25 Best Young Players in World Football (2025) – Ranked

September 1, 2025 Oliver Obel

The next generation of football brilliance is already here. From teenage sensations to composed midfield maestros, these 25 players aged 21 or under as of July 2025 are already making waves across Europe’s biggest clubs. Ranked from #25 to #1, this list celebrates the players with the highest potential, based on their early achievements and promise.

25. Geovany Quenda (Sporting CP, Portugal, Age 18)

Sporting CP’s latest gem, Geovany Quenda, made history as their youngest-ever goalscorer shortly after his senior debut. A £40m move to Chelsea is already in place, and his flair and versatility on the wings make him one of the most exciting Portuguese prospects.

24. Alejandro Balde (Barcelona, Spain, Age 21)

Despite injury troubles, Alejandro Balde remains a vital part of Barcelona's squad. His speed, dribbling, and attacking instincts down the left flank provide consistent danger for opponents.

23. Kendry Paez (Chelsea, Ecuador, Age 18)

Ecuador’s wonderkid Kendry Paez was signed by Chelsea at 15 and is now on loan at Strasbourg. Known for his silky first touch and vision, he’s tipped to become one of South America’s finest exports.

22. Jamie Gittens (Chelsea, England, Age 21)

Jamie Gittens took the Jadon Sancho path from Man City to Dortmund before signing for Chelsea. After scoring 12 goals in 2024/25, the explosive winger has firmly established himself as one to watch.

21. Rico Lewis (Manchester City, England, Age 20)

Rico Lewis is a tactical dream for Pep Guardiola, often playing as an inverted full-back with great composure. Already capped by England, his future at City looks bright as he continues to mature.

20. Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United, Argentina, Age 21)

Alejandro Garnacho’s fearless dribbling and flair made him a fan favorite at United. Despite doubts over his future under Amorim, his raw talent is undeniable.

19. Marc Casado (Barcelona, Spain, Age 21)

Marc Casado is the latest La Masia midfield metronome to emerge. Calm under pressure and intelligent in positioning, he’s being groomed for a long-term role at the Camp Nou.

18. Aleksandar Pavlovic (Bayern Munich, Germany, Age 21)

Aleksandar Pavlovic often flies under the radar at Bayern but plays a key role in Kompany’s midfield. He’s a strong tackler and effective passer, poised to be a defensive mainstay.

17. Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal, England, Age 18)

Thrown into the spotlight during Arsenal’s injury crisis, Ethan Nwaneri delivered with maturity and flair. He’s a dual-footed forward who thrives in tight spaces and doesn’t shy away from big moments.

16. Milos Kerkez (Liverpool, Hungary, Age 21)

Liverpool secured Milos Kerkez after he impressed at Bournemouth with dynamic full-back performances. The Hungarian has big shoes to fill, but his energy and pace make him a natural fit at Anfield.

15. Leny Yoro (Manchester United, France, Age 19)

Leny Yoro was a rare bright spot in an otherwise poor United season. Tall, composed, and tactically versatile, he could be the future of the Red Devils’ defense.

14. Savinho (Manchester City, Brazil, Age 21)

Savinho’s flair and creativity bring a touch of unpredictability to Guardiola’s otherwise rigid system. After a strong spell at Girona, the left-footed Brazilian has added speed and trickery to City’s wing play.

13. Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United, England, Age 20)

Kobbie Mainoo exploded in 2023/24 with calm and intelligent midfield performances. Though his minutes have dipped under Amorim, he remains a big talent with an eye for smart passes and movement.

12. Dean Huijsen (Real Madrid, Spain, Age 20)

Real Madrid grabbed Dean Huijsen for a bargain after his stints with Juventus and Bournemouth. Strong in the air and confident on the ball, he’s a modern centre-back with a high ceiling.

11. Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal, England, Age 18)

Arsenal’s latest prodigy, Myles Lewis-Skelly, is a versatile defender who scored on his England debut in March 2025. Whether at full-back or midfield, his agility and reading of the game shine.

10. Kenan Yildiz (Juventus, Turkey, Age 20)

Wearing Juventus’ iconic number 10 shirt, Kenan Yildiz has embraced pressure with poise. Capped 21 times by Turkey already, his creativity and flair make him a genuine star in the making.

9. Warren Zaire-Emery (Paris Saint-Germain, France, Age 19)

At just 19, Warren Zaire-Emery has already become a PSG midfield staple. Combining athleticism and technical quality, he’s set to lead both club and country for years to come.

8. Gavi (Barcelona, Spain, Age 21)

A former Kopa Trophy winner, Gavi is known for his aggressive yet elegant midfield play. He’s small in stature but massive in influence for Barcelona’s future.

7. Arda Guler (Real Madrid, Turkey, Age 20)

Dubbed by some as having “more potential than Messi,” Arda Guler joined Real Madrid with huge expectations. Injuries slowed his start, but his performances hint at world-class talent.

6. Willian Estevao (Chelsea, Brazil, Age 18)

Nicknamed "Messinho," Willian Estevao lit up the Club World Cup with Palmeiras and will soon join Chelsea. Technically dazzling and full of flair, he could be Brazil’s next breakout global star.

5. Endrick (Real Madrid, Brazil, Age 19)

Already scoring winners for Brazil at Wembley, Endrick is no ordinary teenager. Real Madrid secured him early, and his sharp instincts and explosive power make him a future superstar.

4. Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona, Spain, Age 18)

Pau Cubarsi went from obscurity to Barcelona’s first team in a single season. Intelligent, calm, and already capped by Spain, he’s one of Europe’s top young defenders.

3. Joao Neves (Paris Saint-Germain, Portugal, Age 20)

Joao Neves joined PSG after standing out with Benfica and Portugal at Euro 2024. A composed ball-winner with great distribution, he adds depth and quality to an already stacked midfield.

2. Desire Doue (Paris Saint-Germain, France, Age 20)

Desire Doue lit up the Champions League final and earned a rare 10/10 from L’Equipe. Quick, technical, and decisive, he’s already being hailed as a post-Mbappé cornerstone at PSG.

1. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona, Spain, Age 18)

Lamine Yamal is already making history with Barcelona and Spain before turning 18. With vision, dribbling, and confidence that defy his age, he’s the most talented teenager in the world today.