European soccer is home to some of the most prestigious and productive youth academies in the world. These academies have a storied history of developing young players who go on to become stars in the sport; contributing not only to their clubs but also to national teams across the globe. 



According to <a href="https://x.com/CIES_Football/status/1826555913714450922" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CIES</a>’ recent data, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/real-madrid-tv-schedule/">Real Madrid</a> and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/barcelona-tv-schedule/">Barcelona</a> expectedly lead the most productive academies. Based on the number of players currently active in 58 leagues worldwide, the list also includes other European giants. These academies have produced a remarkable number of professional players, each academy boasting unique strengths in player development.



Real Madrid’s youth academy, La Fabrica, stands at the pinnacle of youth development, with 67 players currently active in professional leagues worldwide. The name La Fabrica, meaning “The Factory,” is a testament to its reputation for consistently producing top-tier talent. The academy’s focus on technical skill, tactical intelligence, and physical conditioning has produced numerous stars; including legends like Raul, Iker Casillas, and more recently, players like Dani Carvajal and Nacho.



However, their phenomenal success over the last decade has all but come to an end due to a decline in skill levels and the success of other players. As a result, closely behind them is Barcelona’s famed <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/la-masia-continues-to-pay-dividends-for-cash-strapped-barcelona-20231023-WST-464128.html">La Masia</a> academy; it has produced 64 players currently active in top leagues. La Masia is synonymous with the “tiki-taka” style. This philosophy has shaped some of the greatest players in modern soccer, including Lionel Messi, Xavi Hernandez, and Andres Iniesta.



In the 2024-25 La Liga opener, Hansi Flick started three 17-year-olds: <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/no-messi-vs-yamal-conflicts-with-scheduling-2025-finalissima/">Lamine Yamal</a>, Pau Cubarsi, and Marc Bernal. This was only the second occasion this century that the Blaugrana have started three under-18 players.



<h2>Who are the other best academies?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240825_WST_524659_Best-soccer-academies-2-1200x675_c5c6ab12.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-524688" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/Best-soccer-academies-2-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/Best-soccer-academies-2-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/Best-soccer-academies-2-768x432.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/Best-soccer-academies-2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/Best-soccer-academies-2.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/ajax-tv-schedule/">Ajax</a>’s academy, De Toekomst, meaning “The Future,” is renowned for their focus on developing technically proficient players with a deep understanding of the game. With 61 players currently active across various leagues, Ajax’s influence on European soccer is undeniable. Furthermore, they have produced legends like Johan Cruyff, Marco van Basten; more recently, Frenkie de Jong and Matthijs de Ligt.



Similarly, Serbian giant Crvena Zvezda, also known as Red Star Belgrade, have produced 60 players currently active in professional leagues. The club’s academy has a rich history of developing tough, technically sound players who excel in various European leagues. Notable graduates include Dejan Stanković and Nemanja Vidić, both of whom have made significant contributions to the sport.



In addition, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/benfica-tv-schedule/">Benfica</a>’s Seixal academy has become one of Europe’s most productive in recent years; with 59 players currently active in top leagues. The school has a stellar reputation for evaluating talent and producing young players with exceptional tactical acumen and technical skills. Moreover, they have a strong track record of selling players to top European clubs, often for substantial fees. Graduates like Joao Felix, Ruben Dias, and Bernardo Silva have gone on to achieve great success in Europe; highlighting the academy’s influence.



<h2>Manchester City aiming to rise to top of best soccer academies</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240825_WST_524659_Best-soccer-academies-1-1200x675_246bcdda.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-524686" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/Best-soccer-academies-1-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/Best-soccer-academies-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/Best-soccer-academies-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/Best-soccer-academies-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/Best-soccer-academies-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



Meanwhile, Dynamo Kyiv’s academy stands as one of the most productive in Eastern Europe; with 56 players currently active in various leagues. The club has a long tradition of developing technically gifted and tactically astute players. As a result, many of these players have gone on to become key figures in Ukrainian soccer and have had successful careers abroad.



Sporting CP’s academy, often overshadowed by their Lisbon rivals Benfica, is nonetheless one of the best in Europe, with 55 players currently active in professional leagues. The academy is perhaps best known for producing Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the greatest players in soccer history, which underscores its exceptional capability in nurturing world-class talent.



Moreover, Dinamo Zagreb’s academy is the most productive in the Balkans, with 53 players currently active in professional leagues. The academy is widely recognized for its ability to develop technically skilled players who are also tactically flexible. Luka Modrić, one of the best midfielders of his generation, is perhaps the most famous graduate, illustrating the academy’s success in developing top-tier talent.



Furthermore, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/manchester-city-tv-schedule/">Manchester City</a>’s academy has grown significantly in stature over the past decade, with 42 players currently active in top leagues. The club’s investment in youth development, particularly since the takeover by the Abu Dhabi United Group, has paid off with a steady stream of talent emerging from its ranks.



