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Top 10 Best Young Footballers Today

We rank the top 10 best young footballers based on their club and international achievements, as well as their expected potential.

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Top 10 Best Young Footballers based on current achievements

The future is bright in football, and these youngsters appear to have all the tools to become truly great players.

Expect these footballers to elevate their game and shine at both club and international levels.

Take note: Only players aged 21 or under at the time of writing qualify for this list.

Check out our top 10 list of best young footballers under 21.

10. Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United)

Position: Winger

Birthday: July 1, 2004

Alejandro Garnacho is quickly establishing himself as one of the world’s top wingers.

The Argentina international, a homegrown talent from Manchester United, secured his first starting role in 2022.

Last season, Garnacho played a crucial role in United’s FA Cup triumph, scoring in the final against Manchester City.

As of this writing, his future at Old Trafford remains uncertain, with Chelsea and Napoli expressing interest in signing him during the January transfer window.

Nonetheless, Garnacho has slowly adapated under Ruben Amorim’s management this season, scoring seven goals so far.

9. Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United)

Position: Midfielder

Birthday: April 19, 2005

Kobbie Mainoo continues to evolve into one of Europe’s most technically gifted midfielders.

The England international has drawn comparisons to seasoned players like Toni Kroos and Rodri due to his impressive composure and playmaking abilities.

Mainoo also earned his place in the England first team, starting several knockout games for the Three Lions at Euro 2024.

He is also one of the most sought-after talents in this month’s transfer window, with Chelsea pushing to sign the central midfielder.

8. Joao Neves (PSG)

Position: Midfielder

Birthday: September 27, 2004

Playmaking is the name of the game for João Neves.

The young midfielder began his career at Liga Portugal side Benfica before Paris Saint-Germain won the race to sign him.

The Portugal international has already registered three goals and eight assists across all competitions this season.

Neves also earned a cap for Portugal at Euro 2024, where he teamed up with Al-Nassr superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.

Expect Neves to shine at Parc des Princes.

7. Endrick (Real Madrid)

Position: Forward

Birthday : July 21, 2006

Endrick arrived at Santiago Bernabeu at the same time as French superstar Kylian Mbappé joined Real Madrid.

So far, the Brazilian international has proven to be a great signing for Los Blancos, showing his potential as a solid striker for the club.

Despite playing alongside star forwards like Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior, Endrick has already scored two goals for Real Madrid.

Additionally, he became the fourth-youngest player to represent Brazil’s senior team.

6. Warren Zaire-Emily (PSG)

Position: Midfielder

Birthday March 8, 2006

At just 18 years old, Warren Zaire-Emery has already earned the trust of Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique.

PSG could look to Zaire-Emery as their next superstar to fill the void left by Kylian Mbappe.

He has impressed against Europe’s top midfielders and became the youngest French player to score in the Champions League.

His performances earned him a senior France debut in November under Didier Deschamps, where he marked the occasion with his first international goal.

PSG will aim to develop Zaire-Emery into one of the world’s best midfielders.

5. Arda Guler (Real Madrid)

Position: Midfielder

Birthday: February 25, 2005

Arda Guler is one of Turkey’s top footballers today.

During his time with Fenerbahce, he scored 21 goals in just 51 games, showcasing his immense talent.

His brilliance earned him a move to Real Madrid in 2023.

Although injuries have limited him to just 26 appearances at the Santiago Bernabeu, expect nothing but excitement whenever Guler steps onto the field.

4. Florian Wertz (Bayer Leverkusen)

Position: Midfielder

Birthday: May 3, 2003.

Bayer Leverkusen is fortunate to have an attacking midfielder like Florian Wirtz.

Although currently sidelined with an injury, Wirtz has already proven that his playmaking and scoring abilities are top-notch.

Named Bundesliga Player of the Season, Wirtz played a key role in Bayer Leverkusen’s historic first-ever Meisterschale triumph.

He also helped secure DFB-Pokal glory and shone at Euro 2024 for hosts Germany.

3. Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich)

Position: Midfielder

Birthday: February 26, 2003.

Jamal Musiala’s stock just continues to rise.

Musiala, one of the most dangerous attacking midfielders in the world, is fast approaching 200 appearances for Bayern Munich.

His unique dribbling technique also earned him a cap in the Germany national team.

He shared the Golden Boot at Euro 2024 and was named in the Team of the Tournament, despite Germany’s failure to reach the final on home soil.

2. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)

Position: Midfielder

Birthday: June 29, 2003

Jude Bellingham has exceeded massive expectations since joining Real Madrid in 2023.

In addition to winning La Liga Player of the Season, the England midfielder played a key role in helping Los Blancos secure a record 36th La Liga title and 15th Champions League crown.

Despite sharing the spotlight with Vinícius Júnior and Kylian Mbappé this season, Bellingham has proven he can shine on his own as a 21-year-old star.

With many years ahead of him, Bellingham is set to become the face of Real Madrid.

1. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)

Position: Winger

Birthday: July 13, 2007

There is a reason why Lamine Yamal has been compared to former Barcelona legend Lionel Messi.

Yamal became Barcelona’s youngest player to start a game in the competition after debuting earlier in the 2023/24 season.

He is also the youngest goalscorer in both Barca and La Liga history, the youngest player to ever start a Champions League match, and the youngest player and goalscorer in Spanish national team history.

Yamal also played a pivotal part in Spain’s EURO 2024 championship campaign.

Expect the Spain winger to flourish under Barcelona and Spain in many years to come.