Europe's 20 best young footballers right now

 

Europe's 20 best young footballers right now Forged in top academies and honed by intense competition, a dynamic new generation is transforming European football. With raw talent, tactical brilliance, and unyielding ambition, these rising stars are leaving their mark on the grandest stages. Meet the next wave of football icons, here to dominate:

20. Abdukodir Khusanov - CB/RB At just 21, Khusanov is making remarkable strides in his burgeoning career. Regarded as one of Uzbekistan's finest talents, his €40m (£33.7m/$41.7m) move to Manchester City in January 2025 underscores his potential. A key figure in Lens' defense, Khusanov excelled as a robust centre-back, combining staunch defending with precise passing. Leading all Ligue 1 defenders in interceptions (3 per 90 minutes) and possessions won (3.48 per 90 minutes), he’s primed for a standout Premier League campaign.

19. Ethan Nwaneri - CAM/RW At just 18, Arsenal's homegrown talent has shone brightly for Mikel Arteta’s squad, seamlessly filling in for injured stars Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka. Nwaneri broke records in 2022, debuting for Arsenal’s first team at 15, making him the Premier League’s youngest-ever player. Known for his explosive pace and robust defensive work, The Athletic lauded his “ability to glide past defenders, shift direction, and maintain pinpoint control of the ball, paired with clinical finishing.”

Carlos Baleba - CDM Carlos Baleba, a 21-year-old Cameroonian, joined Brighton from Lille in 2023 and has emerged as a standout talent in the Premier League. In the 2024-25 season, he averages 2.66 successful tackles and 1.55 interceptions per 90 minutes (Opta Analyst), ranking him among the league's top defensive midfielders.

Santiago Castro - ST The 20-year-old Argentinian has taken Bologna (Serie A) by storm. After joining from Vélez Sarsfield in the 2023-24 season, he recorded eight goals and five assists in 36 Serie A matches in 2024-25, per Transfermarkt. His rise shows no signs of slowing. As of March 2025, Castro’s market value stands at €35 million (£29.5m/$39.7m), according to Transfermarkt, making him a prime target for European clubs seeking a dynamic number nine.

Levi Colwill - CB/LB Levi Colwill has become a vital asset for Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea, excelling with his physical presence and exceptional pass completion, surpassing the league average for defenders. The young centre-back showcased his defensive reliability during loan spells at Huddersfield and Brighton, prompting Chelsea to reject a late transfer bid from Brighton. His value was underscored on the final day of the 2024-25 Premier League season, scoring the crucial goal that secured Champions League qualification for Chelsea.

Myles Lewis-Skelly - LB/CM In the 2024-25 season, Lewis-Skelly secured the left-back role at Arsenal despite fierce competition, marking a significant breakthrough. His England debut goal highlights his status as one of England's most promising talents in years. Known for his dynamic energy, press resistance, and precise line-breaking passes, Lewis-Skelly's intelligence in duels and overall play has garnered widespread praise.

Dean Huijsen - CB Huijsen's ascent has been remarkable. Plucked from Malaga's academy by Juventus in 2021, he shone during a loan at Roma, securing a transfer to AFC Bournemouth. The Spaniard quickly adapted to the Premier League, forming a robust partnership with Illya Zabarnyi, the league's youngest defensive duo. After just one season as a regular starter—and a debut for Spain—Real Madrid triggered his release clause. The club sees him as the cornerstone of their defense for the next decade.

Gavi - CM Emerging from Barcelona’s La Masia at 17, Gavi quickly became a cornerstone of the club’s youthful resurgence. His relentless energy, composure under pressure, and knack for playing between lines earned him a permanent spot. A full Spain international soon after his debut, Gavi’s tireless midfield presence persists despite injuries. Combining traditional Spanish flair with a bold, fearless style, he embodies the future for both Barcelona and Spain.

12. Aleksandar Pavlović - CDM Aleksandar Pavlović emerged in Bayern Munich’s first team during the 2023–24 season. A product of Bayern’s youth academy, he seized his opportunity due to senior squad injuries, showcasing remarkable composure and maturity. Pavlović commands the midfield with understated confidence, combining tidy ball control, sharp positional sense, and physical robustness. His game-reading ability provides midfield stability, earning him several Germany national team call-ups.

Benjamin Šeško - ST Benjamin Šeško, RB Leipzig's striker, transferred from Red Bull Salzburg in 2023 after rising through their youth system. Scouted young in Slovenia, he was a consistent scorer in Austria’s top division by age 18. At 6'5", Šeško blends towering physicality with sharp movement and clinical finishing, earning comparisons to Erling Haaland. Rumors strongly link him to a potential Arsenal move this summer.

