Why Teen Stars like Yamal and Doué are Reshaping Soccer - and Club Finances

Soon after, Doué was pushed into fourth place by his even-younger teammate Senny Mayuly, who came off the bench to score PSG's fifth goal at the age of 19 years and 14 days.

These teenagers aren't future stars. They're taking over the game right now. And they're the business model for a club's survival.

The Financial Gold Rush Behind it All

Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules were first implemented in soccer in the 2011/12 season and the knock on effect may be the emergence of these extraordinary teenage talents.

Clubs can no longer rely on unlimited spending to win trophies for fear of falling foul of the rules. If a club can bring a player up from their academy, not only do they get a "brand new player" for "free", they also get 100% of the transfer sell-on money, greatly helping their ability to stay within the FFP guidelines - and buy new players.

The Return of La Masia and Rise of Next-Gens

Barcelona have always had the most famous academy, known as La Masia, responsible for producing Lionel Messi, Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta and many more. 

After a fallow period, La Masia is back not just with Yamal but with Ansu Fati, Alejandro Balde, Eric Garcia and most notably Pau Cubarsí, the centre back already described as world-class - by his manager.

“Pau Cubarsí is an incredible player. He's been world class...guys, it's not normal for a 17 years old to perform like that!” Xavi

"Better than Ronaldo"

It's not just Barcelona and PSG building armies of wonder kids. Across Europe, teen prodigies are stepping into legendary jerseys - not just to learn but to lead.

At Real Madrid 18-year-old Endrick was described by one journalist as "better than Romario and Ronaldo". At Ajax, 19-year-old defender Hato has Chelsea and others salivating and preparing their check books. 

Meanwhile injuries forced Arsenal to introduce teenagers Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly, both of whom seized their moment in the spotlight with such aplomb they are both now valued at over $50m.

Fan Favorites

These are fresh faces that play with a smile on their face. And that in turn puts a giant grin on their fans' faces who crave new heroes. Keeping the fans happy is half the battle; without them there is no club. And that makes these kids even more valuable - both on and off the pitch.

The teenage takeover of European Soccer isn't a fluke. It's a strategy. And it's working.