Becoming a Ballon d’Or winner is the dream of every footballer, but only the best of the best ever achieve it. The players on this list are the world’s most promising young talents, possessing the skill, dedication, and potential to win football’s most prestigious individual award in the future. If they continue to develop their abilities and stay focused, they could dominate the sport in the years to come.
20. Antonio Nusa – RB Leipzig
ph.FAB / Shutterstock.com
Antonio Nusa is one of the most exciting young wingers in European football. The Norwegian starlet possesses electrifying pace, dribbling skills, and creativity that make him a nightmare for defenders. His performances for Club Brugge earned him a move to RB Leipzig, where he now has the opportunity to develop further at a higher level. If he continues to refine his finishing and decision-making, he could become a world-class attacker and a key player for Norway in the future.
19. Youssoufa Moukoko – OGC Nice
Vitalii Vitleo / Shutterstock.com
Moukoko has been a sensation since he was a teenager, breaking goal-scoring records at youth level for Borussia Dortmund. At just 19 years old, he already has Bundesliga experience and has demonstrated his ability to score in high-pressure situations. His pace, positioning, and finishing ability make him a natural goal scorer, and with more playing time, he could develop into one of the deadliest strikers in European football. If he continues to improve his physicality and consistency, he has all the attributes needed to become one of the best strikers in the world.
Turkey’s golden boy, Arda Güler, is one of the most gifted playmakers of his generation. His dribbling ability, passing vision, and set-piece expertise make him a potential superstar. At Real Madrid, he has the perfect platform to develop into a Ballon d’Or contender. Injuries have slowed his progress, but his talent is undeniable. If he can break into the starting XI and consistently perform, he could become one of the most feared attacking midfielders in the world and a leader for Turkey’s national team.
At just 18, Warren Zaïre-Emery is already a regular in PSG’s midfield, a testament to his maturity and technical ability. The French youngster is a complete midfielder with defensive awareness, passing accuracy, and attacking intelligence. His ability to dictate play and break up opposition attacks makes him one of the most well-rounded young players in Europe. If he continues to develop under the right guidance, he could become one of the best midfielders in Europe and a serious Ballon d’Or candidate.
16. Lamine Yamal – FC Barcelona
Christian Bertrand / Shutterstock.com
One of the youngest stars on this list, Lamine Yamal is already making waves at FC Barcelona. Despite his age, his dribbling, flair, and composure on the ball are beyond his years. Many see him as the next big talent to emerge from La Masia. His technical ability and confidence allow him to take on defenders with ease, and his creativity in the final third makes him a dangerous attacking threat. If he can maintain his development trajectory, he could follow in the footsteps of Lionel Messi and become a global superstar.
15. Benjamin Šeško – RB Leipzig
ph.FAB / Shutterstock.com
Standing at 1.95m, Benjamin Šeško is a physically imposing forward with incredible technical ability. His goal-scoring instincts, combined with his aerial dominance, make him one of the most exciting young strikers in Europe. He has already shown his ability to lead the line at a high level, and his movement off the ball allows him to exploit defenses effectively. If he continues his upward trajectory in the Bundesliga, he could soon be leading the line for a major European powerhouse and become one of the most feared strikers in the world.
14. Endrick – Real Madrid
OSCAR GONZALEZ FUENTES / Shutterstock.com
Endrick is one of the most hyped young talents in football. The teenage forward has already showcased his ability in the Brazilian league, scoring spectacular goals for Palmeiras. He will officially join Real Madrid in 2024, where he will be tested against the best in the world. His combination of skill, strength, and finishing ability makes him a unique talent. If he adapts well to European football and continues his rapid development, he could be Brazil’s next big superstar and a future Ballon d’Or winner.
Garnacho is one of Manchester United’s brightest young prospects. The Argentine winger has already demonstrated his ability to score stunning goals and provide crucial assists. His pace, dribbling, and ability to take on defenders make him a dangerous wide player. He has shown a great mentality and a willingness to perform in big moments, which is a crucial trait for top players. With his incredible work ethic and natural attacking instincts, he has the potential to be one of the best players in the world in the coming years.
12. Gavi – FC Barcelona
Photo: Christian Bertrand / Shutterstock.com
Gavi is already one of the most talented young midfielders in world football. His tenacity, passing range, and football IQ make him a vital player for both Barcelona and Spain. Despite his aggressive playing style, he is also highly technical and composed in possession. His ability to control games from midfield and contribute both defensively and offensively makes him an invaluable asset. If he can add more goals and assists to his game, he could become one of the best midfielders of his generation and a future Ballon d’Or winner.
