La Masia sets the standard again as Barcelona dominate Europe in youth development

Barcelona’s commitment to youth development has been recognised at the highest level, reinforcing La Masia’s status as one of the world football’s most productive academies. 

A new study published by the CIES Football Observatory and highlighted by Mundo Deportivo places Barça at the very top of European football when it comes to developing and fielding young players during 2025.

The data focuses on the five major European leagues, namely, La Liga, the Premier League, Serie A, the Bundesliga and Ligue 1, and the conclusions strongly favour the Catalan club. 

According to the weekly report, Barcelona have had more academy-trained players feature in top-flight football over the past calendar year than any other club on the continent.

What’s the number?

In total, 40 players developed at Barça have played minutes in Europe’s elite leagues during 2025. No other institution matches Barcelona’s output under these criteria.

For the purpose of the study, a player is considered “developed” by a club if he has spent at least three years there between the ages of 15 and 21. 

Barcelona have the most productive academy. (Photo by Jasper Juinen/Getty Images)

What makes the achievement even more striking is the number of those players contributing directly to the first team. 

As many as 10 La Masia graduates featured for Barça’s senior side during the period analysed, the highest figure recorded. 

Setting the standards

In the overall ranking, Barça finish ahead of their historic rivals Real Madrid, who recorded 35 homegrown players across the top leagues. 

Paris Saint-Germain follow in third place with 31. French side Rennes occupy fourth position with 29 players, while Ajax complete the top five with 27.

The rest of the top ten includes Chelsea with 25 players, Real Sociedad with 24, and a three-way tie between Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal on 22 each.