Rising Stars: Young Football Talents to Watch in 202

As football continues to evolve, so does the crop of talent emerging from academies across the globe. The retirement of iconic figures like Cristiano Ronaldo and the winding down of Lionel Messi’s career have created a void that the next generation is eager to fill. In 2025, a new class of rising stars is capturing attention—combining technical brilliance, tactical intelligence, and fearlessness on the pitch.

This is more than a list of promising players. It’s a look into the future of football—where it’s headed, and who might be leading the way.

Warren Zaïre-Emery (France, Paris Saint-Germain)

Warren Zaïre-Emery’s rise through the Paris Saint-Germain ranks has been nothing short of remarkable. Making his debut at just 16, he became the club’s youngest-ever player and goalscorer. By 19, he has already established himself as a key figure in both PSG’s midfield and the French national team.

Zaïre-Emery blends defensive resilience with forward-thinking play. He reads the game like a veteran, often dictating tempo and initiating attacks from deep positions. His composure under pressure, combined with his ability to recover possession and link play, makes him a complete modern midfielder. Many see him as the natural successor to players like Marco Verratti and N’Golo Kanté.

Myles Lewis-Skelly (England, Arsenal)

Myles Lewis-Skelly has been on Arsenal’s radar since childhood, joining the academy at nine years old. Now 18, he’s broken into the first team under Mikel Arteta and already has a senior England cap to his name—scoring on his debut during a World Cup qualifier against Albania.

What sets Lewis-Skelly apart is his versatility. Naturally a central midfielder, he can also operate at left-back or as a defensive anchor. His close control, athleticism, and intelligence on the ball allow him to thrive in tight spaces. For Arsenal, he represents the next stage of their youth revolution—following in the footsteps of Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe.

Mattia Liberali (Italy, AC Milan)

Italian football is experiencing a youth renaissance, and Mattia Liberali is at the heart of it. A creative attacking midfielder capable of playing on either wing, Liberali made his senior debut for AC Milan in 2024 and hasn’t looked back since.

He’s been praised for his balance, dribbling ability, and vision in the final third. Often compared to a young Alessandro Del Piero, Liberali has a knack for unlocking defences with subtle passes and incisive runs. Milan view him as a long-term asset who could be central to their return to consistent European dominance.

Enzo Molebe (France, Lyon)

Enzo Molebe’s name is gaining traction fast. At just 17, the striker has already made his senior debut for Olympique Lyonnais, having dominated at the youth international level with France. His record of nine goals for the U16 team hinted at his natural finishing instincts.

Tall, strong, and quick off the mark, Molebe is a classical centre-forward with a modern twist. He can press, link up play, and drift wide when needed. Scouts from Europe’s biggest clubs are already circling, but Lyon will be hoping to build around him for years to come.

Matias Siltanen (Finland, KuPS)

Matias Siltanen may not play in one of Europe’s top five leagues, but that hasn’t stopped him from gaining international attention. After a stellar 2024 season with KuPS—where he helped win both the Finnish Cup and league title—Siltanen was recognized by the CIES Football Observatory and The Guardian as one of the world’s best young midfielders.

His style is mature and efficient. He controls the game’s rhythm, transitions seamlessly between defence and attack, and rarely misplaces a pass. With interest from Bundesliga and Eredivisie clubs, a move to a larger European league seems inevitable.

Bendito Mantato (South Africa, Manchester United)

South African winger Bendito Mantato is part of Manchester United’s growing list of exciting youth prospects. Known for his blistering pace and direct approach, Mantato has drawn comparisons to Bukayo Saka—both for his playing style and maturity.

At 17, he signed his first professional contract with United in 2025. Though he is yet to become a regular feature in the senior team, his performances in youth competitions and training have impressed the club’s staff. With United entering a rebuild phase, Mantato could be given chances to prove himself at the top level sooner than expected.

Honorable Mentions

While the above six are among the brightest names to watch, the global talent pool runs deep. Here are a few others who could make headlines in the coming months:

The Future Is Now

The players highlighted here are not just future stars—they are already shaping the present. In an era defined by tactical evolution, fast-paced transitions, and global scouting, youth players are expected to mature faster and contribute earlier.

As clubs invest more in academy systems and player development, fans will continue to see 17- and 18-year-olds make decisive impacts on the biggest stages. For these rising stars, 2025 could be the year their potential becomes legacy.