Ranking the Top 20 Best Young Players in World Football

There are certain young players in the world of football who show clear signs of destined greatness, much like Lionel Messi. Although it is unlikely that we will witness another Messi-like phenomenon anytime soon, there are several players aged 21 or under in 2024 who demonstrate immense potential and possess the qualities to become exceptional footballers in their own right.

In ranking the current best young football talents globally, our criteria include evaluating their achievements at both club and international levels thus far, as well as assessing their expected potential for future success.

20. Rasmus Hojlund | Denmark, Age 20

Position: Striker. Club: Manchester United.

Rasmus Hojlund's arrival at Manchester United in the summer of 2023 came with high expectations, given his £72 million transfer fee from Atalanta. Despite Manchester United's disappointing performance in the 2023-24 Champions League group stages, Hojlund emerged as the tournament's top scorer, showcasing his goal-scoring prowess.

However, the 20-year-old Danish forward has faced challenges in finding the back of the net in the Premier League. It took him 15 appearances in England's top division before he managed to register his first goal. Nonetheless, Hojlund possesses all the qualities of a promising young center-forward, including speed, strength, intelligence, and adept movement. It wouldn't be surprising to witness the current Manchester United No. 11 develop into one of Europe's finest strikers as he continues to grow and mature.

19. Evan Ferguson | Ireland, Age 19

Position: Striker. Club: Brighton & Hove Albion.

Brighton's Evan Ferguson seems poised to become the next valuable asset for the club, with strong interest already emerging from top teams like Manchester United and Arsenal. Since joining Brighton, the Republic of Ireland international has flourished under the guidance of manager Roberto De Zerbi.

Ferguson's skill set is impressive, boasting a commanding presence in the penalty area and exceptional ball control. In his first year with the club, the 19-year-old striker has showcased his abilities by finding the back of the net four times in his first eight league games. Notably, he netted a remarkable hat-trick in a home victory over Newcastle. Such performances could potentially ignite a bidding war similar to the Moises Caicedo saga from the previous summer transfer window.

18. Kobbie Mainoo | England, Age 18

Position: Midfielder. Club: Manchester United.

Kobbie Mainoo has made a striking impact at Manchester United this season, drawing admiration from both fans and experts for his impressively mature performances. While many young players struggle when thrust into challenging situations, Mainoo has embraced the opportunity to showcase his talents and has excelled.

The 18-year-old defensive midfielder has even sparked discussions about his potential inclusion in England's Euro 2024 squad, highlighting the level of his performances. However, in order to solidify his chances, Mainoo will need to consistently deliver strong showings in the Premier League throughout the remainder of the season.

17. Xavi Simons | Netherlands, Age 20

Position: Midfielder. Club: RB Leipzig (On loan from PSG)

Xavi Simons, the son of former footballer Regillio Simons, gained significant attention from a young age, accumulating a substantial following on Instagram. By the age of 13, he had already amassed 300,000 followers, a number that skyrocketed to 2.4 million by the time he turned 17 in 2020.

Having displayed exceptional talent as a youngster at Barcelona, Simons appeared destined for a breakthrough into the club's first team. However, contract negotiations fell through, leading to a controversial move to Paris Saint-Germain. After a brief stint with PSG, he spent a successful season at PSV Eindhoven, impressing enough to persuade PSG to exercise their buy-back option.

Currently on loan at RB Leipzig, Simons will be eager to make a significant impact for the Netherlands at Euro 2024.

16. Youssoufa Moukoko | Germany, Age 19

Position: Striker. Club: Borussia Dortmund.

Youssoufa Moukoko, a talented German youngster, achieved an extraordinary goal-scoring record at the youth level that even Cristiano Ronaldo would admire. With an incredible 143 goals in just 90 games for Borussia Dortmund's youth teams, he maintained an average of approximately 1.5 goals per game. Although this prolific scoring rate hasn't fully translated into senior football yet, it's important to remember that Moukoko is only 18 years old and has ample time to find his rhythm.

