Football is constantly evolving, and while established stars dominate headlines, young talents are quickly making a name for themselves. These rising stars combine skill, athleticism, and intelligence, marking them as the next generation of football icons. In 2025, fans and experts alike are paying closer attention to the Top 10 best young players in the world 2025, as they offer a glimpse of football’s future. iGamingLeak often highlights young talents in our content, which makes sense: for sports betting enthusiasts, understanding emerging players can influence strategies and predictions.
This ranking is not based on popularity alone. Many young players excel quietly in top leagues, showing the consistency, potential, and international recognition that make them worth following.
How We Ranked the Young Talents
To select the best U21 players, four main criteria were considered:
1. Club Performance
Regular contributions to first-team football in top leagues or UEFA competitions are crucial. Players who have already broken into elite clubs demonstrate readiness for higher challenges.
2. Playing Time and Statistics
For attacking players, goals, assists, and overall influence on the game are considered. Defensive players are evaluated on tackling, interceptions, passing success, and defensive impact.
3. Potential and Growth
Technical skills, physical attributes, tactical understanding, and recognition in youth academies indicate how much a player can improve. Inclusion in lists like The Guardian’s “Next Generation,” CIES, or Golden Boy nominees adds weight.
4. International Recognition
Appearances with national youth or senior teams, as well as on-field maturity, show that a player is capable of performing under pressure and contributing to football at the highest levels. Additionally, we cross-referenced expert opinions and media coverage from UEFA, ESPN, Givemesport, and other respected sources to ensure that public and professional consensus aligned.
Top 10 U21 Football Players (by Ranking)
1. Lamine Yamal
Country: Spain
DOB: 13 July 2007
Age: 18
Position: Winger
Club: FC Barcelona
Lamine Yamal made history in La Liga when he appeared during Barcelona’s 4-0 win over Real Betis in April 2023, becoming one of the youngest players ever to feature in the competition. He soon made his full debut and became Barcelona’s youngest starter in La Liga, earning high praise from Xavi, who described him as “practically a chosen one” and highlighted his exceptional decision-making at just 16 years old. Since then, Yamal has continued to impress with his technical skill, creativity, and maturity on the field, showing signs of a player capable of reaching the very top.
Many observers now consider him a strong contender for future Ballon d’Or honors, with some comparing his talent and potential at 18 to Lionel Messi when he first broke into the Barcelona first team. Following his performances in Euro 2024 and at club level, Yamal is clearly among the top 10 U21 players globally and one of the brightest talents of his generation.
Competitions Participated In:
| Year | Competition |
| 2023 | La Liga |
| 2023 | UEFA Champions League |
| 2024 | La Liga |
2. Endrick
Country: Brazil
DOB: 21 July 2006
Age: 19
Position: Striker
Club: Real Madrid CF
Endrick, though only 19 years old, has already turned heads with his performances in Brazil for Palmeiras, showcasing remarkable goal-scoring ability and technical skill from a young age. Real Madrid secured his transfer in December 2022, yet his initial period at the Bernabéu has seen him mostly on the bench, waiting for the opportunity to cement a first-team role. Despite this, he has already made history on the international stage: in March 2024, he became the youngest-ever player to score a senior goal at Wembley Stadium, netting the winner for Brazil against England.
Having been a Puskás Award contender at just 15 and the fourth-youngest player to represent Brazil’s senior team, Endrick has repeatedly demonstrated his star quality. His first two international goals came against top European sides England and Spain, signaling his potential to become a key figure for both club and country. At iGamingLeak, we view Endrick as a young talent with immense promise, capable of making a major impact once he fully establishes himself at Real Madrid.
Competitions Participated In:
| Year | Competition |
| 2022 | Campeonato Brasileiro Série A |
| 2023 | Copa Libertadores |
3. Arda Güler
Country: Turkey
DOB: 25 Feb 2005
Age: 20
Position: Attacking midfielder / Winger
Club: Real Madrid CF
Arda Güler, often described as one of the most promising young talents in Europe, drew attention early in his career when his former youth coach, Erol Tokgozler, claimed he had “more potential than Messi.” Tokgozler worked with Güler at the age of 13, before the midfielder’s move to Fenerbahçe, and emphasized that while Messi had already achieved everything, Güler was still developing, with untapped potential that could surpass even the legendary forward. At 20 years old, Güler has played 74 games for Real Madrid, although his appearances have been limited partly due to an injury upon his arrival; yet, he has already shown glimpses of his extraordinary ability.
