The most undervalued player alive
Guilherme Madruga won the FIFA Puskas Award in 2023 for a bicycle kick that stunned the football world. Three years later, he is playing in the Chinese Super League with a market valuation that would not cover a League One transfer fee. Something is deeply wrong with this picture, and smart clubs should be paying attention.
The skouted.ai algorithm certainly is. Madruga posts a UV score of 99, the maximum possible rating, signalling extreme undervaluation. His deal score of 84 places him among the top transfer targets globally across all positions and leagues.
The data tells the story
Madruga’s OVR of 75 is genuinely strong for a central midfielder. For context, that puts him in the range of solid mid-table players in top-five European leagues. Yet his market value sits between €490K and €800K, a fraction of what comparable talent would cost in Europe.
The reason is simple. His contract at Shandong Luneng expires in December 2026, just four months away. Chinese Super League clubs face well-documented financial constraints, and the combination of an expiring deal plus a difficult selling environment creates a perfect storm of undervaluation.
What makes him special
Madruga is not just a viral highlight reel. He is a complete central midfielder who can operate as a number 8 or in a deeper role. His Puskas-winning goal demonstrated extraordinary athleticism and technical ability, but his all-round game is what makes him a genuine prospect for European football.
He reads the game well, recovers possession effectively, and can progress the ball from deep positions. His passing range is suited to a possession-based system, and his physical conditioning is excellent for a 25-year-old in his prime.
The numbers
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| OVR | 75 |
| Age | 25 |
| UV Score | 99 |
| Deal Score | 84 |
| Market Value | €490K - €800K |
| Contract Remaining | 4 months |
| Nationality | Brazil |
The opportunity
For any club in a secondary European league, or even a lower-half side in a top-five league, Madruga represents extraordinary value. A pre-contract agreement in January would cost nothing in transfer fees. Even a cut-price deal in the current window would represent a fraction of his true worth.
The AI verdict is unambiguous: strong-buy. At 25, he is entering his peak years. The Puskas pedigree is not a fluke. This is a player who should be playing at a much higher level.
View full profile and AI-powered transfer intelligence at skouted.ai