Top 10 Best Young Players in the World 2025 | Ranked
Over the years, a plethora of young talents have reached the pinnacle of their careers, justifying the buzz created around them. From Sporting Lisbon’s Cristiano Ronaldo to Barcelona’s Lionel Messi, they all started to showcase their potential at a very young age and went on to be the greatest ballers ever. Although an initial promise does not necessarily guarantee the fulfillment of potential, as players like Bojan Krkic, Arda Turan, and more recently Ansu Fati would agree. Thus, even generational talents cannot afford any complacency, and neglect the importance of hard work in their journey.
Hundreds of talented young football players under the age of 21 are on their way to being in the same league as the strongest players in the history of this game. On that note, we have compiled a list of the best twenty young football players who have a burning fire inside them to hit the top deck in the upcoming years. The analysis is not just based on potential but also on how the skills and hype of the player have been translated into actual games. Players who rise to the stature of the best players in football take the reins of their club and country early in their career, becoming fundamental in their functioning and further successes. Players like Jude Bellingham, Pedri, Jamal Musiala, etc., who have become the talisman of their club at just the commencement of their professional careers, certainly fit this mould.
How We Ranked the Best Young Players:
Senior club Impact: This metric defines how impactful the player is in raising the ceiling of the whole team through both his performances and link-up with the team. Generational players become difference makers for their team in their desired state of play and thus become quintessential to the style of the team.
International/Youth club Performance: This metric aims at tracking the regular development of the player through youth ranks and ascertaining his coherence with the standards set for a player to be considered as one of the best among his counterparts. It maintains the importance of mastering the basics of football early, which provides the player with strong fundamentals and an innate capacity to expand their skillset further.
Advanced Metrics (xG/xA involvement per 90/defending parameters in case of a defensive position): This metric takes into account the quantifiable actions occurring in the game, for example, dribbles per 90, expected goals accumulated per 90, defensive actions per 90, etc. They define the on-field performance of the player in statistics that compare the individual performance of the player with that of similar players across the same position.
Major Youth Awards (Golden Boy, NXGN winner): The Major Youth Awards are organized by pioneers of the footballing community, including distinguished journalists and former legendary footballers, who form the jury for the awards. Thus, a mark of approval based on both the critical analysis and the aesthetic value of the players is valuable in ascertaining the players’ quality.
Future Potential (Transfer value & scouting grades): How likely is the player to develop into a superstar, despite being one of the top 10 best young players in the world? This metric observes the rise in the market value of the player following his rise in the footballing world, thus defining the financial and footballing value the player holds for his team.
Top 10 best young players in the world:
While making the list of the top 10 best young players in the world 2025 across the world, we focused on some important criteria such as game-changing displays, important goals, and potential. The following are some choice picks from the current World Football roster that have excelled at their craft, irrespective of the lack of experience.
Who is the Best young player in the world:
World football is constantly evolving and although it is sad seeing our most beloved superstars such as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Virgil Van Dijk, etc., approaching the twilight of their careers, it is also exciting to see some young talents arriving in the game, ready to take the baton from them. The ever-changing tapestry of football is dominated by the exuberant colors of these youngsters’ voraciousness and ambition. It is these tricksters and prodigies that delight the heart of their home fans, endearing them to each football fan irrespective of their club or national loyalties. Let us take a look at some such stars that have arrived in the footballing world with some audacious performances, preceding their age and maturity levels.
10. Arda Guler
Arda Guler is one of the best NXGN wonder kids in 2024 with the “potential to reach the level of Lionel Messi”, according to his former coach. The Turkish midfielder-winger, who plays for Real Madrid in La Liga, is a treat to watch when he is on the move with the ball at his feet. Destined to be one of the greatest players in history, Guler became a nightmare for opponents after scoring 21 goals in 53 games for Fenerbahçe.
Arda has been in tremendous form for Real Madrid this season making him one of the best young players in the world. The player is at the best club in the world, and is taking the slower way to the top.
| Stats | Season 2024/2025 |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 49 |
| Team Trophies won | UEFA Supercup winner |
| Goals and Assists | 7 Goals, 9 Assists (15 G/A) |
| Transfer Value | €45 million |
9. Kobbie Mainoo
Another popular name on the list of the best U-21 footballers is Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo. The forward burst onto the scenes in the last season for the Premier League outfit, displaying sensible and mature performances. The talented midfielder, who has recently turned 19, is already living a life that other young footballers only dream of. International call-up from England and starting spot for Man United, Mainoo has achieved something great and is on his way to prove himself as one of the very best.
