Soccer is a sport that continues to captivate fans all over the world. While veteran superstars like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo still dominate the headlines, a new generation of young talent is emerging and making their mark on the game. These players possess supreme technical ability, athleticism, intelligence, and confidence on the ball that bellies their tender age.
In this article, we take a look at some of the best young soccer players in the world right now. These talented teenagers and early 20-somethings have become important players for club and country, with the potential to become the next global superstars.
OUTLINE
Top 5 best young soccer players in the world
Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)Jude Bellingham is a central midfielder who plays for Real Madrid in the Spain La Liga and the English national team. At just 19 years old, Bellingham has already emerged as one of the most promising talents in European football.
After making his senior debut for Birmingham City aged 16, Bellingham was signed by Dortmund in 2020 for a fee of around €25 million. This made him the most expensive 17-year-old in history.
His technical ability, passing range, bursting runs from midfield, and maturity on the pitch have marked him out as a huge prospect. Last season, Bellingham made 46 appearances for Dortmund, scoring 6 goals, making him one of the best soccer players in the world.
For England, Bellingham played a key role in their run to the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals. His box-to-box energy and ability to dictate play from deep midfield belie his young age. Bellingham's combination of talent and leadership potential mark him out as a future England captain.
Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)Bukayo Saka is a versatile winger who plays for Premier League giants Arsenal and the England national team. Born in 2001, Saka has quickly become a key player for club and country despite being just 21 years old.
After progressing through Arsenal's academy, Saka broke into the first team aged 17. His pace, dribbling ability, and eye for goal from wide areas have made him a nightmare for defenders.
Last season, Saka scored 12 goals and made 7 assists in all competitions as Arsenal narrowly missed out on Champions League qualification. For England, he was one of their standout performers at the 2022 World Cup, scoring 3 goals.
Equally capable on either wing or at left-back, Saka's consistency and big-game mentality at such a young age mark him out as a future world star. His new long-term contract with Arsenal shows they have a gem on their hands. Watch live soccer streams today to update all the latest Arsenal matches to see Bukayo Saka's performance.
Pedri (Barcelona)Pedri is a wonderfully gifted Spanish midfielder who plays for Barcelona. After making his senior debut in 2019 aged just 16, Pedri quickly became a key player at the Nou Camp with his technical brilliance.
Pedri possesses outstanding close control, vision, passing range, and ability to glide past opponents in midfield. Despite being just 19, he plays with a maturity and intelligence beyond his years.
Last season, Pedri made 52 appearances for Barcelona, helping them qualify for the Champions League. At the international level, he was a standout performer as Spain reached the Euro 2020 semi-finals.
Pedri's combination of creativity, spatial intelligence, and work rate draws comparisons to legendary Spanish midfielders like Andrés Iniesta and Xavi. If he fulfills his enormous potential, Pedri could be the next superstar playmaker to emerge from the famous La Masia academy.
Gavi (Barcelona)Like his teammate Pedri, Gavi is a teenage midfielder who has become a sensation for Barcelona over the past year. Born in 2004, Gavi has exploded onto the scene aged just 17.
Despite his small physique, Gavi plays with an intensity and aggression beyond his years. His crisp passing, ball control, vision, and ability to effortlessly transition play from defense to attack have marked him out as a generational talent.
Last season, Gavi made 47 appearances for Barcelona despite his tender age, earning a Spain call-up along the way. His standout performance came in Barcelona’s 4-0 win over Real Madrid, where he dominated midfield up against Toni Kroos and Luka Modrić.
If Gavi can maintain his rapid development, his blend of technical quality, work rate, and football intelligence could see him emulate Xavi and Iniesta by becoming an elite midfielder for Barcelona and Spain.
Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich)Jamal Musiala is a German attacking midfielder who plays for Bayern Munich. Born in Germany to a British-Nigerian father and German mother, Musiala represents Germany at international level after playing for England Under-21s.
Musiala joined Bayern's academy at age 7, making his first team debut aged just 17. His dribbling ability, flair, acceleration, and composure in front of goal helped him nail down a starting spot last season aged just 19.
In all competitions, Musiala scored 12 goals and made 10 assists as Bayern won the Bundesliga title. His standout performance came with two goals in Bayern's 3-0 Champions League win at Barcelona.
Capable of playing anywhere across the front three or in attacking midfield, Musiala's supreme technical ability and intelligence suggest he could emulate club legends like Arjen Robben and Franck Ribéry at Bayern.
Next Generation of Talent
The players above are just a sample of the potential next generation of global superstars emerging right now. Every year, more supremely gifted teenagers make their mark at elite clubs.
Other young players who could soon take the soccer world by storm include English trio Harvey Elliott (Liverpool), Carney Chukwuemeka (Chelsea), and Romeo Lavia (Southampton). Meanwhile, in France, Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid) and Rayan Cherki (Lyon) are two to watch out for.
The conveyor belt of talent at academies like Barcelona’s La Masia, Ajax’s De Toekomst, and Rennes’ Campus also suggests the future of soccer is in safe hands. Exciting prospects are emerging from South America and Africa too.
While we don’t know for sure if these players will reach the pinnacle of the sport, the signs are extremely promising. Their talent at such a young age suggests we could be witnessing the next Messi, Ronaldo, or Mbappé in the making.
Conclusion
The emergence of super-talented teenagers and early 20-somethings like Bellingham, Saka, Pedri, Gavi, and Musiala provides an exciting glimpse into the future of soccer. Their precocious ability demands they are already important players at elite clubs.
As soccer becomes increasingly dynamic and technical, these young prodigies have the natural flair and intelligence to thrive. Expect them to become global household names over the next decade.
The conveyor belt of talent across Europe and beyond suggests the future of the beautiful game is in safe hands. For all the latest live action from these young superstars and more, check out AMZ Football. While not an app and not free, their HD football streams will keep you up to date with the next generation of talent lighting up pitches across the world.