Benfica gem up 900% in under a year, joins world top five | OneFootball

continues to be a talking point at Benfica and once again stood out in the latest update of Transfermarkt’s market values, released this Tuesday. The right-back, just 18 years old, who has earned Marco Silva’s trust, is among the most highly valued young defenders in world football, in a rise that confirms the impact of his performances for the Eagles.

The progress of the young Portugal international has been particularly striking in recent months, since he began to gain space in Benfica’s first team. The coach’s trust came at a time when Alexander Bah suffered an injury, allowing the Seixal academy graduate to take on a more prominent role. Since then, Banjaqui has made the most of his opportunities and cemented his place in Benfica’s plans.

Transfermarkt has now valued Daniel Banjaqui - who has already been linked with Liverpool - at 10 million euros, doubling his previous valuation, which stood at 5 million. The increase becomes even more significant when compared to December 2025, when the defender made his debut for Benfica’s first team and was valued at just one million euros. In less than a year, the full-back has multiplied his market value tenfold, for a cumulative increase of 900%.

The new valuation places Banjaqui fifth in the global ranking of the most valuable U19 defenders, according to data from the specialized portal. The Benfica youngster shares that position with Borussia Dortmund’s Kauã Prates, both valued at 10 million euros. Ahead of them are Honest Ahanor, at 30 million, Ruud Nijstad and Kacper Potulski, both at 18 million, and Tylel Tati, who rounds off the group of players valued above the Portuguese youngster, with a price tag of 15 million euros.

Banjaqui’s rise in value is another sign of the development of Benfica’s young talents and of the ground the full-back has gained under Marco Silva. At just 18 years old, the young Portugal international is already part of a select group of U19 defenders with the highest valuations in world football, after a rise that began with his first-team debut and gathered momentum over the past few months.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.