As the 2025 soccer season continues, a new generation of talented players are captivating fans worldwide! With legendary names like Messi and Ronaldo either retired or nearing the end of their careers, young players are no longer waiting their turn, they’re leading the charge and making historical strides on the pitch. They’re not only determining title races but also winning trophies and gaining massive fanbases after their performances on the biggest stages in the world of soccer. There are a few players who stand out from the rest and are making a name for themselves while changing what it means to be a teenage wonderkid. The rising stars who are charting their own courses with unique challenges and triumphs include Lamine Yamal, Jude Bellingham, Désiré Doué, Arda Güler, and Endrick. Let’s take an in-depth look at these standout players and why you should be following along on their journey this year!
There’s arguably no one more deserving to be on this list than Barcelona’s teenage prodigy, Lamine Yamal! At just 17 years old, Lamine Yamal has taken the soccer world by storm. He’s already playing like a seasoned pro for FC Barcelona and the Spanish national team. As a young player coming from Barcelona’s world-famous La Masia youth academy, Yamal made waves when he entered the first team as a teenager and proved his place among the elites. He’s considered by some to be one of the most exciting talents to come out of La Masia since Lionel Messi. He became the youngest player ever nominated for a Ballon d’Or award and is now the highest paid teenager and one of Barcelona's highest earners.
Last year Yamal caught the world's attention when he dominated at the 2024 UEFA European Championships, where Spain defeated England in the final to lift the trophy. His stunning goal in the semi-finals against France was named as the Goal of the Tournament, and he was crowned best young player of the tournament. With his flair, chance creating, and long-range curling strikes, Yamal is regarded as one of the best players in the world and is quickly becoming a household name!
We feel weird calling Jude Bellingham a rising star since he’s already established himself as one of the best midfielders in the world, but at just 21 years old, he still has his best playing years ahead of him. Despite his young age, Bellingham is already one of the most recognizable names in the world of soccer. His decision to move to Real Madrid from Borussia Dortmund has taken him even closer to following in the footsteps of legends like Modrić. His vision, composure, and leadership qualities have been crucial in both domestic and international competitions.
Bellingham is not only a major force for his team, but he’s also singlehandedly bringing in the new era of soccer with his influence on and off the pitch. One of his greatest accomplishments was the honour of being the youngest global cover star for EA SPORTS FC 25, a tribute to his leadership and intelligence qualities. Many fans love to say that Bellingham plays like a veteran, leads like a captain, and has the drive to become a future Ballon d’Or winner, and we’d have to agree!
Next up is none other than Paris Saint-Germain’s new star, Désiré Doué! The 19-year-old French midfielder has been ascending the ranks and more recently became a standout performer for the club and the France national team. After his decision to join Paris Saint-Germain from Rennes in 2024, Doué has delivered consistently mastered performances and has proven his worth as part of the new generation. In the 2025 UEFA Champions League final, he showcased his remarkable talent, scoring twice and providing an assist in a 5–0 victory over Inter Milan for a historical victory! It was the biggest margin of victory in a Champions League final and Doué was a key component of it.
His ability to control the midfield and deliver under pressure as a teenage midfielder has marked him as one of Europe’s top emerging talents. He may have been generally unknown outside of France at the beginning of the season but after his success on the biggest stage, there’s no denying that the whole world knows his name. With Kylian Mbappé now moving on from Paris Saint-Germain, young stars like Désiré Doué who represent a talented generation of players are stepping into the spotlight. It’s clear that the future for both Paris Saint-Germain and Doué is a bright one!
Hailed as the “Turkish Messi” in his homeland, there should be no surprise that the next player to watch out for in 2025 is Arda Güler. The 20-year-old attacking midfielder who’s been making strides with his technical finesse and long-range shooting ability deserves to be on all our radars. Also known as Real Madrid’s Turkish jewel, Güler’s performances for both Madrid and the Turkish national team are gaining attention across Europe.
Despite struggling with injury setbacks last year, his 2025 season has solidified his place among the soccer elites. Widely regarded as one of the best young footballers in the world, Güler is known for his dribbling, long pass, shooting, and playmaking ability. Some analysts even compare his elegant ball carrying and shooting ability to Lionel Messi and Mesut Özil, making him a very promising player to watch out for this season!
Last but not least, a player that we’ll all be watching as one of 2025’s top rising stars is Brazilian phenomenon, Endrick! With multiple powerhouse teams fighting for the chance to have Endrick representing them, and Real Madrid even plotting a plan to beat Paris Saint-Germain in the running, there’s no denying he’s taken the soccer world by storm at just 19-years-old. Rising up from tough beginnings to becoming a record-breaking player for both the Seleção and Real Madrid, Endrick is the new hero of Brazilian football. He’s a classic striker who’s fast, powerful, and displays surprising maturity both on and off the pitch for someone his age.
Endrick is considered one of Brazil's best football prospects and has drawn comparisons with legendary Brazilian strikers Ronaldo, Pelé, and Romário. His ability to find space, powerful finishing, and fearless approach has made him a standout player. Real Madrid sees him as a long-term piece of their future, and we can’t help but see him as the face of a new era of soccer. Despite the hype around Endrick being nothing new for a few years now, we’re thrilled to watch him continue his legacy as a top-tier striker!
As the season continues, the performances of Lamine Yamal, Jude Bellingham, Désiré Doué, Arda Güler, and Endrick will keep proving that age doesn’t determine influence. Whether you’re a die-hard fan, a new supporter, or a collector looking to invest in the future of the game, these rising stars are worth watching closely this season!
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