Moukoko has already notched 14 goals for Borussia Dortmund's first-team squad, and his current environment provides him with ideal opportunities to grow and develop into the elite player he has the potential to become. He made his Bundesliga debut just one day after turning 16, highlighting the immense expectations placed upon his young shoulders. With continued support and guidance, there is no doubt that Moukoko has a promising future ahead of him.

15. Lamine Yamal | Spain, Age 16

Position: Winger. Club: Barcelona.

At the tender age of 15, Yamal made history as one of the youngest players to feature in a La Liga match, coming on as a substitute in a 4-0 victory over Real Betis in April 2023. He further etched his name in Barcelona's record books by becoming their youngest player to start a La Liga game in the 2023-24 season. Yamal has gained the unwavering trust of Barcelona legend Xavi, who has shown immense belief in the young winger.

In addition to his domestic league appearances, Yamal has also had the opportunity to showcase his skills on the grand stage of the UEFA Champions League, gaining valuable experience at the European level. Impressively, he even made his debut for the senior Spanish national team, scoring on his first appearance in a resounding 7-1 victory against Georgia. At just 16 years old, comparisons to a certain Argentine maestro who achieved great success at Barcelona may arise, but it is important to acknowledge that it is still too early for such discussions. Yamal's journey has just begun, and only time will reveal the extent of his potential.

14. Karim Adeyemi | Germany, Age 21

Position: Winger. Club: Borussia Dortmund.

Karim Adeyemi, a highly touted prospect, faced significant expectations as he made his move to RB Salzburg. Many top European clubs were believed to be interested in securing his services, but the 21-year-old ultimately chose Borussia Dortmund, a club renowned for nurturing and developing young talents into top-level players.

While Adeyemi had an impressive record, scoring 33 goals in 94 games for his previous club, he has not found the same goal-scoring form since his move to Germany. It is worth noting that he has often been deployed on the left flank rather than his preferred central role, which may have affected his goal output.

Despite his slow start in terms of goals, Adeyemi will be eager to earn playing time for his national team at the upcoming European Championships.

13. Alejandro Garnacho | Argentina, Age 19

Position: Winger. Club: Manchester United.

Alejandro Garnacho is currently making strides to elevate his game with Manchester United. The Madrid-born winger, who has also represented Argentina's senior national team, showcased his immense talent with a remarkable overhead kick goal against Everton, which was widely regarded as one of the greatest goals in Premier League history. This stunning strike rightfully earned him the Goal of the Month award for November.

Garnacho has won over the fans at Old Trafford with his direct dribbling style and fearlessness on the pitch. While there are areas of his game that still require refinement, the teenager possesses the potential to develop into one of the world's top wingers if he continues to progress. With the right guidance and development, Garnacho could become a force to be reckoned with in the global football landscape.

12. Warren Zaire-Emery | France, Age 17

Position: Midfielder. Club: Paris Saint-Germain.

The rise of 17-year-old midfielder Warren Zaire-Emery within Paris Saint-Germain's senior team speaks volumes about his talent and potential. In the 2023-24 season, he has already established himself as a key player, consistently featuring in the starting lineup. Given the substantial investment made by the club to assemble a team capable of competing in the Champions League, entrusting such a young player is a testament to the immense faith placed in him by manager Luis Enrique.

Zaire-Emery displays a level of maturity and skill beyond his years, exhibiting the composure of a seasoned veteran and the physical prowess of a peak athlete. His ability to control the game from the midfield, advancing with the ball and partnering effectively with Manuel Ugarte, showcases the exciting promise that lies ahead. It wouldn't be surprising to see Zaire-Emery become the linchpin of the PSG team for the next 15 years, as his potential suggests a bright future lies ahead for the talented French midfielder.

11. Arda Guler | Turkey, Age 18

Position: Midfielder. Club: Real Madrid.

Arda Guler, the teenage prodigy from Real Madrid, received an extraordinary compliment when his former youth coach, Erol Tokgozler, claimed that Guler has more potential than Lionel Messi, as reported by Football Espana. Tokgozler, who coached Guler at the age of 13 before his move to Fenerbahce, acknowledged that while Messi is the greatest player he has ever seen, Guler possesses tremendous abilities and potential. Tokgozler emphasized that Guler is still a young player who has yet to achieve what Messi has accomplished but believes that Guler's potential surpasses that of the Argentine superstar.

