The world of football is witnessing a new generation of rising stars, and among them are young talents from clubs like Barcelona, Manchester United, Arsenal, and Leeds United, who are regarded as some of the most valuable teenagers in the sport. Previously, England international Jude Bellingham held the title of the most valuable teenager, having recently completed a €103 million transfer to Real Madrid. However, Bellingham turned 20 in the summer, leaving the top spot vacant.

Garnacho entered the top 20 most expensive young players

Currently, it’s Barcelona’s academy graduate Gavi who claims the honor of being the most valuable teenager. The 19-year-old midfielder played a pivotal role in Barcelona’s La Liga title victory under Xavi last season. He solidified his future with the club by signing a contract extension that includes a staggering €1 billion release clause, binding him to Camp Nou until 2026.

Gavi on top of the list

Gavi’s remarkable performances also earned him the prestigious Golden Boy award from Tuttosport last year. Despite not turning 20 until next August, he has already accumulated nearly 100 appearances for Barcelona’s senior team. With his experience and long-term commitment to Barcelona, it’s no surprise that his transfer valuation is nearly double that of any other teenage player.

Fellow Barcelona player Alejandro Balde, a 19-year-old left-back, takes the second spot in the list of most valuable teenagers. Graduating from Barcelona’s esteemed La Masia academy, Balde has positioned himself as the successor to Jordi Alba. Although his current contract expires next summer, reports indicate that an extension until 2027 is in the works.

Alejandro Balde, a 19-year-old left-back, takes the second spot

The top ranks of this list also feature highly-regarded talents like Benfica’s 19-year-old center-back Antonio Silva, Atalanta’s 19-year-old defender Giorgio Scalvini, and Chelsea’s recent signing, 19-year-old Romeo Lavia. Other notable names include Brighton’s Republic of Ireland international striker Evan Ferguson, Manchester United prodigy Alejandro Garnacho, Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal, and Brighton’s emerging star Julio Enciso.

Some of the valuations may seem underestimated

These valuations have been sourced from transfer specialists at Transfermarkt, although it’s advisable to take some of these figures with a degree of caution. Some of the valuations may seem underestimated, such as Palmeiras’ 16-year-old forward Endrick, who is valued at €25 million despite having signed a deal potentially worth up to €70 million with Real Madrid. Additionally, Brighton reportedly values Ferguson at more than three times the transfer value listed here.

Here’s a breakdown of the top 20 list:

Gavi (18, Barcelona) – €90 millionAlejandro

Balde (19, Barcelona) – €50 million

Antonio Silva (19, Benfica) – €45 million

Giorgio Scalvini (19, Atalanta) – €40 million

Vitor Roque (18, Athletico Paranaense, the deal agreed with Barcelona) – €32 million

Romeo Lavia (19, Chelsea) – €32 million

Evan Ferguson (18, Brighton) – €30 million

Youssoufa Moukoko (18, Borussia Dortmund) – €30 million

Endrick (16, Palmeiras – deal agreed with Real Madrid) – €25 million

Lamine Yamal (16, Barcelona) – €25 million

Alejandro Garnacho (19, Manchester United) – €25 million

Julio Enciso (19, Brighton) – €22 million

Warren Zaire-Emery (17, PSG) – €20 million

Mathys Tel (18, Bayern Munich) – €20 million

Rico Lewis (18, Manchester City) – €20 million

Eliesse Ben Seghir (18, Monaco) – €18 million

Wilfried Gnonto (19, Leeds United) – €18 million

Arthur Vermeeren (18, Royal Antwerp) – €17 million

Ivan Fresneda (18, Real Valladolid) – €15 million

Desire Doue (18, Rennes) – €15 million