The 20 Most Expensive Teenage Football Transfers of All Time – Ranked
Teenagers in football are no longer seen as future stars — they’re now investments worth tens of millions. From legendary talents like Kylian Mbappé to recent prodigies like Franco Mastantuono and Leny Yoro, clubs are betting big on youth. Here's a countdown of the top 20 most expensive teenage transfers in football history.
20. Joško Gvardiol – €36.8M (Dinamo Zagreb to RB Leipzig, 2021/22)
RB Leipzig saw huge potential in the Croatian defender and secured his signature before he turned 20. Gvardiol's composure and maturity on the ball made him one of Europe’s most promising centre-backs.
19. Luis Guilherme Reis – €37M (Palmeiras to Chelsea, 2024/25)
Chelsea’s strategy of investing in South American talent continued with the signing of Reis. The Brazilian midfielder is expected to be developed carefully in a long-term plan.
18. Wayne Rooney – €37M (Everton to Manchester United, 2004/05)
Manchester United broke the bank for an 18-year-old Rooney, who had already announced himself with a screamer against Arsenal. He went on to become a club legend and all-time leading scorer.
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17. Luke Shaw – €37.5M (Southampton to Manchester United, 2014/15)
One of the most expensive teenage defenders of his time, Shaw’s move to United came with high expectations. Though plagued by injuries early on, he has since become a reliable full-back.
16. Dejan Kulusevski – €39M (Atalanta to Juventus, 2019/20)
The Swedish playmaker caught the eye with his intelligent movement and creativity. Juventus acted quickly to secure him from Atalanta in a deal that underlined their commitment to future talent.
15. Fábio Silva – €40M (FC Porto to Wolves, 2020/21)
Wolves surprised many by splashing out €40 million on the 18-year-old Portuguese striker. Silva arrived with high potential, but his development in the Premier League proved challenging early on.
14. Archie Gray – €41.25M (Leeds United to Tottenham, 2024/25)
Tottenham beat several top clubs to the signature of English teenager Archie Gray. Known for his versatility and maturity, Gray is tipped to become a mainstay in midfield for years to come.
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13. Jorrel Hato – €44.2M (Ajax to Chelsea, 2025/26)
Chelsea continued their teenage recruitment spree with Dutch talent Hato. A left-footed centre-back with strong leadership qualities, he’s considered a long-term defensive pillar.
12. Vinícius Jr. – €45M (Flamengo to Real Madrid, 2018/19)
Real Madrid made a statement when they signed Vinícius at 18, despite his limited first-team experience. The Brazilian winger has since become one of the most electrifying attackers in the world.
11. Rodrygo – €45M (Santos to Real Madrid, 2019/20)
Another Brazilian gem snapped up by Real Madrid, Rodrygo was highly rated at Santos. His Champions League performances have already etched his name in club history.
10. Franco Mastantuono – €45M (River Plate to Real Madrid, 2025/26)
Still just 18, Mastantuono’s move to Madrid continues the club’s focus on securing the best South American talent. With his vision and dribbling, he’s one to watch closely in the coming years.
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9. Endrick – €47.5M (Palmeiras to Real Madrid, 2024/25)
A generational prospect, Endrick’s move was agreed well in advance of his arrival in Spain. Touted as the next big Brazilian superstar, the hype around him has been massive.
8. Désiré Doué – €50M (Rennes to PSG, 2024/25)
PSG acted fast to bring in the dynamic Rennes midfielder. Doué offers flair and energy, and he’s expected to be integrated quickly into their senior squad.
7. João Neves – €59.9M (Benfica to PSG, 2024/25)
Another expensive midfield talent, João Neves was chased by several European giants. PSG paid nearly €60M to secure a player viewed as a future Portugal centerpiece.
6. Anthony Martial – €60M (Monaco to Manchester United, 2015/16)
Martial was a surprise big-money arrival at United, and expectations were sky-high. While his career has had highs and lows, the raw talent was evident from day one.
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5. Leny Yoro – €62M (Lille to Manchester United, 2024/25)
United continued their defensive rebuild by landing Yoro from Lille. The 18-year-old has already shown composure and physicality well beyond his years.
4. Roméo Lavia – €62.1M (Southampton to Chelsea, 2023/24)
Chelsea spent big on Lavia after his breakout season at Southampton. The Belgian midfielder adds dynamism and intelligence to their youthful squad.
3. Matthijs de Ligt – €85.5M (Ajax to Juventus, 2019/20)
At just 19, De Ligt was already captaining Ajax in the Champions League. His commanding presence made him one of the most sought-after defenders in Europe.
2. João Félix – €127.2M (Benfica to Atlético Madrid, 2019/20)
Félix’s rise at Benfica led to a record-breaking move to Atlético. While consistency has eluded him, the Portuguese forward’s talent is unquestionable.
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1. Kylian Mbappé – €180M (Monaco to PSG, 2018/19)
The most expensive teenager in football history, Mbappé joined PSG in a mega deal after lighting up Ligue 1 and the World Cup. He has since become a global superstar and Ballon d’Or contender.
