As a football enthusiast, I always look forward to discovering young players who have the potential to make a mark on the sport. In 2025, there are several talented young footballers who are already showing great promise.
These players are not just playing well, but they have the skills, mindset, and drive to become the next big stars in football.
In this article, I will highlight ten of the most exciting young football players in 2025 and explain why they’re worth watching.
Who Are the Best Young Football Players in 2025?
These players have stood out for their great performances and potential for the future.
1. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
- Born: July 13, 2007
- Nationality: Spanish-Moroccan
- Position: Winger/Attacking Midfielder
Lamine Yamal is one of the most exciting young talents in football. At just 16 years old, he made history by playing for Barcelona’s first team in a competitive match against Real Betis in September 2023.
His debut showcased his skill, composure, and vision on the ball. Known for his incredible dribbling and ability to create chances, Yamal’s future looks incredibly promising. His performances at Barcelona’s La Masia academy have already set the stage for a successful career at the top level.
2. Jaden de Guzmán (Jong PSV)
- Born: January 18, 2007
- Nationality: Dutch
- Position: Midfielder
Jaden de Guzmán is a really talented midfielder who has stood out at every level of Dutch football. After moving from Feyenoord to PSV Eindhoven’s youth setup in 2022, he’s continued to improve and make an impact in the Eerste Divisie.
His ability to control the game and his playmaking skills have earned him a lot of attention. I think he has the potential to be a key player in midfield for both his club and country, and he’s definitely one to watch in the future.
3. Pau Cubarsí (FC Barcelona)
- Born: January 22, 2007
- Nationality: Spanish
- Position: Centre-back
In my opinion, Pau Cubarsí is one of the most impressive young center-backs out there. His physical presence and ability to pass the ball out from the back are really impressive, especially for someone so young.
After joining Barcelona’s academy in 2018, he’s worked his way up and made his debut for the first team at just 16.
His standout performances in the UEFA Champions League only prove how much potential he has, and I truly believe he’s one of Spain’s most exciting defensive talents.
4. Joan Martínez (Real Madrid)
- Born: August 20, 2007
- Nationality: Spanish
- Position: Center-back
Joan Martínez is a young player from Spain who really stands out. After playing at Levante and Patacona CF, he moved to Real Madrid’s youth system, where he’s been developing his game.
As a center-back, he’s great at reading the game, winning aerial duels, and staying calm under pressure. In my opinion, Real Madrid is the perfect place for him to grow, given their reputation for developing top defenders.
I can see him making a real impact in big leagues like the Bundesliga or the Ligue 1 in the future.
5. Marc Bernal (FC Barcelona)
- Born: May 26, 2007
- Nationality: Spanish
- Position: Defensive Midfielder
Marc Bernal has quickly become one of the top defensive midfielders in Spain. His passing accuracy, vision, and smart defensive play have impressed at every level. Marc joined Barcelona’s La Masia academy back in 2014 and has been steadily moving up the ranks ever since.
What really sets him apart is his calmness on the ball and maturity for his age. In 2023, he made his professional debut with Barcelona Atlètic, and by 2024, he was already playing in La Liga, showing just how much potential he has.
6. Rodrigo Mora (FC Porto)
- Born: May 5, 2007
- Nationality: Portuguese
- Position: Forward
Rodrigo Mora is a forward who made his professional debut at just 15, becoming the youngest debutant in Portuguese football history. Playing for FC Porto, he’s shown a lot of promise with his natural finishing and speed.
Mora has already made an impact for Portugal’s U17 team, helping them reach the UEFA U17 European Championship final. It will be exciting to follow his rise to the senior team in the 2024-2025 season.
7. Jonah Kusi-Asare (Bayern Munich II)
- Born: July 4, 2007
- Nationality: Swedish
- Position: Forward
Jonah Kusi-Asare is an exciting young forward who has quickly made a name for himself in Sweden before joining Bayern Munich’s U19 team. He’s known for his speed, dribbling, and finishing, and has already gained international recognition.
With Bayern Munich’s youth academy helping him improve, I think his future in football looks really bright. He’s definitely a player to watch in the coming years.
8. Zavier Gozo (Real Salt Lake)
- Born: March 22, 2007
- Nationality: American
- Position: Forward
Zavier Gozo, born in Utah in 2007, is a rising football star in America. After joining Real Salt Lake’s Academy in 2021, he quickly earned a professional contract with Real Monarchs. In 2023, he made his debut with the first team, becoming one of the youngest players in the club’s history
Gozo has also represented the U.S. in youth tournaments, showing his talent on the international stage. With his rapid progress and ability to score goals, I believe he has a bright future ahead.
9. Alfonso Montero (Juventus Primavera)
- Born: February 23, 2007
- Nationality: Uruguayan
- Position: Defender
Alfonso Montero is a young defender with excellent game awareness. Playing for Juventus Primavera, he’s already shown impressive maturity on the field. His technical skills and leadership stand out in both domestic and international competitions.
At just 17, Montero is making a strong impact, and I believe he has the potential to become an important player for both his club and national team in the future.
10. Shane Kluivert (FC Barcelona)
- Born: September 24, 2007
- Nationality: Dutch
- Position: Forward
Shane Kluivert, the son of the legendary Dutch footballer Patrick Kluivert, is following in his father’s footsteps. He’s currently playing for Barcelona’s youth teams, and his technical skills, quick decision-making, and finishing have really stood out.
Shane started his career at Buitenveldert in the Netherlands and then moved to Paris Saint-Germain’s youth academy. Now, at La Masia, Barcelona’s famous academy, his potential is being developed, and I believe his future in professional football looks very promising.
The Best 10 Young Football Players: Conclusion
I think the future of football is bright with all the talented young players. Their skills and hard work will shape the game for years to come. They’ll face challenges, but with the right support, they’ll make it to the top, both in their clubs and internationally.
If you want to follow these rising stars, bookmakers offer fun ways to bet on their performances and success. It’s a great way to stay connected with the next generation of football talent.