Despite flying under the radar, these 15 rising talents are worth keeping an eye on. They’re ready to make waves at their clubs and national teams in the near future.
Who’s going to be the next Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo? It’s a question that perhaps unfairly continues to get thrown around, and apparently it still hasn’t gotten old yet. Questions like these, no matter how exhausting, serve as reference points for fans and pundits alike trying to measure young talent.
The players below are ones to watch from all corners of the globe — and while they may not end up being generational superstars, they certainly have shown flashes of talent and could very well shine in the years to come.
Rayane Messi, 17
Messi? Yep, another one, and he’s French! Rayane Messi (no relation to the other one) is a left winger for RC Strasbourg. He’s yet to make his first team debut, but his talent is undeniable. Quick, agile, and explosive, Messi has already netted four goals in 11 appearances for the French U-17 team. Maybe the name’s not just for show after all?
Kendry Paez Andrade, 17
Ecuador’s Kendry Paez Andrade is already making waves at Independiente del Valle and has earned 17 caps for his national team. Moving to Chelsea when he turns 18, this creative midfielder is known for his dribbling, passing, and vision, making him one to watch as he continues to develop his skill set.
Zavier Gozo, 17
A rising star in the United States soccer system, Zavier Gozo plays for Real Salt Lake and has already impressed at the youth level for the U.S. He’s a fast, athletic winger with a penchant for taking players on and looking for the goal, even at the expense of a pass.
Talal Haji, 17
Playing for Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ittihad, Talal Haji is a physical target man with excellent movement. His ability to link up play and lose his marker with a quick turn shows his potential, but the real question is whether he’ll make the jump to Europe or get stuck in the Saudi Pro League.
Ngal’ayel Mukau, 20
Ngal’ayel Mukau, a Belgian-born Congolese midfielder, is a versatile player for Ligue 1’s Lille. Solid defensively and capable of contributing in attack, he’s already made 11 appearances for the club and looks set for even more action in the future.
Rento Takaoka, 17
This Japanese wunderkind is set to make a name for himself with Southampton once he turns 18, but for now, Rento Takaoka continues his high school goal-scoring exploits. Known for his finishing and movement off the ball, Takaoka is one to watch in Japan’s future attack.
Julio Soler, 19
The Argentine left wingback has already impressed at Lanús, and looks poised to make a move to Europe, with reports floating around a transfer to Bournemouth. His ability to push forward and contribute both defensively and offensively makes him a promising prospect for the future.
Moises Paniagua, 17
Bolivia’s Moises Paniagua is a dynamic midfielder who’s causing a stir in South American football. Known for his dribbling and pace, Paniagua has scored seven goals in 69 appearances for Always Ready and is expected to make a splash internationally soon. Paniagua is the biggest prospect from Bolivia in a long time.
Andres Felipe Davila, 17
Colombian forward Andres Felipe Davila might not have scored a professional goal yet, but he’s been earmarked thanks to his physicality and prodigious skillset. After starting with Independiente Medellin’s U-20 squad, he’s already made his first team debut and will look to make an impact in 2025.
James Overy, 17
Australia’s James Overy had made waves throughout the Manchester United youth ranks as a right back with a good sense of positioning and technique. With eligibility to play for either Scotland or Australia, Overy could be a fixture for the Red Devils in the future.
Thiago Fernández, 20
Thiago Fernández, an Argentine midfielder for Vélez Sarsfield, has proven his versatility, playing across four different positions. He’s part of the U-23 national team setup with Argentina and was integral to Vélez’s league title win in 2024. Europe should be calling soon.
Relebohile Mofokeng, 20
South African winger Relebohile Mofokeng is turning heads with his creativity and flair for Orlando Pirates. With 12 goals and 16 assists in 62 matches, Mofokeng is one of South Africa’s top talents and, like many on this list, is set to make a name for himself in Europe soon.
Alfonso Montero, 17
The son of legendary defender Paolo Montero, Alfonso Montero is carving out his own path at Juventus. Known for his mobility and ability to play in various defensive systems, Montero looks like the next big thing from Uruguay at the back.
Kevin Altez, 20
Another promising Uruguayan, Kevin Altez is a versatile attacking midfielder who has played in multiple positions. After moving from Montevideo City Torque to Defensor Sporting, Altez is one to watch as he rises through Uruguay’s youth ranks.
Ian Subiabre, 18
A product of River Plate’s youth system, Ian Subiabre is a talented forward with impressive pace and dribbling skills. Having scored 3 goals in 20 matches for Argentina’s U-17 team, Subiabre’s trickery and first touch make him a name to keep an eye on.
