SIX FUTURE STARS TO WATCH AT THE U21 EUROS

 

SIX FUTURE STARS TO WATCH AT THE U21 EUROS

TRENDINGBLOG247 spotlights the rising stars set to shine on the big stage as Europe's best young talents battle for glory in Slovakia this summer.

Two years ago, England claimed their first-ever UEFA Under-21 European Championship title in style, edging out Spain 1-0 in the final thanks to a deflected Cole Palmer free-kick. As the 2025 edition kicks off this week, the Young Lions will be eager to defend their crown—though they'll face fierce competition from a stacked Spanish side, as well as heavyweights like Portugal, Germany, France, Italy, and the Netherlands.

Each of the 16 qualified nations has named a 23-man squad, made up of players born on or after January 1, 2002. The result? A captivating blend of raw talent and emerging experience, with some players making their first appearance on the international stage—and others looking to cement their status as future stars.

So, who’s got the spark to light up the tournament?

TRENDINGBLOG247 breaks down six standout names you won’t want to miss at this summer’s Under-21 Euros...

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Ethan Nwaneri (England)

One of the most exciting talents in English football, Ethan Nwaneri made an instant impact on his England U21 debut back in March, scoring in a 4-2 win over Portugal. "We have to keep remembering he's 18. Unbelievable, isn't it?" said manager Lee Carsley—a sentiment shared by many, though Arsenal fans likely weren’t surprised.

The teenager became a regular fixture for Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side last season, stepping up impressively during a challenging spell that saw key players like Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, and Kai Havertz sidelined. Nwaneri responded with 11 goal contributions in 37 appearances across all competitions, showcasing maturity well beyond his years.

A naturally gifted, left-footed playmaker, Nwaneri is equally effective cutting in from wide areas or operating centrally. His smooth touch, vision, and ability to glide past defenders make him a constant threat. Give him space, especially on that favored left side, and he can punish opponents with a trademark curling finish.

If he brings his club form into this summer’s tournament, England’s chances of retaining their U21 title just got a serious boost.

Geovany Quenda (Portugal)

Geovany Quenda made headlines in March when Chelsea splashed out £44 million ($60m) to secure his signature—and it’s easy to see why the hype is real. The 18-year-old burst onto the scene last October, breaking Cristiano Ronaldo’s record as the youngest goal-scorer in Sporting CP’s history at just 17 years, 5 months, and 27 days.

Since then, Quenda has only gone up a gear, even as he’s had to adjust to life under new Sporting coach Rui Borges following Ruben Amorim’s move to Manchester United. Initially deployed as a winger, Quenda has been reinvented as a forward-thinking right-back, a role that lets him showcase both his defensive grit and attacking flair.

His pace, strength, and fearless 1v1 ability make him a nightmare for opponents. Offensively, he offers much more than overlapping runs—his passing vision and creative spark often ignite Portugal’s attacking play.

“He reminds me of Lamine Yamal,” Sporting assistant Tiago Teixeira told The Athletic in March—high praise for a player tipped to reach the very top. Already capped twice by the Portugal senior team, Quenda is expected to play a key role in Slovakia this summer, and his presence alone makes Portugal serious title contenders.

Thierno Barry (France)

Thierno Barry seamlessly transitioned to La Liga last summer, moving from Basel to Villarreal at 22. He played a pivotal role in Villarreal’s top-five finish, scoring 11 goals and providing four assists while forming a dynamic partnership with Alex Baena. His physical presence, aerial dominance, and clinical finishing bolstered Villarreal’s attack, securing their Champions League return. Barry’s versatility with the ball and relentless style overwhelmed many Spanish defenders. 

With a €40m (£34m/$46m) release clause, Barry is attracting interest, notably from Everton, who see him as their potential lead striker. A strong performance at the U21 Euros in Slovakia could cement his path to the Premier League for the 2025–26 season.

Conrad Harder (Denmark)

Linked with Manchester United, Chelsea, and Juventus, Conrad Harder is one of the hottest attacking prospects in Europe. The 20-year-old Danish striker drew Erling Haaland comparisons after a breakout season with Sporting CP, who snapped him up from Nordsjaelland in 2024 for €19m (£16m/$22m)—a fee that already looks like a bargain.

Harder wasted no time making his mark. While Viktor Gyokeres earned most of the plaudits during Sporting’s title-winning campaign, Harder quietly delivered 23 goal contributions across all competitions. With his early-shot instincts, relentless work rate, and ability to link play, he may already be the more well-rounded No.9 in the squad.

His progress hasn’t gone unnoticed. Denmark handed him a senior cap in March, and some believe he could eventually replace Rasmus Højlund as the national team’s leading striker. Still raw, but brimming with potential, Harder now has the chance to lead Denmark’s U21s deep into the Euros—a step that could cement his status as one of Europe’s next great centre-forwards.

Jorrel Hato (Netherlands)

It’s remarkable to think that Jorrel Hato is still only 19. The 2024–25 season was already his third at senior level for Ajax, having broken into the first team as a 16-year-old academy graduate in March 2022. Now, he’s not only one of the club’s key players but also holds vice-captaincy duties, a rare feat for someone so young.

A modern ball-playing centre-back, Hato is known for his ability to carry the ball out from defence, his blistering pace, and a pinpoint passing range. Despite Ajax enduring a frustrating season, Hato’s consistently elite performances earned him the Eredivisie Talent of the Year award—an individual accolade that speaks volumes about his impact.

At the U21 European Championship, he’ll be a cornerstone of the Netherlands’ defence, providing stability at the back and a genuine attacking threat, having scored two goals and delivered six assists for Ajax last term. Team-mate Jordan Henderson has described him as a “fantastic player” and “very mature,” adding that he has a “bright future ahead of him.”

That might be an understatement. Hato isn’t just a rising star—he looks destined to become one of the defining defenders of his generation.

Nick Woltemade (Germany)

Germany’s towering 6’6” Stuttgart striker Nick Woltemade is a unique force for the U21 Euros. Far from a traditional target man, he’s dubbed Stuttgart’s “two-metre Messi” for his nimble footwork and agility under pressure. Joining from Werder Bremen last summer, Woltemade filled the void left by Serhou Guirassy’s move to Borussia Dortmund, scoring 17 goals across all competitions, including one in Stuttgart’s historic DFB-Pokal final win over Arminia Bielefeld.

Less prolific than Guirassy, Woltemade excels as both a scorer and playmaker. His senior Germany debut in the Nations League semi-final loss to Portugal, under Julian Nagelsmann, signals his U21 Euros may be his last at this level. With his dynamic skillset, silencing him is a near-impossible task, setting the stage for a potential explosive farewell.