His earlier spell at Fenerbahce was particularly impressive, scoring 21 goals in just 51 appearances, a remarkable output for a young attacking midfielder. This season, he has firmly established himself in Real Madrid’s midfield, showcasing vision, creativity, and goal-scoring instinct, making him a key figure in the squad.
Competitions Participated In:
| Year | Competition |
| 2022 | Süper Lig |
| 2023 | UEFA Europa League |
4. Leny Yoro
Country: France
DOB: 13 Nov 2005
Age: 20
Position: Defender
Club: Manchester United
Leny Yoro has quickly established himself as one of the most promising young defenders in Europe. After attracting attention from major clubs like Real Madrid and Liverpool, Manchester United ultimately secured his signature. During the 2023/24 season, Yoro featured in 44 matches across all competitions, excelling not only as a centre-back but also stepping into a defensive midfield role when required.
Standing at 6ft 2in, he dominates aerial duels, yet his composure and ability on the ball set him apart from many players of his height. Even in a challenging 2024/25 season for Manchester United, Yoro’s performances were a rare highlight, earning comparisons to some of the club’s legendary defenders. iGamingLeak believes Yoro’s combination of technical skill, tactical awareness, and physicality makes him one of the Top 10 best young players in the world 2025 and a talent with immense growth potential.
Competitions Participated In:
| Year | Competition |
| 2023 | Ligue 1 |
| 2024 | Ligue 1 |
5. Kendry Páez
Country: Ecuador
DOB: 4 May 2007
Age: 18
Position: Midfielder
Club: Chelsea
Kendry Páez is set to make his Premier League debut in 2025 after Chelsea secured his transfer from Independiente del Valle when he was just 15 years old, in a deal reportedly close to £20 million. While such a fee might seem remarkable for a player so young, Páez’s technical ability and ball control suggest he could develop into a world-class midfielder, investing potentially one of Chelsea’s smartest moves in recent years. Currently on loan at Strasbourg, he is gaining valuable first-team experience and looking to showcase his dribbling, vision, and composure in competitive matches.
Páez first drew widespread attention when he led his team to victory in the 2022 Copa Milo Mitad del Mundo, a defining moment in his early career. With his combination of skill, maturity, and potential, iGamingLeak considers Kendry Páez one of the best Under 21 players to watch in 2025, capable of making a significant impact in Europe’s top leagues.
Competitions Participated In:
| Year | Competition |
| 2023 | Ecuador Serie A |
| 2024 | Copa Sudamericana |
6. Dean Huijsen
Country: Spain
DOB: 14 April 2005
Age: 20
Position: Defender
Club: Real Madrid
Juventus allowed Dean Huijsen to leave for what now looks like a bargain, just over £10 million, a fee that vastly undervalues his ceiling and the levels he is capable of reaching. Almost immediately, the Netherlands-born, Spain-raised centre-back was on the radar of Europe’s elite clubs, and this summer it was finally time for him to make the move. Calm and assured in possession, Huijsen rarely loses focus, combining composure with natural defensive authority.
It was none other than Real Madrid who won the race for his signature. The perennial Champions League winners have added a world-class talent to their squad, reinforcing their reputation for spotting and nurturing the next generation of stars. At 20 years old, Huijsen is already a modern central defender, dominant in the air, comfortable with the ball at his feet, and capable of reading the game like a seasoned veteran. As he fills out his lanky frame and gains experience at the highest level, the sky is the limit for his development, and he is set to become a defining presence in defense for both club and country.
Competitions Participated In:
| Year | Competition |
| 2023 | Serie A |
| 2024 | Serie A (Roma) |
7. Geovany Quenda
Country: Portugal
DOB: 30 April 2007
Age: 18
Position: Winger
Club: Sporting CP
Geovany Quenda has quickly risen to prominence as one of Portugal’s brightest young talents. The 18-year-old winger made his first-team debut for Sporting CP just last year, having previously played for the club’s reserves, and rapidly became the youngest goalscorer in the team’s history. Equally comfortable on either flank, Quenda has impressed with his dribbling, passing range, and tireless work rate, earning a senior national team call-up soon after his top-flight breakthrough.
