There’s nothing quite as exciting in football as seeing a promising youngster. There is something refreshing about the energy, drive, and pure eagerness of teenagers that is sometimes missing in the seasoned pros.
Football is a game many times decided by experience, discipline, and a deep well of knowledge only learned through years on the pitch. To see youngsters break into senior teams and hold their own is special.
These youngsters are no longer just prospects; these players are rocking senior national team football, tearing up leagues, and sometimes carrying the weight of their teams. And mind you, we are looking at under-20s.
So, without further ado, here is a look at the top 10 teenage footballers lighting it up on the world stage right now.
- 1. Lamine Yamal (17) – Barcelona & Spain
- 2. Endrick (18) – Real Madrid & Brazil
- 3. Kobbie Mainoo (19) – Manchester United & England
- 4. Pau Cubarsi (17) – Barcelona & Spain
- 5. Warren Zaire-Emery (18) – Paris Saint-Germain & France
- 6. Arda Guler (19) – Real Madrid & Turkey
- 7. Rico Lewis (19) – Manchester City & England
- 8. Désiré Doué (19) – PSG & France
- 9. Jorrel Hato (18)– Ajax & Netherlands
- 10. Leny Yoro (18)– Manchester United & France
1. Lamine Yamal (17) – Barcelona & Spain
Yamal is not just a promising talent, he’s already breaking records. At 16 years and 68 days, he became the second-youngest player to appear in the Champions League and the youngest ever for Barcelona.
A player of his calibre has to bear the pressure of comparisons being drawn with La Masia greats like Lionel Messi, but he is relishing the challenge.
In the 2023-24 season, Yamal contributed 17 goals in 50 appearances for Barcelona-a feat that is incredible at the best of times and bordering on impossible for a 16-year-old.
His electric pace, razor-sharp dribbling, and unflinching bravery have left defenders marking him in a twist.
Last summer, he also became the youngest player to appear in, score in, and start a European Championship final, breaking a record that had been in the hands of the legendary Pele.
Stats like five goals and seven assists in 15 games this season just go to show that Yamal is not only a generational talent but also a pivotal figure in Barcelona’s setup.
2. Endrick (18) – Real Madrid & Brazil
Young, yet hot in demand, that’s what Endrick is. Real Madrid beat competition to secure his signature, knowing fully well just how much potential their Brazilian import has.
The 17-year-old announced his name with a sublime goal against England and has shown glimpses of brilliance since joining Los Blancos.
Game time has been limited due to Real Madrid’s depth, but the two goals in just 107 minutes for Endrick show he is ready to make the most of every opportunity.
Dubbed to be the next Brazilian superstar, the talents and mentality he has could carry the mantle left by other Brazilian superstars.
His 13 caps and three goals at the international level further sealed his status as one of the most promising young strikers. At this pace, it would take no time for him to move to a more regular role with Real Madrid.
3. Kobbie Mainoo (19) – Manchester United & England
The now 18-year-old Kobbie Mainoo, in a matter of months, managed to make himself one of Manchester United’s most important midfielders.
He had taken charge of the game flow, dictating what was to be when, and in many respects, overshadowed more seasoned midfielders like Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro.
And his sheer hard work and discipline soon paid off when he got called up into the national team for England and found himself starting some important EURO 2024 knockout games with Declan Rice.
Through this campaign, having made nine appearances amounting to a total of 644 minutes, the favourite at the stands in Old Trafford is Mainoo.
With his strength in defence, composure on the ball, and skill for playmaking, he will prove himself to be a valuable asset to Manchester United- irreplaceable, in fact well on his way to becoming a legend in that regard with the club.
4. Pau Cubarsi (17) – Barcelona & Spain
Pau Cubarsi is building his name in the heart of the defence of Barcelona. The 17-year-old has been playing alongside one of the seasoned defenders, Inigo Martinez, whom he is 16 years younger than.
Cubarsi is a very composed player who has a great sense of positioning, very modern by nature.
He has played 1,168 minutes in 15 appearances this season alone and has proved capable of dealing with some of La Liga’s quickest attackers.
His passing accuracy is not normally seen in players of his age, and neither is his composure under pressure.
With such a mature style of play, it is no wonder Barcelona sees him as a long-term solution in their backline.
