THE TOP 5 FOOTBALL ACADEMIES IN EUROPE

Football academies have become a modern delight for clubs in the 21st century, and their importance cannot be overstated. What appears a basic part of a football club has over time served as a saving grace for many clubs; precisely acting as a source of steady finance and sometimes a last resort for major funding as often witnessed with Ajax and lately, Benfica CF.

The likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who are legends of the game, can be traced back to football academies in Spain and Portugal respectively. While some professional players may have started as street kids, the effect and opportunities provided by football academies have been crucial in unlocking their full potential.

Interestingly, club owners who prioritize immediate success and neglect the development of young players often find their clubs lacking in terms of productive youth academies. This is due to the frenzy of the current transfer-dominated space the football world has created.

Now, let's take a glimpse at the list of top academies across Europe based solely on the talent and quality of players they have produced since the year 2000, we have compiled a list of the top football academies.

1. Real Madrid FC

Prepare to be dazzled by Real Madrid's legendary talent factory, La Fabrica. This prestigious academy is the envy of European football, churning out stars like Álvaro Morata, Saúl Ñíguez, Juan Mata, and Filipe Luís, to name just a few. With an astounding 43 players currently shining in Europe's top leagues, Real Madrid's academy is a force to be reckoned with. La Fabrica has even raked in a mind-blowing 250 million euros from player sales between 2016 and 2020. It's no wonder they're known as the Galacticos!

2. Chelsea FC

Prepare to enter the hallowed grounds of Cobham, Chelsea FC's treasure trove of talent. This football paradise, valued at a jaw-dropping 630 million euros, is hailed as England's premier academy. Cobham has catapulted 28 rising stars into the major leagues across Europe, making a lasting impact. Since earning the prestigious Category One status in 2016, Chelsea's academy has pocketed a whopping 210 million pounds from selling their prized gems. Keep an eye out for the likes of Reece James, Tammy Abraham, and Mason Mount, who emerged as shining beacons from Cobham's illustrious ranks.

3. Olympique Lyon

Get ready to witness the magic of the Lyon Academy, the crown jewel of French football. This powerhouse institution has birthed talents like Anthony Lopes, Houssem Aouar, and the prodigious Rayan Cherki. Lyon's exceptional production line doesn't stop there. The list of players who blossomed at the academy but achieved greatness elsewhere is awe-inspiring. Nabil Fekir, Anthony Martial, Karim Benzema, Samuel Umtiti, and Corentin Tolisso are just a few of Lyon's lost treasures who conquered the world stage. CIES Football Observatory rates Lyon as the second-highest producer of players in Europe's top leagues, second only to Real Madrid. The Lyon Academy is valued at a staggering £270 million, a testament to their exceptional track record.

4. Atalanta BC

Get ready to be amazed by Atalanta BC's secret weapon, the Zigonia Academy. Not content with just an impressive first team, Atalanta has nurtured a goldmine of talent within their ranks. Valued at a remarkable £221 million, this academy has become a breeding ground for stars. From the likes of midfield maestro Alessio Tacchinardi to the clinical finisher Giampaolo Pazzini, Zigonia has shaped the future of Italian football. It's not just history in the making; the academy continues to produce exceptional talents like Daniele Baselli, Andrea Consigli, and Manolo Gabbiadini. Keep an eye on Atalanta's rising stars, including Simone Zaza, Mattia Caldara, and Roberto Gagliardini, as they carry on the proud tradition of this football revelation.

5. Bayer Leverkusen

Bayer Leverkusen, a club renowned for its ability to shape top talent, with the likes of Kai Havertz and Florian Wirtz as recent success stories, Leverkusen's academy, valued at an impressive £213 million, is a true hotbed of football excellence. The halls of Leverkusen have seen prodigious talents like Gonzalo Castro, Danny da Costa, Dominik Kohr, and Bastian Ozcipka rise to prominence. But Leverkusen's impact goes beyond their academy. Stars like Toni Kroos, Arturo Vidal, Kevin Kampl, Christoph Kramer, and Benjamin Henrichs spent their formative years honing their skills in Lever.

Leverkusen adopts the same football philosophy and implements the same training methods from the academy all the way through to the first team. The club’s DNA is dominance on the pitch not just with high ball possession but through the creation of high-quality goal-scoring chances. Little wonder the club opted for former Real Madrid Academy coach Xabi Alonso to lead their young first-team squad.