How FC Barcelona turned €0m into €240m

Barcelona’s ability to develop talent through La Masia is paying off handsomely once again. 

Over the past few years, three young talents—Pau Cubarsi, Lamine Yamal, and Gavi—have experienced remarkable surges in their market values, transforming the club’s investment of almost nothing into an astonishing €240 million. 

These players have become some of the hottest young prospects in world football, showing just how vital La Masia is to Barcelona’s success on and off the field.

Pau Cubarsi – From €1.5m to €30m

Pau Cubari has made the first team spot his own. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Young defender Pau Cubarsi has seen his value skyrocket in recent months. Back in December 2023, Cubarsi was valued at just €1.5 million. 

While this wasn’t insignificant for a young, unproven defender, his progression in the senior team and his outstanding performances have led to a massive jump in his value. As of today, Cubarsi is now worth an impressive €30 million.

The rapid rise in Cubarsi’s market worth is a testament to his solid defensive abilities and his adaptability. The 17-year-old has quickly cemented his place as a reliable option at the back for Barcelona. 

His composure, vision, and defensive intelligence have caught the attention of scouts and managers alike, pushing his market value up at a phenomenal rate. 

With his current trajectory, his worth is expected to rise even further as he becomes a regular for both club and country.

Lamine Yamal – Breaking records with €120m valuation

Lamine Yamal’s current valuation is €120 million. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Arguably the most notable rise in value belongs to forward Lamine Yamal. His journey from promising academy talent to one of football’s hottest prospects has been nothing short of extraordinary. 

By the time Yamal made his senior debut, he was valued at just €25 million, a decent figure for a teenager making his first steps into top-flight football. By December 2023, his value had doubled to €60 million, reflecting his growing influence in the team.

However, the real explosion in Yamal’s market value came soon after, with his current valuation sitting at a staggering €120 million. This makes him not only one of the most valuable young players in the world but also one of the most valuable players in general. 

At only 17, Yamal is already being compared to some of the best forwards in the world, and his value will likely continue to rise as he continues to develop considering that Paris Saint-Germain are right on his tail.

Gavi – €90m despite injury woes

Gavi has not played in almost a year. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Young midfielder Gavi has also seen his market value grow despite having been sidelined for nearly a year due to injury. 

When Gavi first burst onto the scene, like Yamal, he was valued at around €25 million. His breakthrough performances in midfield, showcasing a blend of aggression, technical ability, and leadership, quickly earned him a much higher valuation.

Today, Gavi is worth €90 million. This is particularly impressive considering his injury troubles, which have kept him off the pitch for an extended period. 

Despite this, Gavi remains a highly valued asset for Barcelona, thanks to his previous displays and his potential to return even stronger. 

His resilience, combined with his tactical understanding and energy in the middle of the park, makes him a vital part of Barcelona’s future.

Player valuations obtained from transfermarkt.com on the date of publication.