As the 2025/26 football season approaches, a new wave of young talent is ready to shine on the big stage. Some are already getting opportunities in the first team, while others are on the verge of a major breakthrough. While predicting who will become a superstar is always difficult, these ten players under 23 have shown great promise and momentum. Keep an eye on them—they could become household names by next year.
🧠 The Playmakers and Midfield Engines
Several young midfielders are poised to control the game from the middle of the park. At Lecce, Giacomo Faticanti is a calm defensive player who reads the game well and is good at starting attacks. Inter’s Luka Topalovic is a tall, athletic midfielder who contributes both goals and assists with his high energy. Though small in size, Simone Pafundi is a highly creative playmaker at Udinese, known for his excellent ball control and vision. Meanwhile, at Liverpool, Harvey Elliott continues to impress with his skillful touch and smart play. He will be looking for more regular playing time to prove he can be a key player, whether at Liverpool or another club.
⚡ Speedy Wingers and Goal-Scorers
This season could be a big one for several exciting young attackers. After moving to Watford, Australian winger Nestory Irankunda brings speed, directness, and an eye for goal to the English Championship. In France, Eliesse Ben Seghir has already been very productive for Monaco, scoring nine goals and providing four assists last season. The Moroccan international is a clever player who excels in attack. At Man Utd, Alejandro Garnacho remains a thrilling player with incredible pace and confidence. After scoring 11 goals and 10 assists last season, he has proven his ability to be a difference-maker and will aim for even greater consistency.
🛡️ Solid Defenders on the Rise
A team’s success is often built on a strong defense, and these young players are ready to become defensive cornerstones. Sael Kumbedi has emerged as one of Ligue 1’s most promising right-backs at Lyon, combining strong defending with good passing. In Germany, Castello Lukeba has become a key part of Leipzig’s defense. The French center-back is excellent in one-on-one situations and helps build play from the back. At Brighton, Carlos Baleba has established himself as a powerful force in the midfield. The hardworking 21-year-old is great at winning the ball back and could become an even more important player for his team this season.
