The 25 Best Young Footballers in the World Right Now – Ranked

August 1, 2025 Oliver Obel

The footballing world continues to be blessed with an extraordinary new generation of talent. From seasoned wonderkids already making waves in elite European clubs to teenage sensations just breaking through, this ranked list celebrates the 25 best players aged 21 or under as of July 2025. These stars are not just promising futures—they are already shaping the present of the beautiful game.

25 – Alejandro Balde | Barcelona

Despite some injury setbacks, Balde remains one of the brightest full-back talents in Europe. His pace and dribbling make him a lethal outlet down the left for Barcelona when fully fit.

24 – Kendry Paez | Chelsea

Kendry Paez joins Chelsea as one of South America’s most hyped talents in recent memory. With silky touch and strong vision, the 18-year-old already looks poised for a breakout in England.

23 – Jamie Gittens | Chelsea

After developing at Dortmund, Gittens caught the eye with a 12-goal campaign before moving to Chelsea. His flair, speed, and attacking instinct make him an exciting addition to the Blues.

22 – Estevao | Palmeiras → Chelsea

Nicknamed “Messinho,” Estevao is regarded as Brazil’s most exciting attacker since Neymar. Chelsea secured him before the Club World Cup, where he dazzled as Player of the Match in two games.

21 – Rico Lewis | Manchester City

Guardiola has used Rico Lewis as an inverted full-back, showing great faith in his intelligence. The 20-year-old already looks like a tactical linchpin and made his England debut at just 18.

20 – Milos Kerkez | Liverpool

Kerkez stood out at Bournemouth last season, helping them achieve their best-ever Premier League finish. His move to Liverpool marks the next step in what could be a stellar career at left-back.

19 – Alejandro Garnacho | Manchester United

Garnacho remains a fan favorite thanks to his fearless dribbling and direct play. While his future at United is uncertain, his talent suggests he’ll thrive wherever he lands.

18 – Marc Casado | Barcelona

Casado is emerging as Barcelona’s next midfield general, with a style reminiscent of Xavi and Busquets. Calm in possession and tactically aware, he’s a La Masia product with serious upside.

17 – Aleksandar Pavlovic | Bayern Munich

Pavlovic may fly under the radar, but he’s the heartbeat of Bayern’s midfield when fit. A solid tackler and line-breaker, he plays with a composure rarely seen at his age.

16 – Leny Yoro | Manchester United

Yoro made his name at Lille before moving to Old Trafford, where he’s been a rare bright spot in a tough season. Tall, strong, and technically gifted, he looks like a future defensive leader.

15 – Ethan Nwaneri | Arsenal

Nwaneri stepped up big for Arsenal in the absence of Saka and Martinelli, scoring four Premier League goals. Ambidextrous and electric, he’s proving to be the real deal in the final third.

14 – Savinho | Manchester City

Savinho brings flair and unpredictability to City’s structured attack. While his goal numbers are modest, his dribbling and pace make him a nightmare for defenders.

13 – Dean Huijsen | Real Madrid

Real Madrid snapped up Huijsen after impressive spells at Juventus, Roma, and Bournemouth. He’s tall, focused, and comfortable on the ball—ideal traits for a modern centre-back.

12 – Kobbie Mainoo | Manchester United

Mainoo was a rare breakout in a struggling United side, showing maturity and ball control beyond his years. His performances earned him a spot in England’s Euro 2024 knockout matches.

11 – Myles Lewis-Skelly | Arsenal

Lewis-Skelly made his Premier League debut in late 2024 and has steadily earned minutes since. A versatile option on the left, he also scored for England on his senior debut under Tuchel.

10 – Gavi | Barcelona

Gavi remains a cornerstone of Barcelona’s midfield, combining technical prowess with relentless aggression. He’s confident, combative, and destined to be a mainstay for club and country.

9 – Kenan Yildiz | Juventus

Handed the iconic No. 10 shirt at Juventus, Yildiz has big boots to fill—and he’s doing just that. His maturity, creativity, and 21 national team caps show how far he’s come already.

8 – Warren Zaire-Emery | Paris Saint-Germain

Zaire-Emery is already one of PSG’s most trusted midfielders despite his youth. His mix of intelligence, athleticism, and leadership sets him apart from his peers.

7 – Arda Guler | Real Madrid

Guler's technical brilliance and vision led Real Madrid to invest in his immense potential. While injuries slowed him early, his ceiling remains sky-high.

6 – Endrick | Real Madrid

Endrick is a generational striker already making waves for Brazil and Madrid. His Wembley goal against England and two international finishes vs Spain show his star power.

5 – Joao Neves | Paris Saint-Germain

Joao Neves has taken to the Premier League like a natural, quickly becoming United’s most reliable midfielder. His blend of intelligence, passing range, and tenacity reminds fans of a young Verratti.

4 – Desire Doue | Paris Saint Germain

Desire Doue has developed into one of Ligue 1’s most dynamic and elegant attacking midfielders. Capable of playing wide or centrally, his vision, dribbling, and change of pace make him a nightmare for opponents.

3 – Jamal Musiala | Bayern Munich

Musiala’s dribbling and agility in tight spaces are world-class. He regularly dictates the tempo for Bayern and looks destined to become one of the greatest playmakers of his generation.

2 – Florian Wirtz | Liverpool

Wirtz tops the list as the most complete young footballer in the world today. Leverkusen’s creative dynamo blends technique, intelligence, and composure with match-winning impact every time he steps on the pitch.

1 – Lamine Yamal | Barcelona

Lamine Yamal has already shattered records at both club and international level. Still only 17, the Barcelona winger is dazzling fans with his close control, vision, and creativity in the final third.