Benfica leads the world: the top 10 football academies revealed

October 24, 2025 Kris Isaksen

A new global ranking of football academies has delivered some surprises, with Portuguese giants Benfica taking the crown for the second year in a row. Based on the number of active professional players produced and their overall impact, this list offers a compelling look at where football’s next stars are truly coming from.

10. Velez Sarsfield – Argentina’s quiet achiever

Velez Sarsfield kicks off the top ten, producing 70 active professional players with an index score of 73.8. Though often overshadowed by bigger Argentine clubs, Velez has consistently developed solid talent that quietly spreads across world football.

9. Real Madrid – smaller pool, massive impact

In ninth place, Real Madrid’s La Fabrica has 58 graduates and a 74.8 index score. While they produce fewer players than many on this list, their influence is significant—Achraf Hakimi, now considered the best right-back in the world, is a prime example.

8. Defensor SC – Uruguay’s overlooked engine

Uruguay’s Defensor Sporting surprises many by placing eighth, with 88 players and a 77.0 index. Their impressive production rate shows how even lesser-known South American clubs can be major contributors to the global talent pool.

7. Dinamo Zagreb – Croatia’s development machine

Dinamo Zagreb claims seventh with 77 active players and a score of 77.9. Their focus on youth has paid off, fueling both domestic success and a steady flow of talent to Europe’s top leagues.

6. Sporting – Portugal’s second academy giant

Sporting CP — ninopavisic / Shutterstock.com

Sporting sits in sixth place with 76 players and an 83.4 index, continuing its tradition of producing stars like Cristiano Ronaldo. The Lisbon-based club remains a key force in nurturing top-tier Portuguese talent.

5. Boca Juniors – still a top talent hub

In fifth, Boca Juniors contributes 86 professionals to the global stage, earning an index of 95.0. Despite being edged out by River Plate, Boca remains one of Argentina’s premier academies, known for its fierce football culture and passionate youth system.

4. Ajax – Europe’s long-time talent factory

Ajax Amsterdam — esthermm / Shutterstock.com

Ajax takes fourth place with 80 players and a 97.6 score, solidifying its reputation as a cornerstone of European player development. Their academy remains central to both club success and the Dutch national team.

3. River Plate – Argentina’s academy leader

River Plate ranks third with a remarkable 97 players and an index score of 98.3. Not only do they top South America, but they also sit above most European giants, reflecting the club’s deep commitment to youth development.

2. Barcelona – La Masia still elite

La Masia places second with 76 active professionals and an index of 98.7. Though not in the top spot, Barcelona’s academy continues to be synonymous with technical excellence and has produced global stars like Pedri.

1. Benfica – world’s top football academy

Benfica leads the world for the second consecutive year, producing 93 active players and scoring 105.1 on the index. Their elite graduates include Joao Neves, Bernardo Silva, Joao Cancelo, and Ruben Dias—evidence of the club’s unmatched developmental success.