The International Centre for Sports Studies (CIES) has released its annual report on soccer development academies. Closely watched and sometimes feared by club executives worldwide, this FIFA-affiliated ranking assesses clubs and youth academies based on their ability to produce high-level players. For this report, which analyzed 49 leagues and competitions, Portugal’s SL Benfica took the top spot, followed by Argentina’s Boca Juniors and Spain’s FC Barcelona (full ranking below).
Focusing solely on the top five leagues (Spain, England, Germany, Italy, and France), Barcelona's famous La Masia academy ranks first, with their rivals, Real Madrid, in second. Paris Saint-Germain's youth academy claims the third spot, highlighting the strength of French soccer development as Stade Rennais and Olympique Lyonnais take fifth and sixth, respectively.
When expanded to include the 30 main European leagues, Ajax Amsterdam's academy in the Netherlands secures the top position, showcasing the strength of Dutch youth development.
Ranking for the Top 49 Leagues:
- SL Benfica (POR)
- Boca Juniors (ARG)
- FC Barcelona (ESP)
- River Plate (ARG)
- AFC Ajax (NED)
Ranking for the "Big 5" Leagues:
- FC Barcelona (ESP)
- Real Madrid (ESP)
- Paris Saint-Germain (FRA)
- Valencia CF (ESP)
- Stade Rennais (FRA)
Ranking for the 30 Major European Leagues:
- AFC Ajax (NED)
- SL Benfica (POR)
- FC Barcelona (ESP)
- Dynamo Kyiv (UKR)
- Dinamo Zagreb (CRO)