Top 10 football academies in the world in 2018

#6 River Plate

Radamel Falcao is an academy graduate of River Plate

Ranked as the ninth best club in FIFA's Club of the Century list, Argentinian giants River Plate were founded in May 1901. They are regarded as the most successful club in Argentina, thanks to their tally of 36 league titles and 9 national cups. However, it is their youth system that has earned them a worldwide reputation in football.

Coming to their recruitments, the River Plate scouts usually scour the streets looking for raw talents. The club focuses on a small-sided game play such as 2v2, 3v3, 4v4, and 5v5.

However, their inclination towards 4v2, 4v3, and 5v2 is actually what makes them special. Playing in such rigorous conditions ensures that a player gets well-acquainted with tight situations.

Additionally, their youth teams constantly tour the South-American countries for various youth tournaments; an activity that extends the required invaluable experience to their players from a young age. As a result of their dedicated way of developing players, their end-products turn out not only for them but also for Europe's top clubs.

Notable Alumni: Alfredo Di Stefano, Daniel Passarella, Pablo Aimar, Radamel Falcao, Hernan Crespo.

Upcoming talent: Matias Kranevitter