Key Takeaways
- The 10 highest-valued under-18 football players in history have been revealed.
- Players like Ansu Fati and Jadon Sancho were highly valued as youngsters but have struggled to reach their full potential.
- Kylian Mbappe became the most expensive teenager in football history when he moved from Monaco to PSG, but he is only the second highest-valued under-18 player in football history.
- Football often places a high value on potential, with clubs sometimes paying above market value for young talents in the hope that they will reach or exceed expectations.
According to Transfermarkt, via Planet Football, here is a breakdown of the highest-valued under-18 players in football history.
Highest-Valued U18s in Football History
1. Lamine Yamal - £125m
Lamine Yamal has made an impressive start to his career since debuting for Barcelona at just 15. He has become one of the Champions League's youngest scorers, the youngest player and goalscorer at a European Championship, and even provided an assist in the final to help guide Luis de la Fuente's side to victory. Yamal's achievements are already remarkable, and he aims to avoid the pitfalls that derailed Ansu Fati's career.
2. Kylian Mbappe - £75m
Kylian Mbappe's transfer from Monaco to PSG for £166m made him the most expensive teenager in football history. Making his Ligue 1 debut at just 16, Mbappe quickly rose to fame with a sensational Champions League campaign. Since joining PSG, he has established himself as one of the world's elite players, winning multiple domestic titles and playing a key role in France's 2018 World Cup victory. Mbappe now faces new challenges at his current club, Real Madrid.
=2. Gavi - £75m
Gavi, along with Pedri, has been compared to Barcelona legends Xavi and Iniesta. Despite missing out on Euro 2024 due to an ACL injury, Gavi's return to action has been promising. His potential to dominate European football remains high as he continues to develop at Barcelona.
4. Ansu Fati - £67m
Ansu Fati's early career at Barcelona showed immense promise, but injuries have significantly hindered his progress. A loan spell at Brighton did not revive his career, and it now seems unlikely that Fati will reclaim his place in the Barcelona squad.
=4. Jude Bellingham - £67m
Jude Bellingham's journey from Birmingham City to Borussia Dortmund and now Real Madrid has been impressive. His exceptional technical ability and tactical awareness set him apart from a young age. Bellingham's success at Real Madrid positions him as a potential future Ballon d'Or winner.
=4. Jadon Sancho - £67m
Jadon Sancho's talent shone brightly at Borussia Dortmund, where he became one of Europe's most promising young wingers. However, his move to Manchester United did not go as planned, and he now seeks to reignite his career at Chelsea.
=4. Pedri - £67m
Pedri quickly became a key player for Barcelona, drawing comparisons to Andres Iniesta. Despite injuries, Pedri's potential remains high, and he is expected to continue playing a crucial role for both club and country.
8. Vinicius Jr - £58m
Vinicius Jr has become a star for Real Madrid, known for his pace, dribbling, and creativity. He has delivered on the biggest stages, scoring winning goals in two Champions League finals. His continued success positions him as a leading contender for the Ballon d'Or in 2024.
=8. Florian Wirtz - £58m
Florian Wirtz has emerged as one of Germany's brightest talents, playing a key role for Bayer Leverkusen. His technical brilliance, creativity, and vision make him one of the top young playmakers in world football today.
10. Evan Ferguson - £54m
Evan Ferguson has quickly become one of the most highly touted players of his generation at Brighton. The Irish forward has attracted interest from top clubs like Arsenal, and despite some injury setbacks, his future potential remains bright at the AMEX Stadium.
This list highlights the significant value placed on young talent in football, with clubs investing heavily in players they believe will shape the future of the sport.