New tactics, transfers, and, of course, the emergence of new talent are all part of the excitement that comes with every football season. Others are quietly moving up the ranks in anticipation of their breakthrough moment, while some young players are already making headlines.
There are a few under-20 players this season who are about to take front stage. These players have the potential to make a huge impact in 2025–2026, whether they are dominating in youth events, attracting attention during preseason, or vying for a first-team debut.
By the end of the season, these ten young football players under the age of twenty could be well-known.
10. Dro Fernandez
born on January 12, 2008. I started for Barcelona at the moment. Even though they are just 17, they are under 19.
Although not much is known about him yet, he is a young player in the Barcelona academy who gained notoriety in July 2025 when he scored a goal for Barcelona on the preseason tour.
9. Nyoni Treymaurice
Nyoni was born on June 30, 2007, and on October 15, 2024, he signed his first professional deal with Liverpool.
He was listed as a match-day replacement and was part of Liverpool’s first team roster for their UEFA Champions League encounter against PSV Eindhoven on January 29, 2025.
He might make a full breakthrough if given more Premier League time.
8. Comotto, Christian
An Italian 17-year-old. In the 2025–2026 preseason, he played his first game for AC Milan against Arsenal and then again against Liverpool. He scored a goal and gained a penalty in his debut start against Perth.
7. Ethan Williams
Williams, who was born on November 14, 2005, started his career at Rochdale before joining Manchester United in 2019.
In January 2025, he went on loan to Cheltenham Town, and at the conclusion of the 2024–2025 campaign, he rejoined Manchester United.
During the preseason trip, he managed to regain Ruben Amorim’s trust and scored a goal in Man United’s 4-1 victory over Bournemouth.
6. Josh Nichols
This right-back, who was born on July 26, 2006, tried out for Chelsea, Tottenham, and West Ham before signing with Arsenal at the age of eight.
In July 2024, he agreed to a professional deal with Arsenal.
He made an impression in a friendly match against Manchester United while playing with the Arsenal first team on their preseason tour that summer.
He also played against Newcastle United and AC Milan in the summer of 2025–2026.
5. Salman, Marli
A versatile player who can play both light-back and centre-back. He has the physical attributes to compete at the U21 level despite only being 15 years old.
His powerful forward sprints and attacking contributions are particularly noticeable when he plays as a light-back. In general, he is seen as either a second Saliba or Arsenal’s Jean-Clair Todibo.
He entered the game as a centre-back in the second half of the preseason game against AC Milan on July 23, 2025. He contributed to a sturdy backline with his powerful, calm defence and aerial skills. His potential was much valued by Mikel Arteta.
4. Tygo Land
For PSV, he plays as a centre midfielder and occasionally as a defensive midfielder. He was born on January 11, 2006.
Before transferring to PSV in 2023, he started playing football at the age of five at the SC Heerenveen academy.
He was chosen to be a member of the Eerste Divisie Team of the Season in May 2024.
3. 19-year-old Roony Bardghji
Roony, a right winger who was born on November 15, 2005, is renowned for his speed and dribbling.
He scored his first Champions League goal against Manchester United at the age of just 17.
He relocated to Barcelona from Copenhagen in the summer of 2025, and he made an impression in the 2025–2026 preseason, scoring an incredible goal against an Asian team.
2. Rio Ngumoha, who is fifteen years old
Ngumoha, one of England’s most captivating young attackers, was born on August 29, 2008.
Despite being younger than the majority of his classmates, he began his career at Chelsea’s youth level before joining Liverpool in the summer of 2024.
He was given the focus during Liverpool’s preseason under Arne Slot.
For his age group, he has exceptional dribbling and acceleration skills. He is already becoming recognised as a potential England international at the age of 15.
1. Max Robert Dowman (15 years old)
Dowman, an offensive midfielder, was born on December 31, 2009, and progressed through the Arsenal academy.
At the age of 15, he made his first-team debut against AC Milan in a preseason friendly. Coaches, players, and supporters praised his skill and confidence when he played in another friendly match against Newcastle United four days later.
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