Best Young Players in The World in 2025: Football is changing, and a new group of young players is grabbing everyone’s attention with their skills and creativity. In 2025, these rising stars, all 23 or younger, have already shown their talent on the global stage. They are not just the future of the game—they are making an impact right now. From exciting attackers to strong defenders and versatile midfielders, these players are setting new standards in football.
Best Young Players in The World in 2025
Here are the 20 best young players in football in 2025, who are destined to be the legends of tomorrow.
1. Jude Bellingham
- Date of Birth: 29 June 2003 (21)
- Country: England
- Position: Attacking Midfield
Jude Bellingham is the best young footballer in the world in 2025. He started at Birmingham City at just 8 years old and became their youngest-ever first-team player at 16. He moved to Borussia Dortmund in 2020, where he played 132 games, won the DFB-Pokal, and was named Bundesliga Player of the Season.
He won the Golden Boy and Kopa Trophy in 2023, then joined Real Madrid for €103 million. In his first season, he became the top scorer and helped Madrid win La Liga, the Champions League, and other titles. He was named La Liga Player of the Season in 2024 and finished third in the Ballon d’Or.
Bellingham has also earned many awards, including being named in the FIFA FIFPRO World 11 and UEFA Champions League Team of the Season. For England, he played a key role in the Euro 2020 and 2024 finals and showed great leadership in the 2022 World Cup.
Bellingham is seen as a future Ballon d’Or winner.
2. Lamine Yamal
- Date of Birth: 13 July 2007 (17)
- Country: Spain
- Position: Right Winger
Lamine Yamal is ranked 2nd among the best young players in the world. He became famous for his skills at FC Barcelona, debuting for their first team at just 15 years old. Despite his age, Yamal has been key to Barcelona’s attack with his dribbling, passing, and powerful shots.
He won the Kopa Trophy in 2024 as the best under-21 player. He also won the UEFA European Championship Young Player and Goal of the Tournament in 2024, and was named La Liga U23 Player of the Season.
Yamal has represented Spain at youth levels and made his senior debut in 2023, becoming the youngest to play and score for Spain. He helped Spain win the UEFA Euro 2024, earning the Young Player Award.
Yamal is seen as one of the brightest young talents in football.
3. Bukayo Saka
- Date of Birth: 5 September 2001 (23)
- Country: England
- Position: Right Winger
Bukayo Saka is ranked 3rd among the best young players in the world. A product of Arsenal’s academy, he has become a key player, helping the team qualify for the Champions League.
In the 2022/23 season, his goals and assists were vital in Arsenal’s Premier League title push, and he won the London Football Awards Men’s Young Player of the Year in 2023.
Saka is also a key player for England. He played in UEFA Euro 2020 and 2024, where England finished as runners-up. He also played in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Saka has won multiple individual awards, including Arsenal’s Player of the Season.
4. Florian Wirtz
- Date of Birth: 3 May 2003 (21)
- Country: Germany
- Position: Attacking Midfield
Florian Wirtz is ranked 4th among the best young players in the world. He is one of Germany’s top attacking midfielders. Coming through Bayer Leverkusen’s youth system, Wirtz made history as the youngest-ever goalscorer in Bundesliga. His creativity and technical skills were key to Leverkusen’s top-four finish in the 2023/24 season and their strong performances in Europe.
Wirtz has been important for Germany, playing in UEFA Nations League campaigns and the 2022 World Cup. In June 2024, he scored the opening goal of UEFA Euro 2024, becoming the youngest German to score in the tournament. He also scored a late equalizer in the quarter-final against Spain, though Germany was eliminated.
Wirtz has won several awards, including Bundesliga Rookie of the Year, and is seen as a future leader for Germany.
5. Jamal Musiala
- Date of Birth: 26 February 2003 (21)
- Country: Germany
- Position: Attacking Midfield
Jamal Musiala is ranked 5th among the best young players in the world. He is Known as “The Bavarian Messi,”. After joining from Chelsea’s academy, Musiala became a key player, helping Bayern win multiple Bundesliga titles and a DFB-Pokal. His dribbling and goal-scoring ability make him one of Europe’s most dangerous attacking midfielders.
