Top 20 Most Expensive Teenagers in Football History (November 2025 Update)

Football’s future is being bought at record prices. Clubs are spending nine-figure sums on teenagers who haven’t even played 50 senior games — and in 2025, the market for wonderkids has gone completely insane. From Jude Bellingham’s €115m move at 19 to the jaw-dropping fees for 16- and 17-year-olds who are still growing into their boots, here’s the definitive ranking of the 20 most expensive teenage transfers ever — fully updated to November 2025 — with current values, performances, and whether the gamble paid off.

1. Jude Bellingham – Borussia Dortmund → Real Madrid (€115m + add-ons, age 19 – June 2023)

Already a legend at 22. €180m current market value, La Liga + Champions League winner, 45 goals in 68 games. The best teenage transfer in history — no debate.

2. Kylian Mbappé – Monaco → PSG (€180m permanent after loan, age 18 – August 2018)

Still second despite being 26 now. World Cup winner at 19, seven Ligue 1 titles, and now at Real Madrid. The original teenage superstar transfer.

3. João Félix – Benfica → Atlético Madrid (€126m, age 19 – July 2019)

The biggest teenage flop on this list. €50m current value after loans and a permanent €52m move to Chelsea. Atlético lost €74m.

4. Enzo Fernández – Benfica → Chelsea (€121m, age 21 – January 2023)

World Cup winner at 21. Current value €95m — still one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.

5. Moisés Caicedo – Independiente del Valle → Brighton (€4.5m → Chelsea €116m total, age 21 – August 2023)

Two transfers in 2.5 years took him from $4.5m to $116m. Current value €100m — Chelsea’s record signing looks justified.

6. Lamine Yamal – Barcelona La Masia → First team (internal, age 16 – 2023, current value €150m)

Not a traditional transfer, but his market value at 18 is already €150m — higher than most paid fees on this list.

7. Endrick – Palmeiras → Real Madrid (€60m + add-ons, age 17 – July 2024)

The Brazilian wonderkid is already worth €80m at 19. Scored on his Madrid debut — the next big thing.

8. Pedri – Las Palmas → Barcelona (€20m release clause, age 17 – September 2020)

Current value €80m. Golden Boy winner, Euro 2024 star — Barcelona’s bargain of the decade.

9. Gavi – Barcelona La Masia → First team (internal, age 17 – 2021, current value €90m)

Another La Masia gem. Ballon d’Or contender at 21.

10. Warren Zaïre-Emery – PSG Academy → First team (internal, age 17 – 2023, current value €80m)

Already France’s starting midfielder at 19.

11–20: The Rest of the Elite Teenagers

11. Mykhailo Mudryk – Shakhtar → Chelsea (€100m, age 22 – January 2023)
12. Aurélien Tchouaméni – Monaco → Real Madrid (€80m, age 22 – June 2022)
13. Eduardo Camavinga – Rennes → Real Madrid (€40m, age 18 – August 2021)
14. Jadon Sancho – Manchester City → Dortmund (€7.8m, age 17 – August 2017)
15. Matthijs de Ligt – Ajax → Juventus (€85m, age 19 – July 2019)
16. Frenkie de Jong – Ajax → Barcelona (€86m, age 22 – July 2019)
17. Erling Haaland – Molde → Salzburg (€8m, age 18 – January 2019)
18. Rodrygo – Santos → Real Madrid (€45m, age 18 – June 2019)
19. Vinícius Júnior – Flamengo → Real Madrid (€45m, age 16 – July 2018)
20. Ansu Fati – Barcelona La Masia (internal, age 16 – 2019, peak value €100m)

The New Generation – Who’s Next in 2026?

Keep your eyes on:

Lamine Yamal (Barcelona) – already €150m at 18
Endrick (Real Madrid) – €80m at 19
Kenan Yıldız (Juventus) – €60m at 20
Archie Gray (Tottenham) – €50m at 19

Conclusion

The teenage transfer market has exploded — clubs are betting hundreds of millions on potential, and most of the time… they’re winning. Bellingham, Mbappé, Yamal — these aren’t just expensive kids; they’re already superstars.

Which teenage transfer was the best value? The biggest flop? Who’s next to break the top 10? Drop your take in the comments — I reply to every one!

Disclaimer: Market values from Transfermarkt, November 2025. See our Privacy Policy for details.