Considering that Guler is just 18 years old and has only appeared in one game for Real Madrid due to an injury, it is remarkable to even contemplate comparing him to an eight-time Ballon d'Or winner like Messi. However, Guler's performances in Turkey, where he contributed 21 goals in just 51 games for Fenerbahce, caught the attention of many. While it remains to be seen how Guler's career unfolds, his talent and potential have certainly made him an exciting prospect to watch.

10. Endrick | Brazil, Age 17

Position: Striker. Club: Palmeiras.

Despite being just 17 years old, Endrick has already made a significant impact in Brazilian football, particularly during his time with Palmeiras. His impressive performances caught the attention of Real Madrid, who secured his services in December 2022. The transfer fee for the young talent is rumored to be around €60 million.

Endrick's rise to prominence has been marked by memorable moments, including scoring remarkable goals that could contend for the Puskas Award at the age of 15. Additionally, he became the fourth-youngest player to represent Brazil's senior national team, further highlighting his potential and star quality. As he prepares to make the move to the prestigious Santiago Bernabeu this summer, Endrick has the opportunity to become a significant asset for Real Madrid and contribute to their success in the coming years.

9. Florian Wirtz | Germany, Age 20

Position: Midfielder Club: Bayer Leverkusen.

A long-term injury can have different effects on a young footballer's career. It can either serve as motivation for the player to return stronger or make them prone to more injuries due to the strain endured. Fortunately for Florian Wirtz, it seems that the former scenario applies. After a lengthy spell on the sidelines, Wirtz has seamlessly reintegrated himself into Xabi Alonso's plans at Bayer Leverkusen.

The first half of the 2023-24 season has been impressive for Wirtz and his club, as they aim to challenge Bayern Munich for the Bundesliga title. If Wirtz continues to perform at this level, it is no surprise that clubs like Manchester City and Liverpool would consider him as a potential transfer target for the summer of 2024. His strong performances and comeback from injury have undoubtedly caught the attention of top clubs, and Wirtz's future looks promising as he continues to make an impact on the pitch.

8. Jeremy Doku | Belgium, Age 21

Position: Winger. Club: Manchester City.

The departure of Riyad Mahrez from Manchester City to Saudi Arabia in the summer of 2023 raised some eyebrows among fans. However, the club's recruitment team has a track record of making astute decisions in the transfer market, which eased any concerns.

Jeremy Doku, who joined Manchester City from Rennes, has made an immediate impact in the Premier League. He made history by becoming only the ninth player in Premier League history to record four assists in a single match during a resounding 6-1 victory over Bournemouth in November. With the season progressing, Doku will aim to solidify his position as an elite-level winger and continue to impress in the remaining months of the 2023-24 campaign.

7. Cole Palmer | England, Age 21

Position: Midfielder. Club: Chelsea.

Bearing the nickname 'Cold Palmer' due to his calm and composed nature on and off the field, the England international made a bold decision to depart Manchester City last summer in pursuit of regular first-team opportunities. Since then, he has thrived at Chelsea, justifying the initial £40 million investment made by the club.

Palmer's exceptional displays have sparked discussions regarding whether Pep Guardiola made an error in allowing him to depart the Etihad Stadium. With remarkable technical abilities, Palmer is undeniably one of the most talented young footballers currently gracing the sport. His potential is evident, and his performances have solidified his status as an emerging star on the global stage.

6. Gavi | Spain, Age 19

Position: Midfielder. Club: Barcelona.

Gavi is widely regarded as a key figure in the future of Spanish football, standing alongside a select group of players with immense potential. The young midfielder possesses all the necessary skills to reach the pinnacle of the sport and maintain his position for many years to come. Despite his smaller stature, Gavi's aggression on the field is extraordinary, allowing him to hold his own against much larger opponents in midfield.

