Ranked! The most valuable players under 23 in the world

Ranked! The most valuable players under 23 in the world
(Image credit: Future)

Maybe it's the influence of Football Manager but wonderkids are more expensive than ever before. If you want to pay for a star of the future, you're not just paying for their current ability but what they might become – but that's not to say there aren't world stars on this list.

Every single one of Transfermarkt's top 25 under-23s is a full international, while plenty of them have title-winning experience and Champions League winners' medals in some cases. There's a bit of a gap between the 30+ era of superstars – the Messis, Ronaldos, Lewandowskis and Modrics of the world – and the next generation, with Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland both a good five years away from their respective potential peaks. 

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Mark White
Content Editor

Mark White has been at on FourFourTwo since joining in January 2020, first as a staff writer before becoming content editor in 2023. An encyclopedia of football shirts and boots knowledge – both past and present – Mark has also represented FFT at both FA Cup and League Cup finals (though didn't receive a winners' medal on either occasion) and has written pieces for the mag ranging on subjects from Bobby Robson's season at Barcelona to Robinho's career. He has written cover features for the mag on Mikel Arteta and Martin Odegaard, and is assisted by his cat, Rosie, who has interned for the brand since lockdown.