11. Rodrygo – Real Madrid
Marta Fernandez Jimenez / Shutterstock.com
Rodrygo is often overshadowed by Vinícius Jr., but the young Brazilian has already proven to be a game-changer for Real Madrid. His ability to score in clutch moments, combined with his technical skills and finishing ability, make him a serious candidate for future Ballon d’Or recognition. He has a natural instinct for finding space and making decisive runs into the box, which allows him to score important goals. As he gains more consistency in his performances, he could establish himself as one of the best forwards in the world.
10. Xavi Simons – RB Leipzig
Vitalii Vitleo / Shutterstock.com
Xavi Simons is a creative playmaker with outstanding dribbling and passing ability. He has the vision and technical quality to dominate games. His versatility allows him to play in multiple attacking roles, making him a key asset for RB Leipzig. With his intelligence on the ball and ability to make decisive plays, he has the potential to reach the very top of football. If he can continue his growth and solidify a key role at a top club, he could develop into one of the best midfielders in the world.
Rafael Leão is a dynamic winger with raw pace and power. He was instrumental in AC Milan’s Serie A title win and continues to improve each season. His dribbling ability and unpredictability make him a nightmare for defenders, and he is capable of scoring brilliant solo goals. If he becomes more consistent in front of goal and delivers in the biggest matches, he could establish himself as one of the top forwards in world football and compete for the Ballon d’Or.
8. Florian Wirtz – Bayer Leverkusen
Vitalii Vitleo / Shutterstock.com
Wirtz is one of the most creative young players in football. His vision, technical ability, and goal contributions make him an exciting prospect for Germany. He has been the heartbeat of Bayer Leverkusen’s attack, orchestrating play with his exceptional passing and dribbling. If he continues his development or makes a move to a top European club, he could become a future Ballon d’Or winner.
7. Eduardo Camavinga – Real Madrid
Photo: Maciej Rogowski Photo / Shutterstock.com
Camavinga is already one of the best young midfielders in the world. His ability to control games, win tackles, and drive forward makes him an essential player for Real Madrid. His tactical intelligence and defensive work rate make him a complete midfielder, and his adaptability allows him to play multiple roles. With continued improvement, he could dominate midfield for the next decade and challenge for a Ballon d’Or.
6. Jamal Musiala – Bayern Munich
Vitalii Vitleo / Shutterstock.com
Musiala is a magician with the ball at his feet. His dribbling, movement, and ability to score goals make him a joy to watch. His agility and balance allow him to glide past defenders with ease, and he is already a key player for Bayern Munich. As he matures and adds more goals to his game, he will likely become Bayern Munich’s most important player and a strong Ballon d’Or contender.
Pedri is already drawing comparisons to Iniesta, thanks to his intelligence and composure on the ball. His ability to dictate play and link up attacks makes him one of the best young midfielders in the game. Injuries have slowed his progress, but when fully fit, he is the heartbeat of Barcelona’s midfield. If he stays injury-free and continues to evolve, he could lead Barcelona back to the top and win the Ballon d’Or.
4. Vinícius Jr. – Real Madrid
Photo: Christian Bertrand / Shutterstock.com
Vinícius Jr. has already won multiple Champions League titles and is among the most electrifying players in the world. His pace, dribbling, and ability to create chances make him one of the most dangerous attackers in football. He has significantly improved his decision-making and finishing, making him a more complete player. If he continues to perform at the highest level, he could win multiple Ballon d’Or trophies in the future.
3. Jude Bellingham – Real Madrid
Marta Fernandez Jimenez / Shutterstock.com
Bellingham has been a revelation since joining Real Madrid. His combination of power, skill, and leadership makes him a unique player. Despite being a midfielder, he consistently contributes with goals and assists, making him one of the most complete young players in football. His ability to dominate games at such a young age is remarkable, and if he maintains his form, a Ballon d’Or is inevitable.
2. Erling Haaland – Manchester City
Photo: Jose Breton- Pics Action / Shutterstock.com
Haaland is a goal machine. His physicality, finishing ability, and movement make him one of the most lethal strikers in the world. He has broken multiple goal-scoring records and continues to improve with each season. If he wins more international and club trophies, a Ballon d’Or is within reach.
Kylian Mbappé is already a global superstar and the most likely next Ballon d’Or winner. He has dominated world football for years, winning the World Cup with France at just 19 years old and consistently being among the top scorers in European football. His blistering pace, incredible finishing, and leadership on the pitch set him apart from his peers. If he moves to Real Madrid, he could dominate the award for years to come.