Musiala has represented Germany at UEFA Euro 2020, the 2022 World Cup, and Euro 2024, where he won a joint Golden Boot.
His performances have earned him several young player award nominations, and he remains an important player for both Bayern Munich and Germany.
6. Rodrygo
- Date of Birth: 9 January 2001 (23)
- Country: Brazil
- Position: Right Winger
Rodrygo is ranked 6th among the best young players in the world. He has been a standout star for Real Madrid since joining from Santos.
Rodrygo played a key role in Madrid’s 2021/22 Champions League win, scoring important goals in the knockout stages. His versatility and ability to perform under pressure have been crucial in Madrid’s La Liga and Copa del Rey successes.
For Brazil, Rodrygo has emerged as a rising star, contributing to their Copa América campaigns and being part of their 2022 FIFA World Cup squad. With his flair, speed, and finishing ability, he is considered a future legend for both club and country.
7. Eduardo Camavinga
- Date of Birth: 10 November 2002 (22)
- Country: France
- Position: Central Midfield
Eduardo Camavinga is ranked 7th among the best young players in the world. He quickly became one of the most promising midfielders after rising to prominence at Rennes.
In 2021, he joined Real Madrid, where he became an essential part of their midfield. His defensive skills, composure on the ball, and versatility have helped Madrid win multiple trophies, including the Champions League and La Liga.
Camavinga has also been a key player for France, playing an important role in their 2022 FIFA World Cup final run and their UEFA Nations League victory in 2021. He is Known for his maturity and tactical intelligence, and has received widespread praise for his performances.
8. Gavi
- Date of Birth: 5 August 2004 (20)
- Country: Spain
- Position: Central Midfield
Gavi is ranked 8th among the best young players in the world. A graduate of Barcelona’s La Masia academy, Gavi has been impressive in midfield. Despite his young age, he is a regular starter for Barcelona and helped them win La Liga in the 2022/23 season. He is Known for his work rate, passing, and aggressive play, and has drawn comparisons to Barcelona legends Xavi and Iniesta.
Gavi has made history for Spain by becoming their youngest-ever debutant and goalscorer. In October 2023, he scored a crucial winning goal in a 1–0 victory over Norway, securing Spain’s qualification for Euro 2024. Unfortunately, Gavi suffered a significant injury shortly after, tearing his ACL and damaging his meniscus. He missed both Euro 2024 and the 2024 Olympics, where Spain went on to win both tournaments.
His performances in the UEFA Nations League and World Cup have solidified his place as one of the top young midfielders in the world.
9. Cole Palmer
- Date of Birth: 6 May 2002 (22)
- Country: England
- Position: Attacking Midfield
Cole Palmer is ranked 9th among the best young players in the world. A product of Manchester City’s academy, Palmer has become one of England’s brightest attacking talents. KHe played a key role in City’s domestic and European success before moving to Chelsea in 2023. At Chelsea, he has continued to impress, scoring important goals and providing assists.
Palmer made his senior debut for Manchester City in 2020 and was part of the squad that won the Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League in 2023. After joining Chelsea for £40 million, he had a breakout debut season, winning several awards, including PFA Fans’ Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year.
Palmer has represented England at various youth levels and made his senior debut in 2023. He played in Euro 2024, scoring the equalizing goal in the final. With his technical skills and goal-scoring ability, Palmer is seen as a future star for both club and country.
10. Pedri
- Date of Birth: 25 November 2002 (22)
- Country: Spain
- Position: Central Midfield
Pedri is ranked 10th among the best young players in the world and is considered one of the top midfielders. After joining FC Barcelona from Las Palmas, he quickly became a key player, helping Barcelona win La Liga in the 2022/23 season.
