Best football academies in the world: Benfica leads the 2025 rankings

November 12, 2025 Kris Isaksen

The CIES Football Observatory has released its annual list of the top football academies worldwide, analysing data from 49 professional leagues. Based on a training index that includes number of trained players, the level of clubs they play for, and official minutes played, the 2025 results highlight the dominance of certain historic football institutions.

10. Vélez Sarsfield (Argentina)

Velez Sarsfield — Club Atlético Vélez Sársfield, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Vélez Sarsfield trained 70 players currently active in the top 49 leagues around the globe. These players averaged 2,406 minutes in official matches, with a club level score of 0.805, showcasing the academy’s consistent player output.

9. Real Madrid (Spain)

Real Madrid Flag — rarrarorro / Shutterstock.com

With 58 players trained and an impressive average of 2,817 minutes played, Real Madrid ranks ninth overall. Their high club level of 0.853 reflects the elite calibre of clubs employing their former academy talents.

8. Defensor SC (Uruguay)

Defensor SC’s 88 trained players highlight the academy’s strong contribution to professional football worldwide. Although their average club level is lower at 0.726, the players still averaged over 2,200 minutes of game time.

7. Dinamo Zagreb (Croatia)

Dinamo Zagreb trained 77 players who averaged 2,532 minutes on the pitch. Known for their player development system, their training index was boosted by the breadth of talent playing in Europe and beyond.

6. Sporting CP (Portugal)

Sporting CP’s legacy continues with 76 players trained and an average club level of 0.811. These graduates played an average of 2,488 minutes, confirming the Lisbon club’s role as a consistent talent producer.

5. Boca Juniors (Argentina)

Boca Juniors placed fifth with 86 academy players currently active worldwide. Their training index is bolstered by 2,516 minutes played on average and a club level of 0.808.

4. AFC Ajax (Netherlands)

Ajax Amsterdam — esthermm / Shutterstock.com

Ajax remains a benchmark in European football development, with 80 players trained across global leagues. The players averaged 2,690 minutes of action, supported by a solid club level of 0.841.

3. River Plate (Argentina)

River Plate trained 97 active players, the most among the top three. Though their average minutes (2,305) and club level (0.805) are slightly lower, the volume of professional output keeps them firmly on the podium.

2. FC Barcelona (Spain)

Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy produced 76 players now playing at a high level worldwide. With an average club score of 0.875 and 2,773 minutes per player, it remains a global model for youth development.

1. SL Benfica (Portugal)

Benfica tops the 2025 list with 93 trained players, each averaging 2,582 minutes across competitive leagues. The Lisbon club’s training index of 105.1 reflects both quantity and consistent quality across the board.