5. Warren Zaire-Emery (18) – Paris Saint-Germain & France
Warren Zaire-Emery has been the revelation in PSG. When Marco Verratti left the midfield role in Paris, the 18-year-old fitted in like a glove and showed maturity beyond his years.
He has been such an imposing figure in PSG’s midfield that many hardly miss the presence of Verratti, which is no small compliment.
This season, the youngster has amassed 947 minutes in 12 games this season, controlling games with the ferocity of a seasoned pro.
He reads the game well, dictates, and holds onto possession under pressure; few at this age can pull that off. He is already a crowd favourite, while PSG’s reliance on him so early speaks volumes about his talent.
6. Arda Guler (19) – Real Madrid & Turkey
Arda Guler has burst onto the scenes of late, considering his EURO 2024 exploits that saw him score a stunning goal against Georgia. This Turkish sensation is characterized by a relentless work rate, dropping deep to support in defence or pushing up to drive an attack.
Having featured in 11 games this season, Guler’s minutes may still be limited, but every time he has stepped onto that pitch, there have been real glimpses of brilliance.
Getting up and down that pitch while wanting to chase every single ball is what makes him such an exciting prospect for Real Madrid.
7. Rico Lewis (19) – Manchester City & England
Rico Lewis has been the player for Pep Guardiola when it comes to versatility.
Being a natural right-back, the 19-year-old can fit into midfield with ease, making him one of the most versatile youngsters going about their business.
Playing such a demanding role, he’s still been able to notch over 50 appearances for Manchester City, where his tactical acumen shines with skill.
Lewis has played 1,223 minutes this season, providing four assists while putting in a very solid defensive performance as well.
With Kyle Walker near the winter of his career, Lewis looks primed to take over the right-back position. Staying at City, he could potentially become a club legend, but with interest from top clubs in Europe, options may be available for him.
8. Désiré Doué (19) – PSG & France
Désiré Doué has to be the rarest gem in the current footballing world. The 19-year-old PSG winger reminds one of Ronaldinho with his dazzling dribbling and technical skills.
He might not score as often, but when it comes to creating opportunities and causing trouble for defenders, he can be second to none.
He has played a total of 377 minutes this season, hauling one assist, but stats just do not justify how much influence he has on the pitch.
His unpredictable style and knack for taking on defenders make him an invaluable asset for PSG, and if continuing to develop, Doué is going to easily be one of the most exciting players to watch in years to come.
9. Jorrel Hato (18)– Ajax & Netherlands
Hato has prolly been the only ray of hope when Ajax has been having such a tricky season.
At only 18, he played a remarkable 46 games last season to show that he’s more than capable of handling the pressures that come with first-team football.
He has continued his form this season, with 1,525 minutes as he netted three times and assisted four.
That maturity on the ball, added to his defensive and attacking capabilities, made him an outright standout. He is going to be an undeniable key figure as Ajax now looks to rebuild.
Still, his time in the Eredivisie could be limited, with Europe’s big clubs more likely to keep tabs on him.
10. Leny Yoro (18)– Manchester United & France
Leny Yoro has been in demand, and Manchester United’s snapping him up this summer pushed his reputation up several notches.
The towering centre-back is still only 18 years old, with a physique much like a seasoned defender, eerily similar in style to Virgil van Dijk and William Saliba.
Although he is yet to feature this season, his breakout season in Lille, where he managed to play 32 games, wasn’t short of talking.
He has a deadly combination of speed, ball control and ability in the air. United fans can’t wait to get a glimpse of him, and considering his talent, it shall be soon enough.
You Might Also Want To Read This
- 10 Players With The Most Titles In La Liga History
- 10 Players With The Most Ligue 1 Titles In History
- 10 Players With The Most Bundesliga Titles In History
- 10 Players With The Most Serie A Titles In History
- 10 Players With The Most Premier League Titles In History
- 10 Managers With The Most UCL Titles In History
- Top 10 Best Strikers (Centre-Forward) In The World 2024
- Top 10 Goalkeepers In The World 2024
- Top 10 Right Wingers In The World 2024
- Top 10 Best Left Back In The World 2024
- Top 10 Best Right Back In The World 2024
- Top 10 Attacking Midfielders In The World 2024
- Top 10 Defensive Midfielders In The World 2024
- Leeds United’s 10 Greatest Players Of All Time
