Five Brazilian Football Youth Academies Ranked Among World's Best in 2026

A recent global ranking published by the International Football Observatory (CIES) has recognized five Brazilian football clubs among the top 30 youth academies worldwide for 2026. The ranking evaluates clubs based on the number of players they have developed who are currently active in 49 top-tier leagues internationally. Brazilian clubs Palmeiras, São Paulo, Flamengo, Fluminense, and Santos were highlighted in this prestigious list.

Palmeiras led the Brazilian contingent, ranked 13th globally, scoring 65.7 points with 59 players developed. São Paulo was close behind at 15th place with 65.5 points. Flamengo secured the 19th position with 63.1 points, followed by Fluminense at 28th with 59.1 points, and Santos at 29th with 58.7 points. The overall world leader was Portugal's Benfica, which topped the chart with 101.3 points.

The CIES methodology requires that to be considered developed by a club, a player must have spent at least three years between the ages of 15 and 21 at that club. This ranking underscores the significant role Brazilian clubs play in nurturing youth talent amid fierce global competition. Besides Brazil, notable clubs from Argentina such as River Plate, Boca Juniors, and Vélez Sarsfield, and European clubs like Ajax also featured strongly in the top tier.

This recognition not only highlights the quality of Brazilian youth development systems but also affirms their enduring influence on the global football landscape, highlighting Brazil's continued contribution to producing high-caliber professional players.