Mainoo’s calmness on the ball, as well as his vision and scoring ability makes him a wonderkid. The player is not having the best of seasons, with his team struggling from a range of issues.
| Stats | Season 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 34 |
| Team Trophies won | English FA Cup Winner |
| Goals and Assists | 2 Goals,1 Assist (3 G/A) |
| Transfer Value | €55 million |
8. Pau Cubarsi
Pau Cubarsi joined the Barca youth team in 2018 from Girona’s academy. The tall and physically strong defender already possessed the physical attributes to dominate in La Liga, which were combined with the rigorous ball mastery drills of the La Masia academy to provide us with a modern-day semblance of Piqué. Cubarsi’s development was accelerated through the Youth ranks due to a significant defensive crisis in the Barcelona first team during the 22-23 season. Cubarsi was, thus, called up to participate in the Pre-Season with the first team by Xavi for the 2023-2024 season. The Barcelona legend was astounded by the composure and maturity of the defender to such an extent that, during the middle of the season, with only 2 available central defensive options, the young 17 year old was called up to be the backbone of the Blaugranas.
The young defender took this opportunity in such stride, unfazed by the pressure of performing for one of the biggest clubs in Spanish football, that the whole world resounded with praises for the prodigy. Since that day, the inclusion of Pau Cubarsi in each match day squad feels like a compulsion instead of an aberration, which clearly shows the levels he has reached, starting regularly alongside Inigo Martinez in one of Barcelona’s most successful seasons in a decade.
| Stats | Season 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 59 |
| Team Trophies won | La Liga, Spanish Supercup, Copa Del Rey |
| Goals and Assists | 1 Goal scored, 20 Clean sheets |
| Transfer Value | €70 million |
7. Gavi
Another Barcelona wonderkid Gavi has made it to the list of the best 20 young kids in 2024. Even with smaller stature, the midfielder delivers on big occasions for the Catalan outfit and the Spanish national football team on big occasions week in and week out. Making his La Liga debut in 2021 at the age of 17, Gavi has already established himself as one of the biggest potentials in world football.
Gavi is easily one of the most impressive deep-lying midfielders in the world. His potential and work rate makes him a potential superstar, alongside the likes of Pedri and Lamine Yamal.
| Stats | Season 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 42 |
| Team Trophies won | La Liga, Spanish Supercup, Copa Del Rey |
| Goals and Assists | 3 Goals, 2 Assists (5 G/A) |
| Transfer Value | €70 million |
Also Read: Ranking Top 10 Best Defenders in the World 2024
Desire Doue
Desire Doue, the Rennes academy talent, has taken World football by surprise since his arrival at the Parc des Princes at the beginning of the 2024 season in August. The young forward who was scarcely known as a world beater but was highly appreciated for his dribbling flair, smooth touches and decent attacking vision, was also being courted by the Bavarians. The winger, however, snubbed Bayern Munich in hopes of showcasing his talent in a familiar league, with PSG, the most prestigious club in France. This decision was spot on as apprehension turned into recognition when Doue was awarded some game time under Luis Enrique, who is known for his Zest in developing new age talents.
Doue flabbergasted the Parisians with his showboating skills, while also proving that he is not just an empty vessel, by converting each successful dribble into an opportunity for his team to capitalize on. The exploits of the winger revamped his situation in the PSG dressing room, as the youngster who was brought about as a developmental project, replaced fellow countryman Bradley Barcola rightfully in their starting lineup. His development speaks volumes as his transfer value upgraded from just 30 million Euros in 2024 to a double figure of 60 million Euros.
| Stats | Season 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 54 |
| Team Trophies won | Ligue 1 winner, French Super Cup winner, French Cup winner |
| Goals and Assists | 13 Goals, 13 Assists (26 G/A) |
| Transfer Value | €60 million |
5. Pedri
Pedri has already become a superstar in Spanish football, and is destined to be at the highest level of the game in future. He is a perfect example of the exclusivity of midfield. The former Barcelona manager, Xavi Hernandez hailed the 21-year-old wonderkid from next generation as the perfect player to fill in the void left by Andres Iniesta in the club.
Xavi also stated that Pedri is already at the same level as Iniesta, a statement that explains why the young Spaniard is in the top five of the list of best U-21 footballers. Pedri is one to watch out for, for sure, in the future!
| Stats | Season 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 67 |
| Team Trophies won | La Liga, Super Copa De Espana, Copa Del Rey |
| Goals and Assists | 6 Goals, 9 Assists (15 G/A) |
| Transfer Value | €120 million |
4. Jamal Musiala
Jamal Musiala, a former English player, is now the biggest attacking weapon in the arsenal of the German football team. The 21-year-old is one of the most sought-after forwards in Europe following his dazzling displays across all competitions including the 2022 Qatar World Cup, Bundesliga and UEFA Champions League.
