The globe’s best young male footballers are burgeoning rapidly and this has prompted questions about the heirs apparent to icons like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Andres Iniesta, Toni Kroos, Arjen Robben amongst others.
For the sixth consecutive year, ESPN have presented a roster of the game’s rising stars aged 21 or under.
Attacking players dominate the list, a trend attributed to forwards typically enjoying more playing time at a younger age compared to defenders.
TOP 10 BEST UNDER 21 PLAYERS
10. Zaire-Emery, Central Midfielder
Club/Country: Paris Saint-Germain/France
Age: 18
Estimated transfer value: €60m
Zaire-Emery emerged as a standout player in Ligue 1 in 2023, transitioning from a promising academy player to a key figure in the first team.
Notably, he became the club’s youngest goal scorer and made an impact on his senior France debut, becoming one of the country’s youngest scorers ever.
Strengths: Zaire-Emery excels in midfield roles like No. 6 or No. 8 and can also adapt to playing as a right wing-back.
Despite his youth, he shows maturity on the field, actively seeking the ball and displaying impressive passing accuracy (82% successful forward passes per 90 minutes) even under pressure.
Additionally, his movement in the box suggests the potential for increased goal-scoring contributions.
Areas for improvement: While Zaire-Emery has experienced rapid growth, there are areas he can refine, such as improving his crossing accuracy and balancing his attacking instincts with defensive responsibilities.
9. Lamine Yamal, Right Winger
Club/Country: Barcelona/Spain
Age: 16
Estimated transfer value: €150m
Once again, La Masia Barcelona’s famed academy has produced a gem! Yamal, the youngest first-team player in Barcelona’s history, has quickly become a star in his own right. Additionally, he has scored two goals in four games for Spain, he’s proving to be a game-changer for his national team.
Strengths: Yamal is a formidable threat on the right wing, possessing exceptional technical skills and a knack for unpredictable off-the-ball movement that baffles defenders.
His diagonal runs, whether for a quick exchange or a shot on goal, are sharp and purposeful.
Despite not having an explosive pace, he’s eager to take on defenders, completing over 9 take-ons per 90 minutes with a 55% success rate. His crossing ability is also noteworthy.
Yamal has already delivered a couple of standout goals this season, showcasing his remarkable close control and powerful left foot. Despite his young age, his skill set is impressive.
Areas for improvement: While tactically and physically sound, Yamal could enhance his weaker right foot.
As he continues to mature, Barcelona will need to carefully manage his development due to the increasing attention he’s receiving.
8. Rasmussen Højlund, Striker
Club/Country: Manchester United/Denmark
Age: 21
Estimated transfer value: €80m
Højlund suffered an initial goal drought in the Premier League after his €72m transfer from Atalanta during the summer.
However, the Danish international persevered and eventually found his stride, scoring seven goals in as many matches before being sidelined by an injury in mid-February.
Strengths: Højlund boasts impressive speed over long distances, particularly excelling in transition phases when the game opens up.
He has demonstrated his prowess as a poacher and showcases versatility as a finisher, notably dangerous when utilizing his powerful left foot.
Furthermore, Højlund’s resilient mentality deserves recognition; even during goalless spells, he contributed to his team’s efforts through pressing and defensive contributions in advanced areas of the pitch.
Areas for improvement: While Højlund’s chemistry with teammates is progressing, he could enhance his aerial ability, currently winning only 25% of his aerial duels on average.
Despite often operating as a lone striker in a United side experiencing cohesion challenges, he could increase his shot frequency, currently averaging 1.7 shots per 90 minutes.
7. Eduardo Camavinga, Central Midfielder
Club/Country: Real Madrid/France
Age: 21
Estimated transfer value: €90m
Camavinga has yet to fully assert himself in the anticipated dominating midfield role. Nevertheless, amidst intense competition at Madrid, the French international consistently delivers solid performances, even when deployed as a left-back and he is one of the best young footballers in the world today.
Strengths: Camavinga shines when orchestrating play from deep midfield, whether as a lone pivot or on the left in a double pivot.
Despite his utility role, his elegance on the field is evident, covering significant ground, and displaying exceptional passing range and rhythm, primarily with his favored left foot.
Additionally, he excels in pressing and ball recovery, averaging 8.5 recoveries per 90 minutes.
Areas for improvement: While his progressive passing is expected to further develop as he assumes a more central role, addressing his tendency to commit fouls (averaging 2.4 per 90 minutes) remains a priority.
6. Xavi Simons, Attacking Midfielder
Club/Country: PSG (RB Leipzig, loan)/Netherlands
Age: 20
Estimated transfer value: €70m
Those skeptical about whether Simons’ flair would translate well to the physicality of the Bundesliga have been proven wrong.
The ex-Barcelona and currently PSG loanee has swiftly adapted and is now considered one of the premier creative midfielders in the German league and one of the best young footballers in the world, boasting eight goals—including three potential “goal of the season” contenders—and 12 assists across all competitions.
Strengths: Simons possesses an exceptional first touch paired with impressive ball-striking abilities.
His high productivity is evident in both goals and assists, with an impressive 65% success rate in dribbling. Defensively, he’s diligent, winning 72% of his defensive duels out of 3.4 attempts per 90 minutes.
Areas for improvement: Simons could aim to involve himself more in the box, currently averaging only 3.5 touches in the opponent’s box per 90 minutes.
However, he often positions himself outside the area, utilizing his expertise in long-range finishing, as his aerial prowess is not as strong.
5. Gavi, Central Midfielder
Club/Country: Barcelona/Spain
Age: 19
Estimated transfer value: €100m
Barcelona faced a significant setback when the midfielder sustained an ACL injury while on international duty in November, ruling him out for the season.
