The 10 Most Expensive Teenagers of All Time: Where Are They Now?  

In the fast-paced world of football, clubs are always on the hunt for the next big star, often willing to invest astronomical sums on promising young talents. While seasoned players bring experience and immediate impact, young prodigies offer long-term potential and the possibility of future profits. Here, iLOTBET explores the ten most expensive teenage footballers in history, ranked by their initial transfer fees, and examines how their careers have unfolded since their big-money moves.

10. Anthony Martial – £36m

When Manchester United splashed £36 million on a relatively unknown 19-year-old from Monaco in 2015, eyebrows were raised. Dubbed the “next Thierry Henry,” Anthony Martial had the weight of immense expectations on his young shoulders. His debut goal against Liverpool suggested that United had unearthed a gem, but inconsistency plagued his time at Old Trafford. After scoring 90 goals in 317 appearances, Martial’s career at United fizzled out, leading to his release in 2024. A career that promised so much ultimately fell short of the lofty expectations.

9. Vinicius Junior – £38.7m

Real Madrid saw something special in Vinicius Junior, triggering his £38.7 million release clause at Flamengo after just two first-team appearances. The young Brazilian arrived in Madrid with the task of filling the void left by Cristiano Ronaldo—a daunting challenge for any player, let alone a teenager. Initially, Vinicius struggled to adapt, but over time, he has blossomed into one of the world’s top talents. With three La Liga titles, two Champions Leagues, and numerous other trophies under his belt, Vinicius has more than justified his price tag.

8. Rodrygo – £39.3m

Following the success of Vinicius, Real Madrid dipped into the Brazilian market once again, securing Rodrygo from Santos for £39.3 million. Unlike Vinicius, Rodrygo’s integration into the team was more gradual. However, he has now cemented his place as a key player for Los Blancos, with his UEFA Champions League heroics against Manchester City in 2021/22 being a standout moment. At just 23, Rodrygo’s market value has soared, and he is now reportedly worth around £85 million—a testament to his development at Madrid.

7. Archie Gray – £40m

Archie Gray’s rise through the ranks at Leeds United was nothing short of spectacular. After a breakout season in 2023/24, where he won the Championship Young Player of the Year, Gray attracted attention from several Premier League clubs. Leeds, unable to secure promotion, saw Gray’s £40 million release clause triggered. Initially set for Brentford, the move collapsed, allowing Tottenham to swoop in. Now a Spurs player, the versatile midfielder will be one to watch as he continues to develop in North London.

6. Leny Yoro – £52.1m

Lille’s reputation for producing top-tier talent was further cemented with the emergence of Leny Yoro. The center-back’s stellar performances in Ligue 1 earned him a place in the 2023/24 Team of the Season, prompting Manchester United to part with £52.1 million for his services. Despite interest from Real Madrid, Yoro chose United, citing the club’s history of nurturing young talent. Yoro’s move marks another significant investment in youth by the Red Devils, who hope he will anchor their defense for years to come.

5. Romeo Lavia – £53m

Despite Southampton’s relegation in 2023, Romeo Lavia’s performances didn’t go unnoticed. After a bidding war, Chelsea secured the Belgian midfielder for an initial £53 million. However, Lavia’s first season at Stamford Bridge was hampered by injuries, limiting him to just one substitute appearance. Chelsea fans will be hoping that their investment pays off in the long run, as Lavia still has the potential to become a key figure in their midfield.

4. Matthijs de Ligt – £67.7m

Matthijs de Ligt’s meteoric rise with Ajax, where he captained the team to a domestic double and a Champions League semi-final at just 19, led to a £67.7 million move to Juventus in 2019. Though de Ligt won Serie A and Coppa Italia titles in Turin, he never quite reached the heights expected of him and was eventually sold to Bayern Munich in 2022 and then to Man United in 2024. De Ligt’s journey highlights the challenges young players face when moving to clubs with established legends.

3. Jude Bellingham – £88.5m

Few young players have generated as much buzz as Jude Bellingham. After three stellar years at Borussia Dortmund, the England international became one of the most sought-after talents in the world. Real Madrid secured his services for £88.5 million in 2023, and Bellingham wasted no time in making an impact. With 23 goals and 13 assists in his debut season, he was instrumental in Madrid’s La Liga and Champions League triumphs, and is now a leading contender for the Ballon d’Or.

2. Joao Felix – £113m

Joao Felix’s £113 million move to Atletico Madrid in 2019 remains one of the most expensive transfers in football history. The Portuguese forward, who had dazzled at Benfica, was expected to lead Atletico’s attack for years to come. While he helped the club win La Liga in 2020/21, Felix has struggled to live up to his hefty price tag. A disappointing loan spell at Chelsea and a subsequent move to Barcelona have left his future uncertain, with Atletico unlikely to recoup their original investment.

1. Kylian Mbappe – £166m

Kylian Mbappe’s transfer to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017 set a new benchmark for teenage transfers, with PSG eventually paying Monaco £166 million to secure his services. Mbappe has more than justified the fee, becoming PSG’s all-time top scorer with 256 goals in 308 appearances. However, his time in Paris ended on a sour note, and in 2024, he joined Real Madrid on a free transfer. Mbappe’s career continues to be one of the most captivating stories in modern football, as he now looks to conquer Spain and the rest of Europe with Los Blancos.

Want to bet on the next big football star? Join iLOTBET and be part of the excitement as these young talents light up the world stage.