Lastly, Partizan Belgrade, another Serbian club with a rich tradition of developing talent, has 42 players currently active in professional leagues. The club’s academy is known for producing technically gifted and physically strong players who often move on to bigger European clubs, continuing the legacy of the academy on a broader scale.



PHOTOS: IMAGO

Top most productive academies: Madrid and Barcelona lead way

European soccer is home to some of the most prestigious and best youth academies in the world who go on to become stars in the sport.

Top most productive academies: Madrid and Barcelona lead way - World Soccer Talk

Barcelona’s La Masia academy often garners praise for its prolific production of talents. 



However, Real Madrid’s La Fabrica youth setup also boasts a proud tradition of developing exceptional players. 



<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/real-madrid-tv-schedule/">Madrid</a> do have a reputation for spending extravagantly on emerging stars; but the club has also nurtured legends like Iker Casillas and Raul through its in-house youth system. 



Today, La Fabrica continues to churn out promising talents; many of whom have already made an impact on the senior squad.



But this summer has been particularly eventful for Real Madrid. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/madrid-to-sit-key-player-due-to-tactical-tweak-caused-by-mbappe/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Although a free transfer, Kylian Mbappe</a>‘s high-profile arrival from Paris Saint-Germain involves significant financial commitments for the club. 



This expenditure necessitates balancing the books; prompting the club to consider selling several promising La Fabrica graduates who might not feature prominently in the upcoming season.



Los Blancos, despite not incurring a transfer fee for the Frenchman, face considerable financial outlays due to his substantial salary and signing bonuses. Consequently, the club needs to recoup funds through player sales. 



<a href="https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/rcd-espanyol/20240720/1002284669/sera-facil-pescar-real-madrid.html?utm_medium=social&amp;utm_source=twitter&amp;utm_content=futbol" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mundo Deportivo</a> reports that they plan to sell several of their youth prospects. These players, while talented, are unlikely to see significant first-team action in the 2024-25 season.



This strategy involves including sell-on and buy-back clauses in these transactions. They would ensure future financial benefits and the possibility of re-signing these players if they flourish elsewhere. Espanyol, interested in loan deals for these players, has been deterred by Real Madrid’s preference for permanent sales.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240721_WST_517730_Nico-Paz-1200x675_2f941651.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-517760" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/07/Nico-Paz-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/07/Nico-Paz-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/07/Nico-Paz-768x432.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/07/Nico-Paz-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/07/Nico-Paz.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure><figcaption>Nico Paz is one of the La Fabrica graduates rumored to be slated to leave the club.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Recent and planned departures</h2>



Real Madrid have already initiated this strategy with the sales of Rafa Marin, Alex Jimenez, and Marvin Park, generating some revenue.



 However, further sales are necessary. <a href="https://www.elnacional.cat/ca/esports/40-milions-reial-madrid-obre-mercat-4-sortides-ancelotti-no-vol_1252925_102.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">El Nacional</a> adds that the Whites have shortlisted four more players for potential sales: Nico Paz, Mario Martin, Alvaro Rodriguez, and Rafa Obrador. 



The club aims to raise approximately $43.5 million by selling 50% of the rights to each player; ensuring future options if these players excel elsewhere.



Nico Paz, who debuted and scored in the Champions League, seeks regular playing time which he might not get at Real Madrid due to the club’s star-studded midfield. Similarly, Alvaro Rodriguez, who debuted in the 2022-23 season, managed to score and assist but struggled for consistent opportunities amidst a packed squad. 



Both players, along with Mario Martin and Rafa Obrador, represent valuable assets that could fetch significant fees while also providing potential future benefits through retained partial rights.



<h2>Who do Madrid need to sell?</h2>



This summer’s transfer activity underscores Real Madrid’s balancing act between strengthening the squad and maintaining financial stability. 



The club’s significant investments in Endrick from Palmeiras, a deal potentially exceeding $65 million, and the acquisition of Mbappe highlight its commitment to securing top-tier talent.



However, these high-profile signings necessitate prudent financial management. By selling La Fabrica products with buy-back and sell-on clauses, Real Madrid ensures a financial safety net and keeps the door open for reacquiring these players if they develop into top talents. 



This approach reflects a blend of short-term financial pragmatism and long-term strategic planning.



Photo credit: IMAGO / AFLOSPORT IMAGO / AFLOSPORT

Madrid compelled to sell youth stars after Mbappe's arrival

Barcelona'sl La Masia academy often garners praise. However, Real Madrid's La Fabrica youth setup also boasts a proud tradition.

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Top most productive academies: Madrid and Barcelona lead way

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Madrid compelled to sell youth stars after Mbappe's arrival