TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Although athletic ability is often linked to age, some of the best young players in football continue to challenge that assumption. Combining natural-born talent with relentless hard work, specific skill sets, and the consistency to shine from one match to the next, this select few have proven to achieve remarkable success at an age when many are only just beginning.
When the conversation turns to standout names, Lamine Yamal unsurprisingly lands at No. 1 on Give Me Sport’s ranking of the best young players in football. The 18-year-old’s remarkable consistency for both Barcelona and Spain has made him one of the most exciting prospects in the world.
Here’s a closer look at the top 10 best young players in football to watch this season.
List of the Best Young Football Players to Watch This Season
1. Lamine Yamal | Spain, 18
Securing the top spot, Lamine Yamal stands as the undisputed No. 1 among the best young players in football. At just 16, he had already carved out history, becoming one of the youngest players ever to debut in La Liga.
Whether gliding with the ball at his feet or influencing the game without it, Yamal’s refined style in both attack and defense feels instinctive, almost effortless. That level of brilliance is reflected in his remarkable 74 goal contributions by the age of 18, a stark contrast to Lionel Messi, who had registered just one goal at the same stage of his career.
2. Desire Doue | France, 20
Since his Ligue 1 debut for Rennes in 2022, Desire Doue quickly drew the attention of Europe’s elite clubs. After turning down interest from elite clubs such as Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United, it was Paris Saint-Germain that ultimately won his signature, securing the French prodigy for €50 million.
Following the transfer, Doue has continued to impose himself on the pitch with his versatility and composure, contributing goals for both PSG and France at youth level. His rapid rise was most recently capped by being named the best young player of the UEFA Champions League 2024/2025.
3. Joao Neves | Portugal, 21
At just 21, Joao Neves has already redefined what a young rising star can bring to the sport. From the Portuguese league title and the UEFA Nations League to the French Cup and UEFA Champions League medals, the Paris midfielder has built an impressive trophy cabinet for someone his age. This season, the attention surrounding him is well earned, as he continues to maintain his excellence in the midfield.
4. Arda Guler | Turkey, 20
Seeing Arda Guler’s name among the best young players in football comes as no surprise given his electric trajectory. After making a name for himself at Fenerbahçe with his silky vision, he made the bold leap to one of the toughest environments for any young player to break into: Real Madrid. Yet his charm doesn’t stop there. On December 9, Give Me Sport also reported that Manchester United have made Güler a priority target for the upcoming summer window.
5. Estevao | Brazil, 18
Already touted as the most exciting Brazilian prospect to emerge since Neymar, Estevao has lived up to the buzz with Palmeiras. Now flourishing at Chelsea, the 18-year-old has not yet fully unlocked his best physical and strength potential though his mark of three goals in first five matches in the UEFA Champions League is truly something. But with so much time still ahead of him, it’s easy to imagine Estevao evolving even further and unlocking the very best of his potential.
6. Dean Huijsen | Spain, 20
Dean Huijsen has become one of the most intriguing young defenders of the current generation. After developing at Juventus and gaining valuable top-flight experience, he has established himself as a tactically sharp centre-back. His departure from the Italian club was quickly followed by interest, but ultimately it was Real Madrid who successfully secured his signature.
7. Pau Cubarsi | Spain, 18
Few defenders break into Barcelona’s senior squad at such a young age, but Pau Cubarsi isn’t just any prospect as he’s one of La Masia’ brightest prospects. Mature beyond his age, Cubarsi plays with elegance, intelligence, and the kind of positional awareness usually seen in seasoned veterans. Stepping onto the senior stage for Spain in March 2024 against Colombia, the 18-year-old defender has collected nine more caps since.
8. Gavi | Spain, 21
Gavi’s inclusion needs little explanation, thanks to his La Liga debut at just 17 years old. As a midfielder, he’s defined by relentless intensity, a trait that quickly cemented him as a core presence for both Barcelona and Spain. Even with injury setbacks along the way, Gavi continues to stand out as one of the best young players in football.
9. Warren Zaire-Emery | France, 19
Warren Zaïre-Emery’s presence in PSG’s senior team speaks for itself, a testament to his remarkable talent on the pitch. Strong, intelligent, and technically polished, his 100+ competitive appearances highlight just how much responsibility he already carries. And does manager Luis Enrique’s trust in him pay off? It certainly appears so.
10. Kenan Yildiz | Turkey, 20
Kenan Yildiz has emerged as one of Turkey’s most exciting attacking prospects. After rising through Bayern Munich’s youth ranks and later joining Juventus, he began to showcase his sharp movement, technical skill, and eye for goal at senior level. Now wearing the No. 10 for the Old Lady, he admits it’s “a really, really heavy number.”
Each of these young players proves that age is no barrier to greatness. With so much growth still ahead of them, the world waits in anticipation to watch how they shape the next era of football. As great players need great leaders, check out the best football managers in Europe in the 25/26 season.
Read: Ranking Top 10 Most Expensive Football Transfers in History
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
