Revolution in Spanish Football: How La Liga turned its youth academies into a golden treasure | OneFootball

Spanish football’s grassroots structure valued at €1.46 billion — the highest in Europe

Revolution in Spanish Football: How La Liga turned its youth academies into a golden treasure

La Liga has officially become Europe’s leading league in terms of home grown player value and development according to new internal analysis presented by the Spanish league.

The report places the combined market value of La Liga trained players at €1.46 billion surpassing the Premier League (€1.07bn), Bundesliga (€960m), Serie A (€890m) and Ligue 1 (€760m).

Beyond financial metrics, La Liga clubs gave 19.8% of total playing time during the 2024 /25 season to players developed in their academies , the highest figure in Europe.

By comparison, Ligue 1 recorded 13.5% , the Bundesliga 7% , the Premier League 6.4% and Serie A just 5.5%.

This model not only sustains competitiveness on the pitch but also guarantees economic sustainability.

Spanish clubs earned record €289 million from transfers of locally trained players in the summer 2025 window marking historic milestone.

Rising return on youth development

In the last 5 year, revenue from youth academy graduates' transfers has increased from 27% to 45% making La Liga the most efficient market for home grown talent in Europe.

Even when Real Madrid and & Barcelona are excluded, the figure remains nearly identical , evidence that mid sized clubs play crucial role in Spain’s structural success.

A global benchmark

The success of this sustainable model has attracted international demand. Federations and leagues from Iraq, China and Latin America have partnered with La Liga to replicate its grassroots system.

The bigger picture

La Liga’s long term investment in grassroots football has turned its academies into both strategic asset and collective brand.

According to Juan Florit Head of Football Projects at La Liga:

"Spain trains better, retains more and sells at higher value .. all while maintaining sustainability"

With 91% of youth players being Spanish nationals, the ecosystem not only feeds its clubs but also strengthens national teams that have won 16 international title across all categories between 2014 & 2024 (the highest total in Europe).