Before the injury, Gavi was enjoying a stellar run of form, surpassing 1,000 minutes of play.
Strengths: Gavi epitomizes the modern midfielder with his versatility and completeness. Merely labeling him as “box-to-box” doesn’t fully capture his contributions, as he covers vast lateral areas as well.
His passing ability is exceptional, showcasing a wide array of techniques with precision and ease. Additionally, he demonstrates strong mental attributes, effortlessly executing complex actions on the field.
Gavi seamlessly connects defense with attack by finding intelligent pockets of space and excels in ball recovery, displaying relentless pressing and tackling week after week.
Areas for improvement: Despite already being recognized as one of the top young midfielders globally, Gavi could further develop his physicality.
Additionally, enhancing his concentration levels and reducing the frequency of fouls could benefit his game.
Remarkably, despite his absence since November, he leads Barcelona’s foul count in La Liga this season with 31 fouls.
4. Pedri, Central Midfielder
Club/Country: Barcelona/Spain
Age: 21
Estimated transfer value: €100m
Regrettably, injuries have disrupted the Barcelona midfielder’s season, repeatedly halting his momentum whenever he was close to hitting top form.
Nonetheless, Pedri has still accumulated over 1,500 minutes of playtime (in comparison, Jude Bellingham has logged 2,700 minutes), warranting his inclusion on the list.
Strengths: Possessing innate talent and football intelligence, Pedri is versatile enough to thrive in various central midfield roles, from deep-lying playmaker to No. 8 or No. 10.
Pedri excels in maintaining the tempo of the game and is adept at delivering defense-splitting through balls.
His defensive contribution is noteworthy as well, averaging 3.55 interceptions per 90 minutes.
Areas for improvement: Once he overcomes his injury setbacks, Pedri’s next challenge is to regain the physical dynamism that established him as one of the most proficient one-on-one dribblers in world football.
3. Jamal Musiała, Attacking Midfielder
Club/Country: Bayern Munich/Germany
Age: 21
Estimated transfer value: €100m
Bayern Munich hasn’t had the most stellar season by their usual standards, but Musiala has emerged as one of the club’s standout performers, consistently making a significant impact, definitely, he is one of the best young footballers in the world.
Strengths: Musiala displays remarkable footballing intelligence despite his youth. Whether deployed wide on the left or in the No. 10 role, he seamlessly integrates into the team’s dynamics with quick, precise passes and deft touches.
His adeptness at quick combinations and dribbling skills makes him invaluable, especially against defensive-minded opponents.
Areas for improvement: Despite his considerable influence, Musiala could increase his involvement in the game by seeking to receive the ball more frequently, currently averaging just 36 passes per 90 minutes.
2. Florian Wirtz, Attacking Midfielder
Club/Country: Bayer Leverkusen/Germany
Age: 20
Estimated transfer value: €100m
Despite enduring a significant portion of 2022 on the sidelines due to a cruciate ligament injury, Wirtz has returned with a bang, leaving a significant mark on the Bundesliga leaders with 17 assists and 11 goals in 36 appearances this season.
Primarily operating as a playmaker behind the center forward, Wirtz’s contribution has been instrumental in Leverkusen’s pursuit of their maiden title.
Presently, Wirtz is arguably the premier attacking playmaker in global football.
Strengths: Wirtz’s exceptional spatial awareness is the cornerstone of his impact on the field.
He possesses a keen sense of finding and exploiting available space, showcasing remarkable control and precision in his passing, whether delivering to forwards or the team’s dynamic wing-backs.
Despite his midfield role, Wirtz demonstrates a prolific goal-scoring ability and frequently ventures forward, evidenced by his significant presence in the attacking box (averaging 4.4 touches per 90 minutes), often culminating in delicate chipped finishes, which have become his trademark.
Areas for improvement: While Wirtz’s attacking prowess is undeniable, there is room for enhancement in his defensive contributions.
However, Leverkusen’s tactical setup under Xabi Alonso prioritizes attacking midfielders’ offensive impact, with sufficient midfield cover to handle defensive duties.
1. Jude Bellingham, Central Midfielder
Club/Country: Real Madrid/England
Age: 20
Estimated transfer value: €180m
While Bellingham’s top spot on this list last year faced minimal contention, his dominance remains undisputed this time around.
Following his move from Dortmund to Madrid for an initial €103m in the summer, the England international has elevated his performance to extraordinary heights, tallying 20 goals from 31 appearances in his debut season, firmly placing him as a contender for the Ballon d’Or.
Strengths: Jude Bellingham has been deployed in various roles for Madrid, including positions less familiar to him such as on the left flank, behind the main striker, or even as a “false No. 9,” in addition to his traditional No. 8 role.
Remarkably, these adaptations have resulted in increased productivity from the young talent.
Bellingham consistently leaves a mark on every game, showcasing proficiency in all major aspects of play.
His precise technique, rapid dribbling, and ability to outmaneuver opponents in midfield make him a formidable force.
He always has an eye for goal at Dortmund, Bellingham’s finishing technique, meticulously planned before striking the ball, has further improved at Madrid.
Additionally, his knack for scoring from a distance has been a game-changer. Moreover, he demonstrates defensive commitment by actively engaging in interceptions (averaging 3.2 per 90 minutes) when Madrid are without possession.
Areas for improvement: Previously, his shot accuracy was noted to be slightly low (38%), though still adequate.
At Real Madrid, this metric has risen to an impressive 52% from 83 shots taken. Furthermore, Bellingham has enhanced his already strong passing game, with 90% of his passes into the final third finding a teammate this season.
