Top 5 most valuable football academies revealed -- Chelsea surprisingly above Barcelona

According to CIES football observatory, the Barcelona academy, widely known as La Masia, is the third most valuable academy in world football.

As per the estimated transfer values of their academy graduates, the Blaugrana academy is worth around €581 million. Benfica stand first with a whopping valuation of €670 million while Chelsea are not behind either, with a valuation of €630 million.

Other academies in the top five include Ajax (€555 million) and Manchester City (€510 million).

One would expect Barca to be on top given the number of players that have come through the ranks and become a success in the first-team.

Since its foundation, La Masia has produced some of the biggest stars football has ever seen, such as Leo Messi, Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets and many more.