For Spain, Pedri has been equally influential. He was named Player of the Tournament at UEFA Euro 2020 and also represented Spain in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Though sidelined by injury, Pedri made a strong return to Spain’s UEFA Euro 2024 squad, scoring a brace in a 5–1 win against Northern Ireland.
He played key roles in Spain’s victories over Croatia, Italy, and Georgia. Sadly, he suffered an injury in the quarter-final against Germany, but Spain went on to win the championship.
Pedri has won many young player awards and is seen as the future of Spanish football.
11. Xavi Simons
- Date of Birth: 21 April 2003 (21)
- Country: Netherlands
- Position: Attacking Midfield
Xavi Simons is ranked 11th among the best young players. He has emerged as a promising attacking midfielder. After stints at PSG and PSV, he thrived at RB Leipzig, contributing to their strong Bundesliga and European campaigns with his creativity and goal-scoring ability.
Simons has also made his mark with the Netherlands, featuring in the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024 qualifiers. He scored his first senior international goal in a 4–0 win over Iceland and scoredd in the Euro 2024 semi-final against England.
Simons was named Eredivisie Player of the Season at PSV, establishing himself as one of Europe’s brightest young talents.
12. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
- Date of Birth: 12 February 2001 (23)
- Country: Georgia
- Position: Left Winger
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is ranked 12th among the best young players. He has been a standout talent for Napoli. Known as “Kvaradona,” he played a key role in Napoli’s historic 2022/23 Serie A title win and their progress to the Champions League quarter-finals.
He provided the most assists in the league, was named Serie A MVP, and earned the Young Player of the Season award in the Champions League. Before joining Napoli, Kvaratskhelia played for Dinamo Tbilisi, Lokomotiv Moscow, Rubin Kazan, and Dinamo Batumi.
He also helped Georgia qualify for their first-ever UEFA Euro 2024. He is Known for his flair, creativity, and work ethic, and regarded as one of Georgia’s greatest footballers.
13. William Saliba
- Date of Birth: 24 March 2001 (23)
- Country: France
- Position: Centre-Back
William Saliba is ranked 13th among the best young players in the world. He has firmly established himself as one of Europe’s finest young defenders. After impressing during a series of successful loan spells, Saliba became an integral part of Arsenal’s defense, helping the team challenge for the Premier League title in the 2022/23 season.
His calmness under pressure, physicality, and ability to play out from the back have been pivotal in Arsenal’s defensive stability and overall resurgence.
He helped Athletic Bilbao win the Copa del Rey in 2024 and earned a place in the Euro 2024 Team of the Tournament. His consistency and potential make him one of Europe’s top young talents.
Widely regarded as one of the most promising center-backs of his generation, Saliba’s performances for both club and country continue to underline his potential as a future star in European football.
14. Moisés Caicedo
- Date of Birth: 2 November 2001 (23)
- Country: Ecuador
- Position: Defensive Midfield
Moisés Caicedo is ranked 14th among the best young players in the world. He has emerged as a standout defensive midfielder following his rise at Brighton & Hove Albion.
Caicedo earned a record-breaking move to Chelsea in 2023. At Chelsea, he quickly became a key player, providing balance and anchoring the midfield, earning recognition for his solid performances, including winning the Chelsea Goal of the Season for 2023–24.
Caicedo has also been vital for Ecuador, playing a key role in their qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and impressing in CONMEBOL competitions. His tireless work rate and defensive prowess have established him as one of the top midfielders in the world, with a bright future ahead both for club and country.
15. Enzo Fernández
- Date of Birth: 17 January 2001 (23)
- Country: Argentina
- Position: Central Midfield
Enzo Fernández is ranked 15th among the best young players. He rose to global prominence with Argentina’s victory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. His technical brilliance, creativity, and midfield control earned him the tournament’s Best Young Player award. This led to a record transfer to Chelsea, where he has continued to impress.
A graduate of River Plate’s academy, Fernández had successful loan stints at Defensa y Justicia before moving to Benfica, where his performances earned him a €121 million transfer to Chelsea.
