Every football season brings a fresh wave of excitement — new tactics, transfers, and of course, the rise of emerging talents. While some young players are already making headlines, others are quietly climbing the ranks, waiting for their breakout moment.
This season, a handful of under-20 stars are on the verge of stepping into the spotlight. Whether they’re dazzling in youth competitions, catching attention in preseason, or knocking on the door of their first-team debut, these players have the potential to explode onto the scene in 2025/26.
Here are 10 young footballers under the age of 20 who could become household names by the end of the season.
10. Dro Fernandez
Born Jan 12, 2008. Currently a started for Barcelona Under 19 despite being just 17 years old.
There aren’t many details about him yet, but he’s a developing teenager from the Barcelona academy who came into the spotlight after scoring a goal for Barcelona during the preseason tour in July 2025.
9. Treymaurice Nyoni
Born on 30 June 2007, Nyoni signed his first professional contract with Liverpool on 15 October 2024.
He was included in the Liverpool first-team squad for the UEFA Champions League tie against PSV Eindhoven on 29 January 2025 and was named among the match-day substitutes.
If given more time in the Premier League, he might break out completely.
8. Christian Comotto
A 17-year-old Italian. He made his debut for AC Milan during the 2025/26 preseason against Arsenal, followed by another game against Liverpool. He made his first start against Perth, where he scored a goal and won a penalty.
7. Ethan Williams
Born 14 November 2005, Williams began his career with Rochdale before signing for Manchester United in 2019.
He went on loan to Cheltenham Town in January 2025 and returned to Manchester United at the end of the 2024/25 season.
He somehow gained Ruben Amorim’s trust during the preseason tour and scored a goal in Man United’s 4–1 win against Bournemouth.
6. Josh Nichols
Born 26 July 2006, this right-back had trials at Chelsea, Tottenham, and West Ham before joining Arsenal at the age of eight.
He signed a professional contract with Arsenal in July 2024.
That summer, he played with the Arsenal first team on their preseason tour, impressing in a friendly against Manchester United.
In the summer of 2025/26, he also made appearances against AC Milan and Newcastle United.
5. Marli Salman
A player who can play both center-back and light-back positions. Despite being only 15 years old, he is a prospect with excellent physicality to compete at the U21 level.
When playing as a light-back, his strong forward runs and attacking contributions stand out. Overall, he’s evaluated as Arsenal’s version of Jean-Clair Todibo or a second Saliba.
On July 23, 2025, he came on in the second half of the preseason match against AC Milan and played as a center-back. He showed strong, composed defending and aerial ability, contributing to a stable backline. Mikel Arteta highly appreciated his potential.
4. Tygo Land
Born on January 11, 2006, he plays as a central midfielder and sometimes as a defensive midfielder for PSV.
He began playing football at just 5 years old in the SC Heerenveen academy before moving to PSV in 2023.
In May 2024, he was selected as part of the Eerste Divisie Team of the Season.
3. Roony Bardghji (19 years old)
Born on 15 November 2005, Roony is a right winger known for his pace and dribbling.
At just 17, he scored his first Champions League goal against Manchester United.
In the summer of 2025, he moved from Copenhagen to Barcelona and impressed during the 2025/26 preseason, scoring a stunning goal against an Asian club.
2. Rio Ngumoha (15 years old)
Born on 29 August 2008, Ngumoha is one of England’s most electrifying teenage attackers.
He started at Chelsea’s youth level despite being younger than most of his peers before moving to Liverpool in the summer of 2024.
Now under Arne Slot, he was given the spotlight during Liverpool’s preseason.
His dribbling and acceleration are top-tier for his age group. At just 15, he’s already gaining attention as a future England international.
1. Max Robert Dowman (15 years old)
Born on 31 December 2009, Dowman is an attacking midfielder who rose through the Arsenal academy.
He made his first-team debut in a preseason friendly against AC Milan at age 15. Four days later, he featured in another friendly against Newcastle United, drawing praise from fans, teammates, and coaches for his skill and confidence.
