Top 10 Rising Stars of Football

In the ever-evolving world of football, nothing excites fans more than the emergence of young talents who seem destined to dominate the sport in the years to come. The 2024/25 season has gifted us with a plethora of prodigies under the age of 20 who are making headlines with their incredible skill, maturity, and impact on the pitch. So, here's the list of top 10 rising stars in football.

1) Lamine Yamal (Barcelona/Spain) 

At just 17, Lamine Yamal has taken the football world by storm. Hailed as Barcelona’s golden boy, he’s already an integral part of both his club and the Spanish national team. His performances in the 2024 Euros were nothing short of spectacular, with a goal in the semifinals against France and a tournament-leading four assists, helping Spain secure the trophy. Yamal’s talent lies in his ability to glide past defenders effortlessly, combining electrifying pace with exceptional vision and creativity. While comparisons to Lionel Messi are inevitable, Yamal is carving out his unique identity as a forward who thrives on making a difference in crucial moments. For Barcelona fans, he represents hope for a new era of dominance, and his ceiling seems limitless. 

2) Estevao Willian (Palmeiras/Brazil) 

Brazil has always been a factory for footballing superstars, and Estevão Willian is its latest prodigy. The 17-year-old forward has lit up the Brasileiro, scoring 13 goals and providing 9 assists for Palmeiras before his 18th birthday—numbers that even Neymar couldn’t achieve at this stage. With a move to Chelsea looming, Estevão is set to test his skills on a larger stage. His game is marked by quick feet, an eye for goal, and a maturity that belies his age. Chelsea fans are already buzzing about the potential arrival of this Brazilian wonderkid, and if his current trajectory continues, Estevão might soon become a household name in European football. 

3) Arda Guler (Real Madrid/Turkey) 

When an 18-year-old secures a move to Real Madrid, the football world pays attention. Arda Güler is arguably the finest talent to emerge from Turkey in decades, and the expectations surrounding him are sky-high. While Güler hasn’t been a regular starter for Madrid, he has made an impact when given the opportunity, showcasing a silky touch, impeccable passing range, and an ability to dictate play from midfield. Turkish fans see him as their footballing savior, and if he continues to develop under the guidance of Real Madrid’s seasoned stars, he could fulfill his immense potential and become a global icon. 

4) Endrick (Real Madrid/Brazil) 

Real Madrid’s investment in Endrick is another testament to the club’s knack for spotting generational talent. After dazzling at Palmeiras, the young forward secured a high-profile move to Los Blancos last summer. Despite limited game time in a star-studded Madrid squad, Endrick has already made headlines by scoring on both his La Liga and Champions League debuts. At just 18, Endrick is still learning the ropes, but his potential is undeniable. With his pace, strength, and clinical finishing, he’s poised to follow in the footsteps of Brazilian greats who have thrived in Madrid’s white jersey. 

5) Joao Neves (PSG/Portugal) 

The defensive midfield role is one of the most challenging positions in modern football, and João Neves has taken to it with remarkable ease at just 20 years old. PSG’s hefty investment in the young Portuguese star is paying off, as Neves has seamlessly integrated into the team and become a key player. His ability to break up opposition play, shield the backline, and distribute the ball effectively has made him indispensable for Luis Enrique’s side. With Neves at the heart of midfield, PSG looks more balanced and cohesive, and he’s proving that age is no barrier to excelling in one of football’s most demanding roles. 

6) Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona/Spain) 

While Lamine Yamal often steals the spotlight, Pau Cubarsí has been quietly making a name for himself as Barcelona’s defensive rock. At just 17, he’s already a regular for both the Catalan giants and the Spanish national team. Cubarsí was a key figure in Spain’s 2024 Euros triumph and their gold medal run at the Paris Olympics, displaying maturity and composure well beyond his years. His defensive intelligence, aerial prowess, and ability to play out from the back make him one of the most exciting young defenders in world football. 

7) Claudio Echeverri (Manchester City/ Argentina) 

When a teenager earns a starting spot at River Plate, it’s clear they’re something special. Claudio Echeverri, who recently turned 19, has been wowing fans in Argentina with his flair, creativity, and eye for goal. Echeverri’s talents caught the attention of Argentina’s senior national team, and he even trained alongside Lionel Messi and Ángel Di María at just 17. Now, with a January 2025 move to Manchester City, the young midfielder is ready to showcase his skills on one of football’s biggest stages. Under Pep Guardiola’s tutelage, Echeverri could blossom into one of the best midfielders in the world. 

8) Warren Zaïre-Emery (PSG/France) 

PSG’s faith in youth is epitomized by Warren Zaïre-Emery, who broke into the first team at just 16. Now 18, the French midfielder is thriving as one of the club’s most trusted players under Luis Enrique. Unlike João Neves, Zaïre-Emery is a more attacking midfielder, known for his dribbling, creativity, and ability to score from range. Despite PSG’s high-profile signings, the club’s reliance on Zaïre-Emery speaks volumes about his talent and potential. With time on his side, he’s set to be a cornerstone of PSG’s future success. 

9) Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United/England) 

Kobbie Mainoo burst onto the scene for Manchester United last season, delivering performances that belied his age. With memorable goals against Wolves and Liverpool, Mainoo quickly became a fan favorite. While his form has dipped slightly this season, there’s no doubting Mainoo’s potential. His ability to control the tempo of a game, coupled with his composure under pressure, makes him one of United’s most promising young talents. As he continues to develop, Mainoo could play a pivotal role in the club’s resurgence. 

10) Lucas Bergvall (Tottenham Hotspur/Sweden) 

Before his 18th birthday, Lucas Bergvall had already attracted interest from Europe’s biggest clubs, including Barcelona and Bayern Munich. However, the young Swede chose Tottenham Hotspur, a decision that is starting to bear fruit. After a period of adjustment, Bergvall is beginning to showcase his talent in North London. His 86th-minute winner against Liverpool in the EFL Cup semifinal first leg was a glimpse of his potential to deliver in big moments. With his intelligence, vision, and technical ability, Bergvall has the tools to become one of the best midfielders in the world.