CIES Names Real Madrid Leader in Long-Term Squad Management

The international analytical center CIES Football Observatory has published a new weekly report presenting a global ranking of football clubs based on the effectiveness of long-term squad management. The study covered 55 leagues and is based on a comprehensive index including four key indicators.

The Spanish club Real Madrid topped the ranking. The team received the highest score thanks to a strategy focused on signing young players and retaining them for extended periods, ensuring stability and continuity.

The top five also included English club Brentford, Spain’s Athletic Bilbao, as well as MLS representatives Seattle Sounders and Philadelphia Union. The presence of two American clubs in the top five reflects the growing level of strategic planning outside Europe.

Among the top twenty were clubs outside Europe’s leading leagues: Shakhtar Donetsk (Ukraine), Club Brugge (Belgium), AZ Alkmaar (Netherlands), and Zenit (Russia). The best South American club was Brazil’s Palmeiras, which ranked 61st.

Analysts also highlighted leaders in specific metrics. Seattle Sounders ranked first in average player tenure, SJK Seinäjoki in lowest average age of new signings, and Chelsea in contract duration. Dynamo Kyiv and Libertad showed the lowest squad rotation.

The ranking considered the number of players used in matches over the past three seasons, their average tenure in the first team, contract length, and age at signing. Academy graduates were excluded, allowing for a more precise evaluation of transfer policy.

The study confirms a growing trend: top clubs are increasingly focusing on long-term squad development rather than short-term decisions. In this context, Real Madrid serves as a benchmark for the entire football industry.

This strategy is clearly reflected in Real Madrid’s recent transfers: the club is investing in young players with high potential. Notably, Dean Huijsen (20), Álvaro Carreras (22), and Franco Mastantuono (18) were signed.

A similar approach was used in previous years, with Jude Bellingham, Arda Güler, and Endrick joining the club at a young age.