In football, there are moments when it’s easy to see which young players have superstar potential. Among many others, Lionel Messi comes to mind first.
Not long after signing with Barcelona at thirteen, the Argentine’s ability as a world-class player became abundantly apparent.
Similarly, a small number of young players (those who will be 21 years old in 2024) have what it takes to become world-class footballers.
While the emergence of a new Lionel Messi is very improbable, it is not to say that these guys won’t go on to achieve greatness.
Table of Contents
Lamine Yamal
In the 2023–24 season, Lamine Yamal stunned for Barcelona, but he came into his own at Euro 2024.
A breathtaking goal followed an impressive performance in the preliminary stages in the semi-final victory against France.
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In addition to helping Spain win the tournament in Berlin, the teen’s excellent play on the right flank earned him the title of Young Player of the Tournament. For the La Masia graduate, it was a watershed moment.
The nimble striker is one of the most dangerous attackers in the world, and he’s got skills that will last generations.
Jude Bellingham
The former Borussia Dortmund star was unstoppable for his club and nation last season, leading some to claim he was the world’s finest performer.
Real Madrid had high hopes for him when they signed him in 2023, and he more than lived up to them.
2023–24, despite playing alongside several world-class players at the Bernabeu, the England international stole the show as Real Madrid won a record 36th La Liga and 15th Champions League.
Although playing international football without ever having played in the Premier League is not often considered a typical route to the top for English players.
The 21-year-old has achieved just that, solidifying his position as one of the finest British players ever to play overseas.
Jamal Musiala
Jamal Musiala, a sensation at Bayern Munich, is already one of Europe’s top operators, and Germany now has two of the world’s top offensive midfielders.
The nimble-footed ex-Chelsea youth player can play wide or behind the striker, gliding deftly across the field and escaping tackles as he threads through traffic.
Sometimes, you may get a good finish after a maze run.
Eduardo Camavinga
With his stellar performances as an inverted fullback the previous season, Camavinga had a golden opportunity to establish himself as the greatest in the industry.
The Frenchman’s long-term goal is to be a mainstay in Real Madrid’s engine room, but starting games at fullback and then moving into the middle to dominate play is a great asset.
Despite being three years younger than Tchouameni, he is now Carlo Ancelotti’s preferred young French midfielder.
The Italian manager believes in Camavinga’s versatility even in the most important matches.
The kids had trouble adjusting to life in Spain and finding a regular starting berth, but now they are doing well.
Florian Wirtz
A German offensive midfielder, Florian Wirtz, returned to full strength for the 2023–24 season after a severe injury almost derailed his early career.
His consistent goal-scoring helped Bayer Leverkusen win their first Meisterschale, and he was named the Bundesliga’s best player of the season.
The teenager, who starred for Germany at Euro 2024, also won the DFB-Pokal. With an eye for the latter third, Wirtz—a flawless number 10—has a way of creating space.
He has the qualities to exploit that space when he receives the ball, including fantastic playmaking abilities and a devastating right foot.
Pedri
Watching Pedri take over for the departed Xavi was a highlight for the former Barcelona manager.
According to the Daily Mail, the Spanish manager asserted in an interview in early 2023 that Pedri is at the same level’ as the renowned player Andres Iniesta.
Very few people are like him. His potential is comparable to Iniesta’s, but Andres benefited from consistency, which allowed him to continue playing.
Receiving such commendation from a guy who has seen Iniesta’s genius in action. Pedri, who is only honour years old, has already made a name for himself in Spanish football, and he and Gavi are the team’s stars.
Gavi
Gavi is just one more illustration of the outstanding job done by La Masia in producing elegant yet tough midfielders, a talent that Barcelona has in spades.
The flamboyant prodigy worked her way up the ladder and is now an indispensable part of Barça’s engine room.
He missed out on winning Euro 2024 due to an ACL rupture that kept him out for much of the 2023–24 season, but if he gets back on the field, he can still do incredible things.
Kobbie Mainoo
Even though Kobbie Mainoo has previously scored the winning goal in an FA Cup final for Manchester United, he feels like it is just the start.
Indeed, by the time this remarkable career ends, it may be a footnote. The ‘Stockport Seedorf’ is a fullback since England seldom produces players with his skill set.
Nothing is impossible for this young guy on the football field; he is brilliant in the challenge, great with the ball in his hands, and capable of a worldie.
Endrick
Even though he’s just 18, Endrick’s impressive accomplishments for Palmeiras in Brazil over the last few years have caused quite a stir.
When Real Madrid revealed in December 2022 that they had signed the adolescent, it was expected.
The wonderkid’s transfer fee might reach £50 million if Los Blancos have their way.
Endrick has star potential; he became the fourth-youngest player to represent Brazil’s senior squad at fifteen and scored goals that may have been Puskas Award candidates when he was fifteen.
After signing with Real Madrid this summer, he could be an asset to the Bernabeu. In fact, the teenage sensation scored in his first international matches against Spain and England.
Pau Cubarsi
A meteoric climb to fame has befallen Pau Cubarsi. Since being thrust into Barcelona’s first squad before he could legally drive himself to training.
Pau Cubarsi defender has shown incredible poise in facing up against some of the world’s top strikers.
The simplest way to describe his performances, which have earned him several caps for Spain, is exquisite.
He has shown that La Masia still has an extraordinary ability to produce players, and he has seldom let the Catalan giants down.
Conclusion
The future of football shines brightly with these emerging superstars, each already making a significant mark despite their tender years.
From Lamine Yamal’s explosive rise with Barcelona to Jude Bellingham’s transformative impact at Real Madrid, these young talents demonstrate the potential to dominate the sport for years to come.
Players like Musiala, Camavinga, and Wirtz have not only redefined their respective roles but have also showcased versatility, resilience, and a flair that captivates fans globally.
Their individual journeys—from overcoming injuries to setting new benchmarks for their clubs and countries—highlight a collective generation poised to shape football’s next era.
While comparisons to legends like Lionel Messi and Andrés Iniesta are natural, these players are carving their unique paths to greatness, proving that football’s evolution continues with each new star.
As they navigate the highs and lows of their burgeoning careers, one thing remains certain: the world will be watching, waiting to see how they etch their names into football history.
For fans, the thrill lies in witnessing these prodigies grow, inspiring the next generation and keeping the beautiful game alive with passion and excellence.