10. Rayan Cherki - CAM Rayan Cherki, a dazzling talent renowned for his flair and technical skill, has been a standout prospect in French football, drawing interest from top European clubs. A product of Lyon’s academy, he made history as their youngest-ever goalscorer, debuting at 16. Cherki’s unpredictable style and creative spark make him a constant threat to defenses. Capable of game-changing moments, his focus now is building on the consistency he showed in the 2024-25 season. His raw potential remains unquestionable.

Désiré Doué - LW A graceful midfielder known for his deft footwork and creative spark, Désiré Doué emerged from Stade Rennais’ academy before joining PSG in 2024. His poise and skillful ball-carrying in Ligue 1 drew attention from elite clubs early on. Now at Paris Saint-Germain, he contributes to a youth-driven transformation, adding flair and directness to the wings under Luis Enrique. Doué’s mix of technical finesse and tactical intelligence establishes him as one of France’s brightest young talents.

João Neves - CM João Neves, Portugal's rising star, transferred from Benfica to PSG in 2024 for €60 million (£50.1m/$62.4m). The 20-year-old midfielder has shone in his debut season, recording eight assists and three goals in 29 league matches. Initially wary of the high-profile move and its hefty price tag, Neves quickly adapted to life in Paris. "I see a lot of PSG in me. It’s a club that invests in youth and aims to dominate football," he told One Football.

Xavi Simons - CM Xavi Simons has emerged as a standout in European football, leading RB Leipzig to pay a club-record fee to secure his permanent transfer from Paris Saint-Germain. His versatility in both defensive and offensive roles makes him a dependable dynamo. Simons’ ball control ranks him among the elite at his position. In the 2024-25 season, he achieved an 82.9% pass completion rate (1,105 passes) and scored 10 goals, according to Opta Analyst—impressive stats for the young midfielder.

Bradley Barcola - RW Barcola, a product of Lyon’s academy, is a fast, direct winger known for his ability to outmaneuver defenders in one-on-one situations. Following a standout 2022–23 season, he secured a high-profile transfer to PSG. In Paris, he’s stepped out from the shadow of star predecessors, earning a key role in Luis Enrique’s dynamic attack. Versatile like Doué, Barcola can play on either flank, leveraging his speed and dribbling to shine.

5. Pau Cubarsí - Center Back At just 18, Barcelona's Pau Cubarsí debuted under Xavi Hernández in 2024, quickly becoming a cornerstone of the Catalan defense. A La Masia graduate, he’s earned praise for neutralizing elite strikers like Victor Osimhen and Kylian Mbappé. Despite his youth, Cubarsí displays exceptional leadership in orchestrating Barcelona’s backline. GOAL notes that former captain Carles Puyol likens him to a young Gerard Piqué.

Florian Wirtz - Attacking Midfielder Widely regarded as one of Germany's brightest stars, Wirtz has been exceptional in recent seasons. He played a pivotal role in Bayer Leverkusen's historic 'invincible' Bundesliga title in 2023-24, contributing 11 goals and 12 assists in 32 matches. This season, the dynamic attacking midfielder has continued his impressive form. Reports from Fabrizio Romano suggest Wirtz is set to join Liverpool following their title-winning campaign, with negotiations ongoing for add-ons in what could be a record-breaking Premier League transfer.

Pedri - CM Often compared to Xavi, Pedri is among La Liga's brightest midfield talents. Per One Football, the 22-year-old has outshone his Barcelona teammates in passes to the final third this season, making him a Ballon d'Or contender. Despite past injuries and poor management, Pedri has thrived under Hansi Flick's guidance. "I feel free. He lets me play without pressure, and I’m much more comfortable," the Spanish midfielder said.

Jude Bellingham - CM Jude Bellingham’s ascent from Birmingham City’s academy to Real Madrid’s spotlight has been remarkable. Debuting at 16, he honed his skills at Borussia Dortmund before shining at Madrid since 2023. In an advanced midfield role, he delivers vital goals and leadership. Combining physicality, intelligence, and mental strength, Bellingham is a cornerstone for both club and country.

Lamine Yamal - RW Europe's brightest young star, Lamine Yamal has taken football by storm with his extraordinary talent. At only 17, he's already Barcelona's key attacker, driving them to a La Liga and Copa del Rey double. Yamal dazzled at Euro 2024, playing a pivotal role in Spain's triumph. In the 2024-25 season, he recorded 18 goals and 25 assists in 55 matches across all competitions (per Transfermarkt). Is he the next Lionel Messi?

See also: Battle of Ballon d'Or favourites - Yamal v Dembele in Nations League