Top 10 football academies in the world in 2018

#9 Southampton

Gareth Bale hails from the youth academy at Southampton

The Southampton Youth Academy is one of the biggest institutions that aim to nurture young footballers and help them build successful careers. The Saints have been praised by many for developing a world-class academy. Being a Southampton graduate is considered as a seal of approval and a proof of quality around the globe.

Apart from the upbringing, the club also allows the players to flourish in their first team. Approximately 50% of the club's first-team squad are homegrown talents; a reason why they are regarded as one of the best clubs for youngsters around the globe.

As of now, the club has produced a couple of youngsters like Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Luke Shaw and Calum Chambers, who are plying their trades for the biggest clubs in the Premier League. Also, it would be a sin to not mention the fact that Gareth Bale, one of the best attackers of this age, hails from the Saints youth academy.

Notable Alumni: Alan Shearer, Gareth Bale, Luke Shaw, Adam Lallana, Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain.

Upcoming talents: James Ward-Prowse, Ryan Seager, Jack Rose.