With Argentina, he won the 2022 World Cup and the 2024 Copa América. At Chelsea, Fernández has become a key player, contributing with goals, assists, and excellent playmaking ability.
16. Josko Gvardiol
- Date of Birth: 23 January 2002 (22)
- Country: Croatia
- Position: Left-Back
Joško Gvardiol is ranked 16th among the best young players in the world. He is a highly promising defender known for his physicality, ball-playing skills, and composure under pressure.
After impressing at RB Leipzig, he joined Manchester City in 2023, where he quickly became a key player, helping the team win multiple trophies, including the Premier League, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup. He was named to the VDV Bundesliga Team of the Season for 2022-23.
He played a vital role in Croatia’s third-place finish at the 2022 World Cup. His leadership and defensive abilities have solidified his status as one of the best young defenders in Europe.
17. Nico Williams
- Date of Birth: 12 July 2002 (22)
- Country: Spain
- Position: Left Winger
Nico Williams is ranked 17th among the best young players in the world. He is an exciting winger known for his blistering pace, dribbling, and flair. He rose through the ranks at Athletic Bilbao, making his first-team debut in 2021 and quickly becoming a key player. His performances helped the team reach the Copa del Rey finals and stay competitive in La Liga.
Williams made his Spain debut in 2022 and played a vital role in their 2024 UEFA Euro victory, scoring in the final and being named Man of the Match.
He also helped Athletic Bilbao win the Copa del Rey in 2024 and earned a spot in the Euro 2024 Team of the Tournament. His consistency and potential make him one of Europe’s brightest young talents.
18. Bradley Barcola
- Date of Birth: 2 September 2002 (22)
- Country: France
- Position: Left Winger
Bradley Barcola is ranked 18th among the best young players in the world. He is an exciting winger known for his pace, creativity, and clinical finishing. He rose through Lyon’s academy and became a key player before transferring to Paris Saint-Germain for €45 million in 2023.
In his first season at PSG, Barcola helped the club win a domestic treble, securing Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and Trophée des Champions titles.
Barcola’s versatility and performances in Ligue 1 and the Champions League highlighted his potential. Internationally, he represented France at youth levels and made his senior debut in 2024, being part of the squad for UEFA Euro 2024.
With his impressive achievements and growing reputation, Barcola is seen as a future star for both PSG and the French national team.
19. Rasmus Højlund
- Date of Birth: 4 February 2003 (21)
- Country: Denmark
- Position: Centre-Forward
Rasmus Højlund is ranked 19th among the best young players in the world. He has quickly established himself as a powerful and prolific striker. His rise began at Atalanta, where his physicality, aerial ability, and clinical finishing earned him a move to Manchester United in 2023.
At United, Højlund played a key role in their attack, scoring crucial goals in both Serie A and the Premier League, and helped them win the FA Cup in the 2023–24 season.
Højlund has been a standout performer for Denmark, scoring consistently in UEFA Nations League and Euro qualification. Named Danish Talent of the Year in 2023 and Premier League Player of the Month in February 2024, his future looks bright.
With his blend of strength, finishing, and consistency, Højlund is rapidly becoming one of Europe’s most promising young forwards.
20. Endrick
- Date of Birth: 21 July 2006 (17)
- Country: Brazil
- Position: Striker
Endrick Felipe Moreira de Sousa, commonly known as Endrick, ranks 20th among the best young players in the world and is regarded as one of Brazil’s brightest footballing talents. Born on July 21, 2006, Endrick’s exceptional goal-scoring ability, agility, and composure have made him a standout player from a young age.
He began his career at Palmeiras, making his senior debut at just 16 and contributing crucial goals to help the team win the Brasileirão title. In December 2022, Real Madrid secured his signature, though he will officially join the club in 2024, once he turns 18.
Endrick has also impressed with the Brazilian national youth teams, earning comparisons to football legends Ronaldo and Romário. With his immense potential, he is widely regarded as a future star, and his move to Real Madrid has raised high expectations for his future in world football.