At the tender age of 17, Gavi made his La Liga debut in August 2021, showcasing his exceptional talent. However, his achievement was later overshadowed by Yamal two years later. The youngster exudes a confidence that borders on arrogance, leaving opposing players futilely attempting to dispossess him as he effortlessly evades their challenges. Barcelona is fortunate to have secured Gavi's services for the foreseeable future, as he is expected to grace their midfield for at least the next decade, with the club successfully securing him to a new contract.

5. Josko Gvardiol | Croatia, Age 21

Position: Defender. Club: Manchester City.

Manchester City's dominance in English football was further reinforced with the signing of Gvardiol during the summer transfer window, following his impressive performances against them in the 2022/23 Champions League knockout stages. The Croatian centre-back showcased his abilities on the grand stage, notably during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where he played a pivotal role in leading his national team to a third-place finish with his solid displays.

At only 21 years old, Gvardiol's football intelligence is remarkable. He is not only an exceptional ball-playing defender but also versatile enough to excel at both centre-back and left-back positions. His addition to Manchester City's backline, alongside Ruben Dias, will undoubtedly create an even more daunting challenge for Premier League strikers. Gvardiol's presence will fortify an already formidable defensive unit at the Etihad Stadium, further strengthening City's position as a dominant force in English football.

4. Pedri | Spain, Age 20

Position: Midfielder. Club: Barcelona.

There is perhaps no better manager than Xavi to nurture the potential of a young Spanish midfield prodigy like Pedri. As the current Barcelona boss, Xavi has the unique opportunity to witness Pedri stepping into the shoes he once filled. In fact, Xavi has gone as far as comparing Pedri to the legendary midfielder Andres Iniesta, stating that the young talent is "at the same level" as Iniesta in an interview with the Daily Mail in early 2023.

To receive such high praise from someone who experienced Iniesta's brilliance firsthand is truly remarkable. Despite being just 20 years old, Pedri has already made a significant impact in Spanish football and has become a prominent figure in his national team alongside Gavi. His talent and performances have garnered attention and admiration from fans and experts alike.

3. Jamal Musiala | Germany, Age 20

Position: Midfielder. Club: Bayern Munich.

Jamal Musiala stands as the prized asset for both Bayern Munich and the German national team. During the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Musiala put on a series of dazzling displays that earned him recognition as the standout performer from the German camp. His unique dribbling technique allows him to effortlessly maneuver through opposing players, providing immense joy for fans and posing a significant challenge for opposing teams.

Even when faced with physical challenges and attempts to disrupt his play, Musiala's strength and power shine through as he continues to persevere. At just 20 years old, earning a regular spot on the teamsheet at the Allianz Arena, amidst a pool of talented players vying for a place in the midfield, is an extraordinary accomplishment.

2. Eduardo Camavinga | France, Age 20

Position: Midfielder. Club: Real Madrid.

Camavinga has showcased his world-class abilities while playing as an inverted full-back, potentially making him one of the best in the business in that role. Although the long-term plan for the Frenchman is to feature regularly in Real Madrid's midfield, his versatility to start as a full-back and then transition into the center of the pitch to dictate play is a valuable asset.

Despite being three years younger than Tchouameni, Camavinga is currently considered the higher-rated young French midfielder in Carlo Ancelotti's side. The Italian manager has placed trust in Camavinga to perform in various positions, even in the most significant matches. While it took some time for the youngster to settle into life in Spain and secure a regular starting spot, everything has now clicked, and he is thriving.

1. Jude Bellingham | England, Age 20

Position: Midfielder. Club: Real Madrid.

Bellingham's performances in recent times, both for his club Borussia Dortmund and the England national team, have been nothing short of exceptional. It could be argued that he is currently the best-performing player in the world. Despite the immense pressure that came with his move to Real Madrid in the summer, he has not only met but exceeded the lofty expectations placed upon him.

Surrounded by a team of world-class players at the Bernabeu, Bellingham has emerged as the standout performer of the 2023/24 season, scoring an impressive 10 goals in as many games and providing three assists. His impact and influence on the pitch have been undeniable.

Bellingham's unconventional path to success, bypassing the Premier League to play abroad, has only added to his remarkable journey. By establishing himself as one of the greatest British players to have ever played abroad, he has shattered preconceived notions and proven that talent and determination can flourish regardless of the chosen path.