Research News
Top-valued teams: three main favourites
Based on the estimated transfer values* of the selected players, three national teams look like the main favourites to win the 2026 World Cup.
Most expensive players: Yamal in a league of his own
100 players in the world with the highest estimated transfer value, as calculated from the CIES Football Observatory’s statistical model.
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Most popular clubs on social media
Clubs worldwide according to their number of followers on the main social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and X).
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Best XIs of the season: 34 leagues
The 547th CIES Football Observatory Weekly Post presents the Team of the Season (4-2-1-3) for 34 leagues reaching their conclusion.
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Player exports: Brazil ahead of France
50 nations worldwide with the highest number of expatriates* currently playing in 135 professional leagues across the globe.
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Two-thirds of coaches in the job for less than a year
65.2% of teams across 55 leagues worldwide have changed their head coach at least once over the past year.
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Highest-rated young goalkeepers
100 goalkeepers who did not yet turn 23 with the highest estimated transfer value calculated using the CIES Football Observatory statistical model.
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Most powerful football agencies: global ranking
The ranking is based on the aggregate transfer value of the players represented by the companies or for whom hold transfer negotiation.
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Top U23 outfield players: 67 leagues
U23 outfield players currently active in 67 leagues worldwide who have performed best over the last six months.
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Top development clubs: use of U21 players
Clubs currently competing in 50 top divisions worldwide where footballers who had not yet turned 21 have played the highest percentage of minutes.
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