The future of football is bright, and it’s younger than you think. In stadiums and training grounds around the world, a new generation of talented teenagers is emerging, ready to take the beautiful game by storm.
From prolific goal-scorers to skilled playmakers, these young players are already making waves in top leagues and international competitions. In this article, we’ll count down the top 15 teenage footballers in the world, featuring players from Argentina to Spain, and from the Premier League to Serie A. Get ready to meet the stars of tomorrow, today.
1. Lamine Yamal
Already a starter for Barcelona and Spain, his vision and skills are exceptional. He’s a creative playmaker with a keen eye for goal, and his maturity on the pitch belies his young age.
Imagine playing for your country in a major tournament aged 17. Lamine Yamal has done just that.
The Barcelona star became the youngest man to won the European Championship as he played a key role in Spain’s victory against England. He scored one goals and provided four (highest) in the EURO 2024.
2. Arda Guler
Arda Guler is special: you have to be, to be compared with the likes of Mesut Ozil and Lionel Messi. He has the same velvet sweep with his left foot, similar 8K vision – but watch his movements and you’ll see the whole of the game.
In a Real Madrid side of muscle and bustle, he looks primed to be the artist – yet the signs are good that he could become a pure output machine, should he find himself in the right spaces. Players this inexperienced don’t often make the step up to 14-time European champions without a stepping stone. That in itself is hugely exciting – just watch him take Madrid by storm.He also had an unforgettable EURO he scored a goal and provided two assists for his country.
3. Pau Cubarsí
Emerging as Inigo Martinez’s partner in crime in the heart of the Barcelona defence has been 17-year-old Pau Cubarsi – 16 years the aforementioned defender’s junior. Not overly imposing at just 6ft tall, the youngster’s modern-looking traits set him up to be a long-term option for La Masia in the future – and, in fact, right now.
An unbelievable passer of the ball, too, there are not many that have the ability to perform at the levels that he is able to. He also possesses a layer of freshness, thanks to his age, which sees him able to keep up with some of La Liga’s speedsters – an invaluable idiosyncrasy which propels him to another level among his positional peers who are of a similar age.
4. Warren Zaire-Emery
France in the last decade has produced Pogbas, Camavingas, Tchouamenis… and Zaire-Emery is something particularly interesting in comparison. He controls tempo and he seems more than able to orchestrate a team of players almost double his age. But he can do it all. He’s a jewel in this crown.
5. Kobbie Mainoo
Mainoo is a graduate of Manchester United’s youth system and won the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award in 2023. He made his first-team debut in an EFL Cup match in January 2023. Mainoo played for England at under-17, under-18 and under-19 levels, before making his debut for the senior team in March 2024.
6. Ethan Nwaneri
Ethan Chidiebere Nwaneri, born on March 21, 2007, in London, is an English professional footballer of Nigerian descent who plays as an attacking midfielder for Arsenal. He made history on September 18, 2022, by becoming the youngest player to appear in a Premier League match at just 15 years and 181 days old. Nwaneri joined Arsenal’s academy at age eight and quickly progressed, making his mark with the club’s under-18 and senior teams. In June 2023, he committed to Arsenal by agreeing to scholarship terms, with a professional contract set for his 17th birthday in March 2024.
Known for his versatility, dribbling skills, and work ethic, Nwaneri has already impressed in the 2023–24 season, including scoring twice in a recent EFL Cup match. Internationally, he is eligible to represent both England and Nigeria, with England benefiting from his contributions at the youth level. Nwaneri’s rapid rise signals a bright future for both club and international football.
7. Endrick
A prolific goal-scorer with impressive speed and skill, attracting top clubs’ attention. His clinical finishing and clever movement off the ball make him a nightmare for defenders.
9.Antonio Nusa
No one does a wonderkid like Norway these days. The Norwegian Neymar may seem like a bit of a stretch – but the comparisons are obvious.
Antonio Nusa himself says that he admires the Brazil record scorer’s penchant for chaos, though there’s far more to his game than just taking players on and stretching play. Nusa’s vision belies his age, with the ability to pick a lock from the left wing – and he’s versatile enough to switch up his game if he moves to the right. Playing in a team with Haaland and Odegaard can only be good for you, right?
10. Leny Yoro
After experiencing something of a breakthrough campaign during the 2022/23 season, playing 13 times in Ligue 1 for Toulouse, Leny Yoro has since established himself as a regular member of the club’s first team. Despite being just 18 years old, he’s already become a key figure for the French club. We
The centre-back is already worth close to £50m and if he continues playing at the level he currently is, his value should only continue to rise in the years to come. Toulouse has a very special young talent on their hands, shown by the fact he was named in the top 10 of NXGN’s best wonderkid’s in world football. Whether it’s with the Ligue 1 side or elsewhere, he seems destined for big things.
