Predicting which young players will actually "make it" has long been a challenging task in football. Talent is one thing, but minutes, form, injuries, and even luck all play their part. Still, patterns emerge, and a successful loan, tactical shift, or long-term contract can be quiet signals that a player is potentially being geared up for something.
The list below is a snapshot of ten players under the age of 23 whose careers could tilt dramatically in the coming months. Some are already established rising stars, and others are still breaking through. What they have in common is momentum - and the sense that, by next summer, we'll be talking about them differently.
Giacomo Faticanti is a 20-year-old Italian defensive player with the makings of a midfield general. He reads the game with calm precision and strong positional awareness, adept at breaking up play through interceptions and aerial challenges. At 6'1", Faticanti combines physicality with a steady work rate, even earning captaincy duties during his time with Roma's U19s. He now seeks a breakthrough in senior football.
Luka Topalovic is a 19-year-old Slovenian midfielder who arrived at Inter last year with the polish of a continental prospect. He's tall, athletic, and keen to contribute with both goals and assists. Equally at ease spraying passes as he is dribbling into tight spaces, Topalović blends box-to-box energy with technical poise.
Nestory Irankunda is a fast, direct winger with tight control and a clear eye for goal. The 19-year-old arrived at Watford with no shortage of promise and has the potential to settle quickly in the English Championship. Should he do so, a productive season is within reach, and with that, a compelling case for continued Socceroos selection ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Sael Kumbedi is a fleet-footed and combative 20-year-old full-back who has emerged as one of Ligue 1's most promising players. He brings defensive acumen and intensity to the right flank, generating solid numbers in tackles and pass completion per 90 minutes. Backed by a contract running until 2027, Kumbedi enters 2025/26 ready to translate youth promise into consistent first-team minutes and stronger statistical outputs up and down the pitch.
Simone Pafundi is a diminutive but inventive playmaker capable of unlocking defences. The 19-year-old left-footed attacking midfielder has generated considerable hype, with his style drawing comparisons to Antonio Di Natale. Despite limited Serie A exposure with Udinese and a loan spell in Switzerland last season, the wildcard remains speculative, but a potential match-winner in tight moments could define whether he's a long-term asset at the top level.
Castello Lukeba is a 22-year-old French centre-back who has slotted seamlessly into Leipzig's defence since his signing from Lyon two years ago. He shines in one-on-one duels and at initiating play from deep, clocking in over 2,000 minutes across all competitions in 2024/25. With a long-term contract that runs to 2029, he appears destined to be a staple in Leipzig's defence - and perhaps force his way into regular contention for France's senior team.
Carlos Baleba is a hard-working 21-year-old midfielder who thrives in the chaos of the press. With a full Premier League season under his belt, Baleba now has the platform to tighten his numbers - tackles, progressive passes, the lot. This could see him further cement himself as the linchpin of Fabian Hürzeler's team or become the next high-yield export from Brighton's talent pipeline.
Eliesse Ben Seghir is a 20-year-old winger with a tantalising blend of flair and productivity. He has nine goals and four assists across all competitions in 2024/25, thrives in tight spaces, and combines intelligent movement with a willingness to press and carry. Contracted until 2027, the Morocco international has narrowed the gulf between potential and real-world impact; should he build on last season, he could emerge as one of Ligue 1's breakout stars in 2025/26.
Harvey Elliott is a 20-year-old midfielder who remains one of Liverpool's most artful players. He has a deft first touch and a strong awareness between the lines. Buoyed by eye-catching cameos in Europe and sparkling form with England's U21s, the coming season could offer him a chance to re-establish himself as a regular at Anfield. Although his desire for regular first-team action could see him push for a move away before the transfer window closes.
Alejandro Garnacho is a 19-year-old Argentine winger who remains a box of fireworks waiting to ignite. He has raw pace, confidence, and a strong output, with last season's haul of 11 goals and 10 assists in all competitions proof of his threat. A change of scene, be it via a loan or permanent move away from Manchester United, might just provide the spark. Should he rediscover his form, a 15+ goal contribution campaign is well within reach.
