% |
| #14 | Isaak Touré FC Lorient | 21-23 | 75.3% | 81.5% | -6.2% |
| #15 | Rafael Fernandes LOSC Lille | 21-23 | 75.3% | 81.5% | -6.2% |
| #16 | Ismaël Doukouré RC Strasbourg Alsace | 21-23 | 75.3% | 81.5% | -6.2% |
| #17 | Ousmane Camara Angers SCO | 21-23 | 75.3% | 81.5% | -6.2% |
| #18 | Saïdou Sow RC Strasbourg Alsace | 21-23 | 75.3% | 81.5% | -6.2% |
| #19 | Lucas Beraldo Paris Saint-Germain | 21-23 | 75.3% | 81.5% | -6.2% |
| #20 | Antoine Mendy OGC Nice | 21-23 | 75.3% | 81.5% | -6.2% |
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: 2 immediate targets, 25 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 €50.0M. 1 undervalued, 0 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Junior Diaz Stade Brestois 29 | €5.0M | €7.0M | -1.67 | Undervalued |
Jérémy Jacquet Stade Rennais FC | €20.0M | €7.0M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Juma Bah OGC Nice | €7.0M | €7.0M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Andrew Omobamidele RC Strasbourg Alsace | €7.0M | €7.0M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Soumaïla Coulibaly Stade Brestois 29 | €7.0M | €7.0M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Ousmane Touré LOSC Lille | €500K | €7.0M | -0.89 | Good Value |
Rafael Fernandes LOSC Lille | €600K | €7.0M | -0.86 | Good Value |
Nathaniel Adjei FC Lorient | €1.2M | €7.0M | -0.64 | Good Value |
Christian Mawissa AS Monaco | €15.0M | €7.0M | -0.60 | Good Value |
Charlie Cresswell FC Toulouse | €15.0M | €7.0M | -0.60 | Good Value |
Isaak Touré FC Lorient | €2.5M | €7.0M | -0.18 | Fair Value |
Ismaëlo Ganiou RC Lens | €3.0M | €7.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Emmanuel Biumla Angers SCO | €3.0M | €7.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Nathan Ngoy LOSC Lille | €10.0M | €7.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Ilya Zabarnyi Paris Saint-Germain | €50.0M | €7.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Diego Coppola Paris FC | €10.0M | €7.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Ismaël Doukouré RC Strasbourg Alsace | €18.0M | €7.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Saïdou Sow RC Strasbourg Alsace | €3.0M | €7.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Nidal Celik RC Lens | €1.0M | €7.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Mamadou Sarr RC Strasbourg Alsace | €25.0M | €7.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |