image: Steffen Prößdorf, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Soccer is a sport that never stops evolving, and every year new stars emerge to dazzle the fans and challenge the established order. While some of the best players in the world today are in their prime or nearing the end of their careers, there is a new generation of talent waiting to take over and make their mark.
From Europe to South America, from Africa to Asia, there are countless young players who have the potential to become the next Messi, Ronaldo or Mbappé. Some of them are already playing for top clubs and national teams, while others are still developing their skills and waiting for their chance to shine.
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Here are some of the most promising young talents in soccer today, based on their performances, potential and reputation.
The next superstars
Youssoufa Moukoko (Borussia Dortmund, Germany)
The Cameroon-born striker is widely regarded as one of the most prodigious talents in soccer history. He made his Bundesliga debut at the age of 16 years and one day, breaking the record previously held by Nuri Sahin. He also became the youngest scorer in the league’s history, netting his first goal against Union Berlin. He has scored 10 goals in 18 appearances for Dortmund so far, despite missing several months due to injury. He is fast, powerful, skillful and composed in front of goal, and has been compared to Robert Lewandowski and Erling Haaland.
Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United, Argentina):
The Argentine forward is one of the most promising talents in England, having joined Manchester United from Atlético Madrid in 2020. He made his Premier League debut in December 2022, scoring a brace against Leeds United. He has scored five goals in nine games for United so far, becoming the youngest player to score a hat-trick in the FA Cup against Aston Villa. He is a versatile and clinical forward who can play as a No 9 or on either wing .
Xavi Simons (PSV Eindhoven, Netherlands):
The Dutch midfielder is one of the most hyped prospects in world soccer, having attracted attention since he was a kid at Barcelona’s La Masia academy. He left the Catalan club in 2019 to join Paris Saint-Germain, where he signed a lucrative contract and trained with the likes of Neymar and Kylian Mbappé. However, he decided to return to his homeland in 2022, joining PSV Eindhoven on loan with an option to buy. He has been a revelation in the Eredivisie, scoring six goals and providing seven assists in 19 games. He is a creative and dynamic player who can play in various positions across the midfield and attack.
Endrick (Palmeiras, Brazil):
The Brazilian winger is one of the hottest properties in South America, having helped Palmeiras win the Copa Libertadores and reach the Club World Cup final in 2022. He scored four goals and assisted three more in the continental competition, including a stunning solo effort against River Plate in the semi-final. He has been linked with several European clubs, including Real Madrid, Manchester City and Liverpool. He is a fast, skillful and unpredictable player who can dribble past defenders and create chances for himself and his teammates.
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The rising stars
Paxten Aaronson (Eintracht Frankfurt, USA): The younger brother of USMNT star Brenden Aaronson, Paxten is following in his footsteps by making his mark in Europe. The 19-year-old midfielder joined Eintracht Frankfurt from Philadelphia Union in January 2022, after impressing in MLS and the USL Championship. He has already made his Bundesliga debut and scored his first goal for the club against Wolfsburg. He is a versatile and intelligent player who can play as a No 10 or on either wing.
Malo Gusto (Lyon, France): The French right-back is one of the brightest prospects in Ligue 1, having broken into Lyon’s first team this season. He has made 17 appearances for Les Gones so far, scoring one goal and providing two assists. He has also been capped by France at U21 level, where he has formed a formidable partnership with Eduardo Camavinga. He is a modern full-back who can defend well and contribute to the attack with his pace, crossing and shooting.
Désire Doue (Rennes, France): The Ivorian forward is another exciting talent from Rennes’ prolific academy, which has produced players such as Ousmane Dembélé, Eduardo Camavinga and Jérémy Doku. Doue made his Ligue 1 debut at the age of 16 in November 2022, becoming the youngest player to feature for Rennes since Camavinga. He has scored two goals in nine games for Les Rouges et Noirs so far. He is a quick, agile and clinical striker who can play as a centre-forward or on either flank.
The hidden gems
Alejandro Balde (Barcelona, Spain): The Spanish left-back is one of the few bright spots in Barcelona’s dismal season, having impressed under Ronald Koeman and Xavi Hernández. He made his La Liga debut in September 2022, becoming the youngest player to start for Barça since Ansu Fati. He has made 12 appearances for the Blaugrana so far, scoring one goal and providing one assist. He is a strong, athletic and adventurous full-back who can also play as a winger.
Facundo Torres (Peñarol, Uruguay): The Uruguayan winger is one of the most promising talents in South America, having starred for Peñarol in his homeland and for the national team at the Copa América. He scored three goals and assisted four more in the continental tournament, helping Uruguay reach the semi-finals. He has been linked with several European clubs, including Manchester United, Chelsea and Atlético Madrid. He is a left-footed dribbler who can play on either flank or behind the striker.
Antonio Nusa (Inter Milan, Italy): The Italian forward is one of the most exciting prospects in Serie A, having joined Inter Milan from Genoa in 2022. He made his debut for the Nerazzurri in October 2022, scoring a hat-trick against Spezia. He has scored six goals in 10 games for Inter so far, becoming the youngest player to score a brace in the Champions League against Real Madrid. He is a versatile and clinical forward who can play as a No 9 or on the right wing.
Stay tuned, and place your bets on who you think will be the most influential players in soccer for years to come.
