The Copa Libertadores is hitting its stride, and just like every year, the competition is loaded with young talents that are poised to break out as the sport’s next big things.
When it comes to continental championships, the CONMEBOL Copa Libertadores has the history and prestige that perhaps only the UEFA Champions League can claim. The South American tournament is home to some traditional teams, fantastic series, and perhaps most notably, individual talents that in no time at all will be on European soil.
The group stage is heating up, and concluding at the end of May, there’s plenty of action still yet to be seen. The knockout rounds will start in August, with the final in Buenos Aires taking place on November 30.
With plenty of teams still alive in the tournament, now is the best time to list some of the top young prospects of this year’s Copa Libertadores. Catch them before they either get eliminated, or make their moves to Europe.
Endrick
The most obvious pick on this list, Endrick already has a certain aura about him at just 17 years old. The future Real Madrid player is currently with Palmeiras leading the attack for the Verdão. With La Liga in his sights, Endrick also recently scored his first goal for the Brazilian senior national team, and has drawn comparisons to previous iconic Brazilians like Ronaldo and Romario. He could be that special.
Kendry Páez
At only 16, Ecuadorian midfielder Kendry Páez is another player already signed to a European team in Chelsea. Páez is currently with Independiente del Valle and has been compared to none other than Lionel Messi due to his impressive dribbling. In July 2025, he is set for his move to Stamford Bridge, where he will look to turn around the club’s recent struggles.
Jeremía Recoba
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Son of former Inter Milan cult hero Álvaro Recoba, 20-year-old Uruguayan Jeremía Recoba has pace and passing abilities that resemble his father. He plays for Nacional of Uruguay and has seen a steady climb in Nacional’s first team, which by the way is coached by his pops.
Franco Mastantuono
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The River Plate midfielder is only 16, and plays with such professionalism and determination no one would think he is that young. Franco Mastantuono possesses an amazing ability to shoot from distance and is not shy about taking on a player on the dribble. He’s an exciting and intelligent young talent that is well beyond his years.
Allen Obando
The Barcelona of Ecuador forward is only 17 and has electric pace and great finishing skills. Allen Obando is another Ecuadorian player who looks European bound, but for now he’ll look to take his Barcelona side to Libertadores glory.
Damián García
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The Peñarol midfielder is one of eight children and is a prodigy in Uruguayan soccer. Known for his tactical awareness and defensive game, Damián García has already won the U-20 FIFA World Cup with Uruguay and is now taking off on the club side of things with Peñarol.
Kauã Elias
The Fluminense forward is only 18 and is already making a name for himself with his set up play. Known more for his assists than scoring, Kauã Elias is a major prospect to watch in the Libertadores.
Beckham Castro
The Colombian 20-year-old plays for Millonarios of Colombia and has eight goals in 50 games and three titles with the club. Beckham Castro (middle name David) is a workhorse and talented winger that so far has lived up to his namesake.
Damián Pizarro
Plying his trade with Colo-Colo of Chile, Damián Pizarro is already signed by Udinese in Italy. Meanwhile, the young forward has earned a cap by Chile and has been providing key goals for Colo-Colo in just one year as a pro.
Matheus Nascimento
He may not have the hype of his fellow Brazilian Endrick, but Matheus Nascimento has been turning heads with Botafogo at just 20 years old. He’s represented his country at the U-15, -17, -20, and -23 levels, and could further his chances of a trip across the Atlantic with strong play in the Copa Libertadores.
Luis Guilherme
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Midfielder Luis Guilherme is wowing Palmeiras fans with his strong tactical influence and good decision making. One of the fastest players in the Libertadores, Guilherme stands to impress.
Claudio Echeverri
Maybe the most talented young prospect in South America is River Plate’s Manchester City loanee: midfielder/winger Claudio Echeverri. The Argentine has won three titles with River Plate, and at the U-17 World Cup, he scored a hat trick against Brazil.
El Diablito possesses dribbling, pace in one-on-one situations, and a powerful shot that makes him a unique talent in South America.
