From breakout stars in Serie A to Premier League prospects and Ligue 1 LiveWires, a new generation of young talent is ready to leave their mark on the 2025/26 season. Some are already bumping to start Xis, others are still waiting to explode. They are all worthwhile to keep an eye on.
Predicting which young players will actually 'make' it has long been a fool in football. Talent is one thing, but minutes, form, injuries and even happiness all play their share.
Yet patterns come forward. A successful loan, tactical shift or long -term contract are all silent signals that a player may be tuned to something.
The list below is a snapshot of ten players under the age of 23, whose career could tilt dramatically in the coming months.
Some are already established rising stars and others still break through. What they have in common is Momentum – and the feeling that we have different the next summer.
Giacomo Faticanti | Lecce
Faticanti plays for Ternana in 2024Gianluca Vannicelli / IPA Sport / Zuma Press / Profimedia
An insured defensive player with the start of a midfield general, Faticanti reads the game with calm precision and strong positional consciousness.
He is skilled in the break -off of play by interceptions and air challenges, while just as comfortable turning deep from deep to carpass passes.
On 6'1 “the 20 -year -old Italian physicality combines with a steady working speed, even earning Captainincy tasks during his time with Roma's U19s. He is now looking for a breakthrough in senior football.
Luka Topalovic | Under
The 19 -year -old Slovenian midfielder arrived last year at Inter with the Polish of a continental prospect; He is long, athletic and wants to contribute to both goals and assists.
Spraying at ease while he dribbles in tight spaces, Topalović combines box-to-box energy with technical balance.
After making his senior debut for Inter (a 10 -minute cameo against Como), he still seems intended for a deeper integration, possibly bridging squadrotation to a more prominent role as the season unfolds.
Nestory Irankunda | Watford
Irankunda arrives in Watford without a shortage of promise, a fast, direct winger with tight control and a clear eye for goal.
After having spent a season between Bayern's reserves and a stint on loan in Switzerland, the 19-year-old is now in the English championship-one test but fruitful ground for his talents.
If he settles quickly, a productive season is within reach, and therefore a mandatory matter for continuous socceroos selection prior to the World Cup 2026.
Sael Kumbedi | Lyon
Kumbedi in action for Lyon previous seasonal snew / SIPA Press / Profimedia
Fleet-footed and combative, the 20-year-old graduate of Le Havre's youth arrangement has emerged as one of the most promising full-backs of Ligue 1.
He brings defensive insight and intensity to the right flank, which generates fixed numbers in tackles (2.78) and completion (84.1%) are completed per 90 minutes.
Supported by a contract that runs until 2027, Kumbedi will be ready in 2025/26 to translate the promise of the youth into consistent first-team minutes and up and down stronger statistical outputs.
Simone Pafundi | Udinese
A diminutive but inventive playmaker who is able to unlock defenses, Pafundi is known for his close control, vision and outburst of Tempo in the last third part.
Standing only 5'4 “, the left -wing attacking midfielder has generated a considerable hype. His style has drawn comparisons with Antonio di Natale, although his ceiling is still speculative.
Despite the limited Serie A -lighting with Udinese and a loan spell in Switzerland last season, the 19 -year -old remains a wildcard. A potential match winner at tight moments, it could determine for our coming season whether he is a long-term active at the highest level.
Castello Lukeba | Leipzig
Lukeba plays for the U21's of France in JunedeFodi images / Shutterstock / Profimedia
Since his signing of Lyon, the 22 -year -old French Center -Back has seamlessly closed in the defense of Leipzig two years ago.
Lukeba shines in a -on -one duels and when initiating playing Deep, clocks in more than 2,000 minutes in all matches in 2024/25.
With a long -term contract that runs until 2029, he seems to be destined as a staple in the defense of Leipzig – and he might forced his way to regular position for the senior team of France.
Carlos Baleba | Brighton
After his strength in Brighton's midfield after his arrival in January 2023, the hard-working 21-year-old thrives in the chaos of the press.
With a full Premier League season under his belt, Baleba now has the platform to tighten his songs – Tackles, progressive passes, the party.
This could see him cement further as the pivot of the Fabian Hürzeler's team or the next high -efficiency export of the Talentenpijplijn from Brighton.
Eliesse Ben Seghir | Monaco
A seductive mix of flair and productivity has marked the rise of Ben Seghir in Monaco, with nine goals and four assists in all competitions in 2024/25.
The right-hand feet, left-sided Morocco International thrives in tight spaces, where intelligent movement is combined with the willingness to press and wear.
Traping Until 2027, the 20-year-old winger reduced the gorge between potential and real-world impact; If he builds on last season, he could appear as one of the breakout stars of Ligue 1 in 2025/26.
Harvey Elliott | Liverpool
Elliott was appointed player of the tournament on the U2OSBRISISLAV RACKO / AFP 2025
Elliott remains one of the most artistic midfielders in Liverpool, a player with an agile first touch and a strong consciousness between the lines.
Stung by striking cameies in Europe and a sparkling form with the U21s of England, the coming season could offer him an opportunity to establish himself in Anfield. Although his desire for regular action by the first team could see him insist on a move before the transfer window is closed.
Wherever Elliott puts his trade in 2025/26, a steady stream of target contributions can make the conversation around a senior England call-up to ignore.
Alejandro Garnacho | Man utd
Garnacho warms up during the 2025 Europa League Final Sportsimage / Alamy / Profimedia
Garnacho remains a box of fireworks that are waiting to ignite – all the rough pace, trust and a strong output.
The migration of 11 goals from last season and 10 assists in all competitions was proof of his threat, even if the recent spells on the couch suggest a lost momentum.
A change in scene, whether through a loan or permanent relocation is removed from Manchester United, can simply offer the spark. If he rediscovers his shape, a 15+ target contribution campaign is well within reach.