The world of football is perpetually illuminated by emerging stars, and the excitement surrounding the best U21 players in 2024 is a testament to this enduring phenomenon. These young talents are not just the future of their respective clubs and national teams; they represent the next generation of global superstars, set to carry the torch of the beautiful game.
Their incredible skill sets, resilience, and potential for growth make tracking their progress both fascinating and exhilarating for fans and pundits alike. Here’s a look at the top 10 best U21 players in the world in 2024, each bringing their unique blend of talent, ambition, and promise to the fore.
1. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
Having transitioned to Real Madrid, Jude Bellingham has become a revelation in midfield, blending scoring prowess with playmaking abilities. With 23 goals and 13 assists in his debut season, Bellingham’s all-around game has been central to Madrid’s strategy, making him one of the most exciting talents globally.
2. Cole Palmer (Chelsea)
Cole Palmer’s move to Chelsea from Manchester City for £40m has proven to be a masterstroke. Adapting swiftly, he has contributed 27 goals and 15 assists, becoming a linchpin in Chelsea’s attack. His quick feet and intelligent movement have made him a formidable presence in the Premier League.
3. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
Despite his young age, Lamine Yamal is earmarked as a future star for Barcelona. His early outings for the first team have been marked by confident dribbling and keen attacking instincts, demonstrating his potential to become a key player for the Catalans. He has 15+ goal contributions for Club and Country last season and won the euro young player of the tournament.
4. Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen)
At Leverkusen, Florian Wirtz has continued to impress with his creative midfield play. His vision and ability to split defenses with precise passing have made him a crucial component of Leverkusen’s setup, highlighting his promise as one of Europe’s top young talents. 18 goals and 20 assists for Leverkusen last season.
5. Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich)
Jamal Musiala’s versatility and technical skill have seen him thrive at Bayern Munich. Able to operate effectively across the midfield and attack, Musiala’s dribbling, and finishing abilities have made him a constant threat, contributing significantly to Bayern’s successes. He scored the winning goal that secured the league for Bayern Munich last season, he has 12 goals and 8 assists for the Bundesliga club last season.
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6. Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United)
Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo has shown great promise with his performances in midfield. His ability to control the tempo of the game, combined with his skill in possession, points to a bright future and the potential to become a key figure for United
7. Pedri (Barcelona)
Pedri’s development at Barcelona has been remarkable. Known for his agility and creativity, Pedri has seamlessly fitted into Barcelona’s dynamic attack, offering the Blaugrana a new dimension with his playmaking and scoring abilities.
8. Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona)
Emerging from Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, Pau Cubarsi is tipped for great things. Though still early in his career, his defensive ability and football IQ suggest he could play a significant role in Barcelona’s future.
9. Warren Zaïre-Emery (PSG)
Warren Zaïre-Emery’s rise at PSG has been meteoric. His dynamic play in midfield, characterized by defensive grit and attacking flair, has made him one of the most watched young talents in Europe, embodying PSG’s ambitious project.
10. Pablo Gavi (Barcelona)
Pablo Gavi has made significant strides at Barcelona, impressing with his maturity and tactical intelligence. Under the guidance of Xavi, Gavi’s development into a versatile and technically gifted midfielder has been noteworthy, marking him as a future star in Spanish football.
He is currently out injured and will be back later in the year.