His unique dribbling skills, agility and vision of play make the fans rally behind him. With Bayern Munich, he has already scored tons of goals in recent years. Musiala has the world at his feet, and has already become a huge part of the Bayern setup.
| Stats | Season 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 46 |
| Team Trophies won | Bundesliga Winner |
| Goals and Assists | 21 Goals, 8 Assists (29 G/A) |
| Transfer Value | €140 million |
Also Read: Ranking the 10 Best Strikers in the World Right Now (2025)
3. Florian Writz
Florian Writz is another German under the age of 21, who has been sending shockwaves across the world of football for quite a few months. After returning from a long spell on the sidelines, he became a cog in the attacking wheel of Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen in the 2023-24 season. The German club’s glorious journey to win the Bundesliga title, dethroning Bayern Munich saw Writz putting on a seamless display throughout the season. He is already one of the best young the attacking midfielders and has drawn interest from Real Madrid and Manchester City.
Wirtz is one of the most highly rated youngsters in the world today. His x-factor, and the ability to score goals out of nothing makes him a superstar not just of the future, but the present as well.
| Stats | Season 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 51 |
| Team Trophies won | German Super Cup Winner |
| Goals and Assists | 19 Goals, 18 Assists (37 G/A) |
| Transfer Value | €140 million |
2. Jude Bellingham
When Jude Bellingham left Borussia Dortmund for Real Madrid, the football pundits said, “he has come where he is destined to be”. And the English superstar proved the fans and pundits alike by leading the Spanish giants to their 36th La Liga trophy and 15th UEFA Champions League title in his debut season.
The 21-year-old midfielder has the ability to play in the positions of a holding and an attacking midfielder. The “player of the 2023/24 season” for Real Madrid, Bellingham is arguably the best English young player to ever play abroad at early age. There are several reasons why Bellingham deserves his place at the top of this list.
| Stats | Season 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 55 |
| Team Trophies won | UEFA Supercup Winner |
| Goals and Assists | 15 Goals, 16 Assists (31 G/A) |
| Transfer Value | €180 million |
1. Lamine Yamal
Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal is arguably the best young football player under the age of 21 in 2024. The 16-year-old wonderkid is the youngest player in the history of Barcelona to play in La Liga. The Spanish winger is already at the same level of Kylian Mbappe and is expected to be one of the greatest club legends at Barcelona. His recent exploits in Spain’s victorious campaign at Euro 2024 accurately demonstrate his potential and greatness. It will be shocking if Yamal doesn’t win a Ballon d’Or title in near future, given his potential and scoring ability.
Yamal is one of the most exciting names in world football today. His ability to contribute to the present, as well as his potential, make him the best young player in the world in 2025.
| Stats | Season 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 60 |
| Team Trophies won | La Liga, Spanish Super Cup, Copa Del Rey |
| Goals and Assists | 19 Goals, 22 Assists (41 G/A) |
| Transfer Value | €180 million |
Also Read: Top 10 Best Goalkeepers in the World 2024 | Ranked
Next 10 Best Young Football players:
| Rank | Player (age) | Goal + Assists (career stats) | Club and League | Key Youth Awards | Minutes Played (career stats) | xG + xA per 90(attackers) and defensive actions per 90 (defenders) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Xavi Simons (22) | – 95 G/A (53 Goals, 42 Assists) | RB Leipzig (Bundesliga) | -Player of the season (2023) for the Netherlands, -Top goal scorer (19 goals) in the 2022-2023 season in Eredivisie | 165 matches, playing a total of 12442 minutes | 0.37 xG with 0.86 shots on target per 90 minutes, 0.32 xA with a ratio of 2.14 key passes per 90 minutes |
| 2 | Michael Olise (23) | – 117 G/A (51 Goals, 66 Assists) | Bayern Munich (Bundesliga) | -Second place at the Olympic games with France, -Best assist provider Bundesliga 24/25 season (18 goals), -Best young player 2025 for the Bundesliga | 260 matches, playing a total of 17626 minutes | 0.48 xG with 1.37 shots on target per 90 minutes, 0.56 xA with a ratio of 3.28 key passes per 90 minutes (ranks in 99th percentile amongst Bundesliga forwards) |
