Top 5 Rising Young Football Stars You Need to Know in 2025

Football has always been a sport where young talent can change everything. In 2025, several players under the age of 22 are already making their mark on the biggest stages in Europe and beyond. These footballers are not just promising — they are delivering match-winning performances, breaking records, and becoming household names.

In this article, we look at the top five rising young football stars of 2025 who every fan should follow closely.

Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid, England)

At just 21 years old, Jude Bellingham is already considered one of the most complete midfielders in the world. Since joining Real Madrid from Borussia Dortmund, Bellingham has adapted seamlessly to life at one of the biggest clubs on the planet.

This season (2024/25), Bellingham has been central to Real Madrid’s success in both La Liga and the Champions League. He has played 61 matches across all competitions, scoring an impressive 15 goals and providing 16 assists. His ability to control the tempo, break up play, and contribute in the final third has made him indispensable.

Bellingham’s leadership qualities have also been recognized on the international stage, where he became the youngest England captain in over a century. Many see him as the future face of English football, with his performances drawing comparisons to legends like Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard.

Lamine Yamal (Barcelona, Spain)

Lamine Yamal is only 17 years old, but his impact at Barcelona has already been immense. A product of the famed La Masia academy, Yamal has drawn comparisons to Lionel Messi due to his dribbling ability, creativity, and confidence on the ball.

Yamal made history in 2024 by becoming the youngest player to score in El Clásico. His fearless style of play, combined with exceptional technical ability, has made him a regular starter for both Barcelona and the Spanish national team.

In the current 2024/25 season, Yamal has continued to shine. Across all competitions, he has played 62 matches, netting 21 goals and providing 22 assists. His performances have reignited hopes among Barcelona supporters that the club can once again build around a homegrown star.

Florian Wirtz (Liverpool, Germany)

Florian Wirtz, at 21 years old, has been one of the most talked-about young midfielders in Europe. Just this week, Wirtz completed a high-profile transfer from Bayer Leverkusen to Liverpool for a fee of £116 million, a move that signals Liverpool’s intent to rebuild their midfield around young, creative talent.

Wirtz had an outstanding season at Leverkusen, recording 10 goals and 12 assists across all competitions in the 2024/25 season before his transfer. His intelligence on the ball, vision, and ability to unlock defenses have earned him praise from managers, pundits, and fans alike.

At Liverpool, Wirtz is expected to take on a key playmaking role, helping the team transition into a new era. German fans are equally excited, as Wirtz looks set to be a pillar of the national team heading into Euro 2028.

Arda Güler (Real Madrid, Turkey)

Arda Güler, the 20-year-old attacking midfielder from Turkey, is steadily earning his place at Real Madrid after overcoming injury challenges early in his career. Güler’s technical brilliance, vision, and ability to strike from distance have made him one of the most exciting young talents in European football.

In recent months, Güler has started to show what he is capable of with crucial goals and assists. In the 2024/25 season, he has participated in 52 matches across all competitions, scoring 8 goals and providing 8 assists. His composure on the ball and creativity in tight spaces have drawn admiration from teammates and coaches alike.

Turkish fans have placed their hopes in Güler to lead the national team to greater heights, and his performances suggest he is ready for that responsibility.

Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United, Argentina)

Alejandro Garnacho continues to build his reputation as one of the Premier League’s most promising young players. The 20-year-old winger has become known for his blistering pace, direct dribbling, and ability to deliver in big moments.

Since breaking into Manchester United’s first team, Garnacho has scored important goals in league and cup competitions, often changing games with his energy and determination. In the 2024/25 season, Garnacho has featured in 58 matches, tallying 11 goals and 10 assists. His style of play has drawn comparisons to a young Cristiano Ronaldo, and many United fans see him as a potential superstar for both club and country.

Garnacho has also earned regular call-ups to the Argentina national team, where he is seen as part of the next generation of talent that will look to follow in the footsteps of Lionel Messi.

Final Thoughts

The football world in 2025 is filled with young players who are not waiting for the future — they are defining the present. Jude Bellingham, Lamine Yamal, Florian Wirtz, Arda Güler, and Alejandro Garnacho represent the next generation of stars who are already making a massive impact on the game.

As they continue to develop, these players will shape the future of club and international football for years to come. Fans, clubs, and brands are already paying close attention — and so should you.

If you want to stay updated on football’s rising stars, transfer news, and in-depth player profiles, follow this blog for more.