October 31 – Portugal’s Benfica has been unveiled as the world leader in player training, according to stats generated by the CIES Football Observatory.
The CIES’s latest report ranks football clubs and academies worldwide on their ability to develop top-level talent, with Benfica (academy pictured) leading the way.
The Portuguese giants ranked highest both in the number of players trained and in the ‘training index’ a metric that accounts for the competitive level of these players. Benfica trained 94 players active across 49 top divisions globally, achieving a training index of 103.7.
Trailing closely, Argentina’s Boca Juniors produced 93 players with an index of 102.2, while Spain’s Barcelona ranked third, training 81 players and scoring 98.6.
All three clubs are famed for their work with young players. Whilst Benfica and Boca prefer to cash in their top young players, many of Barca’s La Masia graduates have become legends of the club.
Hansi Flick’s side are dominating La Liga with their current crop of youth talent, as seven of their starting XI that dismantled arch-rivals Real Madrid were from the club’s esteemed academy.
Within Europe’s big five leagues, Barcelona leads with 46 active players, followed by Real Madrid (34) and Paris Saint-Germain (35). For players in Europe’s 30 main leagues, Ajax ranks highest in the training index.
To qualify, players had to be included in their club’s first-team squad as of October 1, 2024, and have played in domestic league matches up to that date. Alternatively, players who participated at the senior level (excluding B teams) in the previous two seasons were eligible. All second and third-choice goalkeepers were also considered.
To see the full stats click here.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1734878383labto1734878383ofdlr1734878383owedi1734878383sni@g1734878383niwe.1734878383yrrah1734878383