| 3 | Archie Gray (19) | – 11 G/A (5 Goals, 6 Assists), – more than 50% successful progressive passes per 90 minutes from defense | Tottenham Hotspur FC (Premier League) | – Europa league winner with Tottenham, – helped Leeds in their fight for promotion which was achieved this season | 138 matches, playing a total of 10322 minutes | 0.98 interceptions, 0.55 shots blocked and 2.18 clearances per 90 minutes in his first PL season |
| 4 | João Neves (20) | – 24 G/A (11 Goals, 13 Assists; averaging a 0.39% success rate per 90), – more than 60% successful passes with a rate of 1.69% key passes per 90 minutes | PSG (Ligue 1) | – Lauded as the Midfielder of the Year 23/24 by Liga Portugal – UEFA Youth League 21/22 season winner | 153 matches, playing a total of 10312 minutes | 0.18 xG with 0.54 goal involvements per 90, 0.44 xA (ranks at 99th percentile amongst Ligue 1 midfielders), 3.18 tackles and 1.04 interceptions per 90 |
| 5 | Harvey Elliott (22) | – 74 G/A (33 Goals, 41 Assists), – more than 50% successful progressive passes, along with 0.76 goal involvements per 90 | Liverpool (Premier League) | – European under-21 champion with England in the 2023 season. -FIFA Club World Cup winner 2020 with Liverpool | 243 matches, playing a total of 13520 minutes | 0.42 xG, 0.50 xA with a ratio of 2.31 key passes per 90 |
| 6 | Leny Yoro (19) | – 4 Goals, 98 goals conceded, 33 clean sheets, – more than 50% successful progressive passes per 90 | Manchester United (Premier League) | – The second youngest debutant for Lille after Eden Hazard – One of the highest paid defensive signings done by Man Utd | 110 matches, playing a total of 7764 minutes | 1.32 interceptions, 3.25 clearances, 2.24 tackles per 90 minutes |
| 7 | Endrick (18) | – 15 G/A (14 Goals, 1 Assist) | Real Madrid (La Liga) | – Top goal scorer for CBF Brasileiro U20 – Finals with 3 Goals. – Copa São Paulo de Juniores winner with São Paulo U-20 – Winner Supercopa do Brazil – FIFA Intercontinental Cup Winner 2023-2024 | 68 matches, playing a total of 2310 minutes | 2.93 xG, 0.66 xA |
| 8 | Benjamin Šeško (21) | -122 G/A (100 Goals, 22 Assists) | RB Leipzig (Bundesliga) | – Top goal scorer in the 21/22 ÖFB-Cup – 5 Goals – TM-Player of the season 2023 for Austria – Footballer of the Year 2022 for Slovenia | 241 matches, playing a total of 13997 minutes | 0.49 xG with 1.20 shots on target per 90 minutes, 0.17 xA, 1.43 successful dribbles per 90 minutes, |
| 9 | Marc Casadó (21) | – 9 G/A (1 Goals, 8 Assists), – more than 60% successful progressive passes per 90 minutes | Barcelona (La Liga) | – Domestic Treble winner with Barcelona in 2024-2025 season -Captained the Barc-B team, took the Juvenil A team to league and Copa de Campeones wins in the 2020-21 season | 77 matches, playing a total of 5552 minutes | 0.06 xG, 0.27 xA with a ratio of 0.50 key passes per 90 |
| 10 | Oscar Bobb (21) | – 70 G/A (37 Goals, 33 Assists), – more than 90% successful progressive passes per 90 | Manchester City (Premier League) | – English FA Youth Cup winner in the 19/20 season with the Manchester City U18 team. – Won 2x English Youth League (U18) in 20/21 with Manchester City U18(10 Goals) and in 19/20 with Manchester City U18. | 149 matches, playing a total of 10477 minutes | 1.49 xG, 0.42 xA with a ratio of 6.92 key passes per 90 minutes |
FAQ’s
Who is the new 17 year old soccer player in 2024?
Lamine Yamal of Barcelona is the best 17-year-old soccer player in 2024.
How old is Lamine Yamal and which club does he play for?”
Lamine Yamal is just 17 years old. He plays for La Liga club Barcelona.
Who are the youngest player on this list?
Pau Cubarsi and Lamine Yamal are the youngest players on this list.
Which club did Arda Guler leave to join Real Madrid and snub FC Barcelona?
Arda Guler left his boyhood club, Feyenoord, to join Real Madrid on Jul 6, 2023
How many Trophies has Bellingham won with Madrid?
Bellingham has won 5 trophies with Real Madrid in the initial seasons of his career.
Which Football Academy is famous for producing the greatest number of Prodigies?
The La Masia academy of Barcelona is the academy that produces the maximum number of young prodigies, which can be seen by the inclusion of 4 Barcelona players in the above list.