The world’s biggest summer soccer tournaments continue to be a launchpad for talented young players. With Euro 2024 fast approaching, expect another crop of new youngsters to steal the limelight.
Several exciting up-and-coming stars who have impressed at the club level are now ready to shine in national colors. Keep an eye on these five youngsters if they get the chance to shine for their countries in Germany this summer.
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Benjamin Sesko (20, RB Leipzig, Slovenia)
Slovenia has long lacked a world-class striker in their national team. However, that drought might be ending soon. Benjamin Sesko, a young forward who impressed at Red Bull Salzburg and is currently thriving at RB Leipzig, is already turning heads and attracting interest from top European clubs like Arsenal.
With an Erling Haaland-like physique, Sesko has established himself as a prolific scorer in his first season with RB Leipzig. With 14 goals in 31 Bundesliga games and two more in the Champions League, he’s already a key player for the German side.
Having netted 11 times in 28 appearances, Sesko has emerged as an indispensable part of the Slovenia national team as well for Euro 2024. The Dragons will bank on the 20-year-old’s goal-scoring prowess to advance deep into the competition.
Antonio Silva (20, Benfica, Portugal)
Antonio Silva has already represented his country in the grandest stage of soccer. The Benfica defender was a part of the Portugal side that traveled to Qatar for the 2022 World Cup. After becoming the youngest Portuguese to feature in a World Cup, Silva sets his sights on representing his nation at the upcoming Euro 2024.
Silva’s composure on the ball and his ability to shut down attackers are reminiscent of classic defenders. He’s been a defensive stalwart for Benfica, who conceded a league-low 28 goals in 34 games this season. The 20-year-old will look to marshal the Portugal backline in a similar fashion on German soil.
Silva’s imposing physical presence is matched by an uncanny knack for reading the game and anticipating threats. He’s earned the moniker “general” from Benfica’s academy coordinator, Rodrigo Magalhaes, for his incredible leadership qualities on the pitch.
European powerhouses are already circling for his signature this summer. A European champions medal around his neck will make Silva an even more attractive prospect.
Lamine Yamal (16, Barcelona, Spain)
Barcelona have had a forgettable season, but Lamine Yamal’s meteoric rise would be one of the few positives the Catalonians would fondly remember about their 23/24 campaign. He rewrote the La Liga record books in October 2023, becoming their youngest goalscorer ever with a strike against Granada.
His incredible form continued on the international stage, where he became Spain’s youngest-ever goalscorer just a month later in a Euro 2024 qualifier against Georgia, which ended in an emphatic 7-1 win for the two-time European champions.
Sportsbooks are considering Spain as one of the major title contenders in Germany this year. That said, bookies are favoring the likes of England, France, Germany, and Portugal ahead of them.
Leading sports bookmakers such as DraftKings sportsbook offer a range of different markets related to both Spain and Yamal. For example, you can expect the 16-year-old to be his nation’s top goal scorer at the Euros. We expect Yamal to play a big role in La Roja’s European championship campaign.
Florian Wirtz (21, Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)
Florian Wirtz was one of the most influential figures in Bayer Leverkusen’s historic double-winning campaign. He has been one of the most prominent creators in Europe. Wirtz has set up 12 league goals for his teammates this season, only six players across the top five European leagues can better that number.
With a staggering 18 goals and 20 assists in all competitions, Wirtz is hungry to translate his club form into success for Germany this summer. Die Mannschaft is yet to fill the Mesut Ozil-size void in their lineup, and Wirtz appears to be the perfect candidate to take up that role.
Jude Bellingham (20, Real Madrid, England)
England fans are humming a familiar tune: “Na na na, na na na, Jude.” With the weight of expectation heavier than ever, all eyes are on young Jude Bellingham to lead England to glory in Germany.
Just like the Beatles anthem suggests, fans are hoping he can take the sting out of last year’s Euros heartbreak and finally “make it better” for the Three Lions.
Bellingham has had a blockbuster season with Real Madrid. In his debut season for Carlo Ancelotti’s men, he has returned 23 goals and 12 assists across all competitions.
The 20-year-old will look to replicate his Los Blancos success for England and lead his nation to continental glory for the first time.
