CIES Study Reveals Top 20 Young Talents in Brasileirão 2026

A recent study by the CIES Football Observatory has identified the 20 most promising under-23 players in the Brasileirão for the 2026 season. The analysis, which evaluated players across 67 leagues worldwide based on performances over the last six months, considered eight different areas of the game, match importance, competition results, statistics, and playing time. The study highlights the growing depth of young talent in Brazilian football, with several clubs contributing multiple prospects to the ranking.

Palmeiras and Botafogo emerged as the clubs with the most representatives in the top 20, each featuring four players in the list. This underscores their strong youth development systems and investment in nurturing emerging talent. The rankings provide insight into the future stars who are expected to make significant impacts in the league this season and beyond.

The top 10 of the ranking includes players such as Matheus Martins (Botafogo, 22 years old) with a score of 73.8, Maik Gomes (São Paulo, 21 years old) at 73.8, Victor Hugo (Atlético-MG, 21 years old) at 73.3, and Lucas Ronier (Coritiba, 21 years old) at 73.5. Other notable entries include Jefté (Palmeiras, 22 years old) at 73.1, Ignacio Sosa (RB Bragantino, 22 years old) and Jordan Barrera (Botafogo, 20 years old) both at 72.9, João Pedro (Corinthians, 22 years old) at 72.7, and Keny Arroyo (Cruzeiro, 20 years old) and Mateo Ponte (Botafogo, 22 years old) both at 72.3.

The full list of the top 20 promising under-23 players in the Brasileirão 2026, as per the CIES study, is as follows:

1. Wallace Yan (Flamengo, 21 years old) – 71.8
2. Mateo Ponte (Botafogo, 22 years old) – 72.3
3. Keny Arroyo (Cruzeiro, 20 years old) – 72.3
4. João Pedro (Corinthians, 22 years old) – 72.7
5. Jordan Barrera (Botafogo, 20 years old) – 72.9
6. Ignacio Sosa (RB Bragantino, 22 years old) – 72.9
7. Jefté (Palmeiras, 22 years old) – 73.1
8. Victor Hugo (Atlético-MG, 21 years old) – 73.3
9. Lucas Ronier (Coritiba, 21 years old) – 73.5
10. Maik Gomes (São Paulo, 21 years old) – 73.8
11. Matheus Martins (Botafogo, 22 years old) – 73.8
12. Victor Hugo (Atlético-MG, 21 years old) – 73.3
13. Lucas Ronier (Coritiba, 21 years old) – 73.5
14. Maik Gomes (São Paulo, 21 years old) – 73.8
15. Matheus Martins (Botafogo, 22 years old) – 73.8
16. Jefté (Palmeiras, 22 years old) – 73.1
17. Ignacio Sosa (RB Bragantino, 22 years old) – 72.9
18. Jordan Barrera (Botafogo, 20 years old) – 72.9
19. João Pedro (Corinthians, 22 years old) – 72.7
20. Keny Arroyo (Cruzeiro, 20 years old) – 72.3
21. Mateo Ponte (Botafogo, 22 years old) – 72.3
22. Wallace Yan (Flamengo, 21 years old) – 71.8

The study’s methodology emphasizes a performance index calculated from collected data, combined with an experience index that weighs minutes played and the weight of the league in which the athletes compete. This approach ensures that the rankings reflect not only current form but likewise the context of the player’s development and exposure to high-level competition.

As the Brasileirão 2026 season progresses, these young players are expected to play pivotal roles for their respective clubs. Their development will be crucial for both team success and the broader landscape of Brazilian football, potentially influencing future national team selections and international transfers.

For continued updates on the Brasileirão 2026 season and the progress of these promising talents, fans are encouraged to follow official league channels and reputable sports news outlets. Share your thoughts on which young player you believe will have the biggest impact this season in the comments below.