Four PSG Stars Among Top 10
Ligue 1 has solidified its reputation as a breeding ground for exceptional young talent over the past decade, with many players making lucrative transfers abroad. Stars like Aurélien Tchouaméni, Victor Osimhen, Leny Yoro, Anthony Martial, and Nicolas Pépé have all left the French league for fees exceeding €50 million while still young.
With Paris Saint-Germain leading the charge, the league is witnessing a fresh wave of promising youngsters with immense potential. The latest market value update from Transfermarkt highlighted significant value changes, showcasing the rise of several talents. Here’s a look at the top 10 most valuable U21 players in Ligue 1.
Most Valuable U21 Players in Ligue 1
1. Désiré Doué – PSG – €90m:
Breakout star Désiré Doué had a remarkable season with PSG, contributing to their treble win. The talented midfielder, who joined from Rennes for €50 million in the summer of 2024, saw his market value soar from €30 million to €90 million. His two goals in the Champions League final against Inter Milan played a crucial role, showcasing his swift footwork and dribbling prowess. Despite a calf injury hampering his start this season, his market value remains intact.
2. João Neves – PSG – €90m:
Joining Doué at the top value, Portuguese midfielder João Neves has been a standout since transferring from Benfica for €65.92 million last summer, receiving a €10 million increase in the current valuation. Last month, he netted a stunning hat-trick against Toulouse, including two spectacular overhead kicks. Now a full international for Portugal, Neves’s future looks promising.
3. Warren Zaïre-Emery – PSG – €50m:
Continuing PSG’s strong presence, Warren Zaïre-Emery sits third despite a minor €5 million decrease in his valuation, bringing it to €50 million. Although the 19-year-old midfielder, a regular starter, hasn’t quite matched his early career heights, he remains one of the most valuable teenagers in the world.
4. Ayyoub Bouaddi – Lille – €30m:
The first non-PSG player on our list, Lille’s 18-year-old midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, shone in a Champions League match against Real Madrid last season, earning him recognition. Having quickly become a vital player for Lille, he recently received a €2 million value increase, bringing his total to €30 million.
5. Malick Fofana – Lyon – €30m:
Lyon’s winger Malick Fofana attracted interest from several Premier League clubs this summer but opted to stay. With two goals to his name this season, if he continues his upward trajectory, a move to a top club seems imminent. He maintains a market value of €30 million.
6. Lamine Camara – Monaco – €30m:
Monaco’s Lamine Camara, a highly-rated midfielder linked to big transfers this summer, is sixth after a strong season start, totaling three assists in five Ligue 1 matches. With 24 caps for Senegal already, Camara’s market value has risen from €22 million to €30 million.
7. Senny Mayulu – PSG – €25m:
PSG’s Senny Mayulu, a 19-year-old forward, has made 20 Ligue 1 appearances and became the joint-youngest goalscorer in Champions League final history. Having started the last three matches this term and scoring against Barcelona, he received a €10 million boost to his market value of €25 million.
8. Lucas Beraldo – PSG – €25m:
PSG’s Brazilian defender Lucas Beraldo ranks eighth, having been brought in as a teenager and now serving as a reliable backup for coach Luis Enrique. His market value remains steady at €25 million.
9. Arthur Vermeeren – Marseille – €22m:
At just 20, Marseille midfielder Arthur Vermeeren has experienced a diverse career across Belgium, Spain, Germany, and now France after his loan from RB Leipzig. Despite the ups and downs, he is still regarded as a top talent, retaining his market value of €22 million.
10. Julio Enciso – Strasbourg – €22m:
Paraguayan talent Julio Enciso recently transferred from Brighton to Strasbourg, aspiring for a future at sister club Chelsea pending his development. Initially heralded as a major prospect, he maintains a market value of €22 million.