Quenda’s versatility is a key asset; he has operated as a wing-back and a traditional winger depending on team formation, yet his strengths remain consistent. His ability to take on opponents, combine effectively in the final third, and exploit his pace makes him a constant threat in wide areas. Averaging 2.4 chances created per 90 minutes, he ranks among the top five percent of wingers in Portugal’s top flight. With continued development, increasing his goal contributions and winning the ball higher up the pitch will further enhance his influence.
Competitions Participated In:
| Year | Competition |
| 2023 | Primeira Liga |
| 2024 | Primeira Liga |
8. Santiago Londoño
Country: Colombia
DOB: 29 Feb 2008
Age: 17
Position: Centre-Forward
Club: Envigado FC
Santiago Londoño is one of Colombia’s most promising young forwards, already gaining attention in youth scouting circles for his technical agility and instinctive movement in the final third. At just 17, Londoño has demonstrated an ability to find space, link play, and create scoring opportunities, making him a standout among emerging talent in South America. Playing for Envigado FC, a club renowned for developing young prospects, he has benefited from regular first-team exposure, which has helped him adapt to competitive senior football earlier than many of his peers.
Though he is still in the early stages of building his profile, Londoño has shown glimpses of the qualities that could see him become a leading forward in the future. His sharp decision-making in tight spaces, quick acceleration, and composure in front of the goal have all contributed to his rising reputation.
Competitions Participated In:
| Year | Competition |
| 2023 | Categoría Primera A |
9. Pau Cubarsí
Country: Spain
DOB: 22 Jan 2007
Age: 18
Position: Defender
Club: FC Barcelona
Pau Cubarsí has rapidly emerged as one of Spain’s brightest defensive prospects, following in the footsteps of Pedri, Gavi, and even Lionel Messi by breaking into Barcelona’s first team at a remarkably young age. The 18-year-old centre-back made his senior debut for Spain in March 2024 against Colombia, becoming the youngest player ever to represent the national side, and has added several caps since.
Cubarsí’s strengths lie in his intelligence on the ball, calmness under pressure, and exceptional reading of the game, often giving the impression of watching a much more experienced defender. He pairs well with seasoned teammates, maintaining high positional awareness, accurate interceptions, and impressive passing. According to a trusted source, he has maintained a passing accuracy of 93.5% while averaging 6.7 progressive passes per 90 minutes, demonstrating that he can contribute to both defense and attack. Though his aerial duels and one-on-one defending have room for growth, his calm, elegant style and consistency make him one of the best U21 players to watch in 2025.
Competitions Participated In:
| Year | Competition |
| 2023 | FC Barcelona youth |
| 2024 | La Liga / FC Barcelona |
10. Warren Zaïre‑Emery
Country: France
DOB: 08 Mar 2006
Age: 19
Position: Midfielder
Club: Paris Saint‑Germain
Warren Zaïre‑Emery has already made a name for himself as one of Europe’s brightest midfield talents. At just 19, he has become a key player for PSG and is trusted by France’s national team. In only his second season as a first-team regular, he has shown remarkable composure, tactical awareness, and consistency, setting a record for the most Champions League appearances with 23 games.
Zaïre‑Emery excels off the ball, finding smart positions to maintain possession and support teammates while influencing games at both ends of the pitch. Areas to improve include decision-making near the opposition box and defensive positioning, but his technical skill, stamina, and maturity mark him as a future central figure in PSG’s midfield. For these reasons, iGamingLeak ranks him 10th among the Top 10 best young players in the world 2025.
Competitions Participated In:
| Year | Competition |
| 2023 | Ligue 1 |
| 2024 | UEFA Champions League |
Final Thoughts
The Top 10 best young players in the world 2025 reflect a mix of talent, potential, and early career achievements. Following these players is exciting not just for fans but also for sports betting enthusiasts, who often compare opportunities between different betting sites to highlight where fans can track these rising stars’ performances. Personal favorites like Lamine Yamal and Endrick show that football’s next generation is full of skill, vision, and energy. Keeping an eye on these talents today means witnessing tomorrow’s legends.
FAQs
1. What defines the best U21 football talents?
Top young players combine first-team minutes, stats, technical skill, and growth potential.
2. Which leagues showcase the most U21 stars?
La Liga, Premier League, Serie A, Bundesliga, and Ligue 1 are key stages for young talents.
3. Why do clubs invest in teenagers?
Clubs sign young stars to secure future value and long-term potential.
4. Are U21 rankings a guarantee of success?
No, rankings show potential, but injuries, mindset, and opportunities affect careers.
