Yamal, Mainoo & Co. – Which U21 wonderkids gained most market value in 2024?

​

Barcelona dominate 

©TM/IMAGO

It has been a brilliant year of football in 2024 with two major international tournaments sandwiched between a thrilling club season. Spain were exceptional as they won Euro 2024 despite not being favourites, while Lionel Messi led Argentina to glory in the Copa America to add to his legacy.

In club football, Manchester City won a historic fourth consecutive Premier League title and Bayer Leverkusen remarkably went the full Bundesliga season unbeaten under the guidance of Xabi Alonso. Real Madrid were crowned champions of Europe for a record 15th time after beating Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final and Atalanta shocked Leverkusen in the Europa League final. Some generational talents truly emerged across 2024 and we’ve analysed which U21 stars gained the most market value across the calendar year – from the top five leagues.

Unsurprisingly, Lamine Yamal gained the most market value of any U21 player across 2024. Yamal confirmed his reputation as the best teenager in the world with his stunning form for Barcelona backed up by leading Spain to glory at Euro 2024. Yamal started 2024 valued at €60 million but it has increased by €120m to €180m. Pau Cubarsí, Yamal’s teammate for club and country, ranks second with an upgrade of €68.5m across the year.

Kobbie Mainno ranks third (€49m) after the talented midfielder breakthrough at Manchester United and also excelled for England at Euro 2024. Three Bundesliga stars feature in the top ten in Aleksandar Pavlovic, Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala with Kenan Yildiz the only representative from Serie A – PSG’s Désiré Doué is the highest Ligue 1 player in 14th.