As managers increasingly rely on up-and-coming talent to handle the demands of hectic schedules, football is today teeming with exceptional young potential. Not surprisingly, the most talented of them make early names for themselves in the starting lineups of some of the greatest clubs in the world.
We have compiled a list of the top young prospects in the sport today by examining recent performances, awards, influence at the club and international levels, long-term potential, and key statistics.
The best football players under the age of 21 who are already having an impact on the game have been identified by Sholy Nation Sports. Let’s see how the stars of the future will shape the lovely game.
15. Rico Lewis, 19 years old, England
Defender is the position. Manchester City is the club. Date of birth: November 21, 2004.
During Manchester City’s 2022–2023 season, Rico Lewis made his debut and hasn’t looked back. It takes extraordinary talent to make an impact on a Pep Guardiola-coached team, and Lewis has consistently shown his value. The 19-year-old has accepted the role of an inverted full-back, displaying tactical awareness and versatility that belies his age.
In November 2023, just before turning 19, Lewis made his England senior debut. The future appears to be extremely bright for this talented defender, who made over 15 Premier League appearances last season, including scoring his first goal in an exciting 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace.
14. Marc Casado, age 21, Spain
The midfielder position. Barcelona is the club. Birthdate: September 14, 2003.
Spain’s best midfield maestros have long flourished at Camp Nou, and Marc Casado is the most recent to do so. Notwithstanding the fierce competition in Barcelona’s midfield, the 21-year-old is making waves under Hansi Flick. It’s interesting to see how Casado is developing; many people think he might soon establish himself as a mainstay on the squad.
Casado, a player who epitomizes La Masia’s traditions, is sometimes compared to the renowned Xavi and Sergio Busquets pair in terms of style. His positional knowledge enables him to easily influence play while remaining composed and confident with the ball. This teenage midfielder is another treasure discovered by Barcelona’s renowned academy.
13. 21-year-old Slovenian Benjamin Sesko
Role: Attacker. RB Leipzig is the club. Date of birth: May 31, 2003.
Benjamin Sesko, who was influenced by Zlatan Ibrahimovic, is rapidly becoming one of Europe’s most promising young forwards. Comparisons to the Swedish great have been made because of the Slovenian forward’s remarkable pace, strength, and finishing ability.
At his age, Sesko’s approaching 100 professional goals is an incredible accomplishment. The best teams in Europe are interested in him because he is already a vital member of both the club and the nation. Sesko’s contract with RB Leipzig was extended until 2029, but it will only be a matter of time until he advances in his career.
12. 20-year-old Joao Neves from Portugal
The midfielder position. Paris Saint-Germain is the club. Date of birth: September 27, 2004.
Joao Neves is regarded as one of the most promising midfield players in Europe. Paris Saint-Germain overcame Manchester United to sign him in the summer after a number of elite clubs vying for his talents.
The Portuguese international’s notable performance for his team in Euro 2024 is evidence of his rising stature. Neves is a versatile midfield player who can divide defenses and disrupt play with equal ease.
11. 17-year-old Pau Cubarsi from Spain
Defender is the position. Barcelona is the club. Date of birth: January 22, 2007.
Pau Cubarsi is one of the most promising new developments for La Masia’s production line, which is still thriving. The teenage center-back became the youngest player to ever play for Spain when he made his senior debut in March 2024.
Cubarsi, who is calm and intelligent, is emulating players such as Pedri and Gavi. The 17-year-old is already predicted by Barcelona supporters to be a stalwart in their defense in the future.
10. 20-year-old Alejandro Garnacho of Argentina
Role: Winger. Manchester United is the club. Date of birth: July 1, 2004.
At Manchester United, Alejandro Garnacho is making great progress. During the 2023–24 season, the Argentine winger, who already has eight senior international caps, hit an incredible overhead kick against Everton that is considered to be among the best in the Premier League.
At Old Trafford, Garnacho is a fan favorite because of his straightforward and fearless style. His natural talent indicates that he has the potential to be one of the world’s top wingers, even though there is still need for improvement.
9. Gavi, 20 years old, Spain
The midfielder position. Barcelona is the club. Date of birth: May 8, 2004.
Gavi is a talented technician and a strong competitor who represents Spanish football’s future. The Barcelona midfielder has been a mainstay of the squad since making his La Liga debut at the age of 17, displaying maturity and skill well beyond his years.
Gavi is a remarkable performer despite his diminutive size because of his aggression and ability to control games. Barcelona supporters may anticipate that he will dominate their midfield for many years to come now that a long-term contract has been signed.
8. 18-year-old Warren Zaire-Emery of France
The midfielder position. Paris Saint-Germain is the club. Birthdate: August 3, 2006.
Warren Zaire-Emery, who is only eighteen, has already established himself as a vital member of Paris Saint-Germain. As a direct result of his exceptional skill, he emerged as one of Luis Enrique’s most trusted players in a team full of elite players during the 2023–24 campaign.
Zaire-Emery dominates games from midfield thanks to his poise in possession, athleticism, and vision. He is already seen as a future leader with the ability to rule European football for the ensuing ten years and beyond.
7. Kobbie Mainoo, 19 years old, England
The midfielder position. Manchester United is the club. Date of birth: April 19, 2005.
Over the past year, Kobbie Mainoo has had a significant influence at Manchester United and received praise for his poise and maturity under trying conditions. The youthful midfield player has taken advantage of his chances and has gained popularity among fans despite United’s patchy play.
During Euro 2024, Mainoo was again a vital member of England’s squad, playing well in crucial knockout games. He seemed poised for a dazzling future because of his talent and perseverance.
6. 19-year-old Arda Guler from Turkey
The midfielder position. Real Madrid is the club. Date of birth: February 25, 2005.
Since joining Real Madrid in 2023, Arda Guler has received a lot of accolades; some have even likened his potential to that of Lionel Messi. Despite having few early appearances due to injuries, the Turkish playmaker’s tenure with Fenerbahce demonstrated his extraordinary potential, as he scored 21 goals in just 51 games.
Guler is already drawing attention at Madrid with his inventiveness, foresight, and technical mastery. He has time on his side to establish himself as one of his generation’s most renowned players.
5. Xavi Simons, 21 years old, Netherlands
The midfielder position. Club: (on loan) RB Leipzig. Date of birth: April 21, 2003.
Since he was a teenager and gained notoriety as a Barcelona youth star, Xavi Simons has been a household name. Following a brief stint at Paris Saint-Germain, he really came into his own at PSV Eindhoven, where his exceptional play led to a return to PSG and a loan to RB Leipzig.
Simons demonstrated his skill and adaptability in midfield, helping the Netherlands get to the Euro 2024 semifinals. The 21-year-old is still growing into one of Europe’s most promising young players.
4. 21-year-old Florian Wirtz from Germany
The midfielder position. Bayer Leverkusen is the club. Birthdate: March 5, 2003.
After suffering a severe injury, Florian Wirtz recovered remarkably to help Bayer Leverkusen win their first Bundesliga championship in a long time. With crucial performances all season long, the 21-year-old playmaker has emerged as Xabi Alonso’s team’s creative engine.
Wirtz is one of the best prospects in world football due to his technical skill and knack for a spectacular pass. He has already been linked to some of the top teams in Europe.
3. Jude Bellingham, age 21, England
The midfielder position. Real Madrid is the club. Date of birth: June 29, 2003.
Since joining Real Madrid in 2023, Jude Bellingham has become a sensation in the football world. The England midfielder has surpassed all expectations, leading Los Blancos to both La Liga and Champions League victories last season.
Bellingham is already being praised as one of the greatest British players who have ever played overseas because of his leadership qualities, adaptability, and extraordinary work ethic. His ceiling appears endless at just 21.
2. 21-year-old Jamal Musiala from Germany
The midfielder position. Bayern Munich is the club. Date of birth: February 26, 2003.
With his amazing dribbling and game-winning skills, Jamal Musiala has emerged as Bayern Munich’s golden boy, captivating supporters. While he still excels in the Bundesliga, his achievements at the 2022 World Cup made him one of the few bright lights in Germany’s dismal campaign.
Musiala is almost tough to stop thanks to his combination of skill, strength, and tenacity. He is already among the top young midfield players in the world and is predicted to continue to dominate for many years to come.
1. 17-year-old Lamine Yamal from Spain
Role: Winger. Barcelona is the club. Date of birth: July 13, 2007.
With an impressive debut for Barcelona at the age of 16, Lamine Yamal made his La Liga debut. After a year, he is already being praised as one of the globe football league’s most promising talents.
So far this season, seven goals and eleven assists.
Many have compared Yamal to Lionel Messi because of his incredible ability to influence games at such a young age. The Barcelona starlet seemed destined to rule the sport for many years to come thanks to his fearless style, astute judgment, and technical mastery.
