Yamal, Güler, Neves lead best U21 men's soccer players
For the eighth straight year, ESPN brings you our list of the game's next young stars aged 21 or under. Who is good enough to make it?
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The English Premier League has the best of the best talent around the world, right? Well, as ESPN's list of the top 39 players aged 21 or under shows, that's not the case, as only one of our top 13 comes from the league. So, despite Chelsea's focus on trying to sign the best young talent for millions of dollars, has there been a shift in where they want to play?
For the eighth straight year (read 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 here), our resident scout Tor-Kristian Karlsen has ranked the hottest prospects around. Now 22, last year's No. 2 Florian Wirtz (Liverpool) is too old to be included, while Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Xavi Simons (Tottenham Hotspur) and Benjamin Sesko (Manchester United) are also now over the age limit.
With multiple teams and leagues around the world, you have to cast a wide net to find the best, so we examined the game's youngest players with input from ESPN's reporters in the Netherlands, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Africa, Asia and Australia. The Premier League is still well represented, as you'd expect, but who has done enough to land a place on this year's list, what are their particular qualities, and how can they get even better?
Why 39?
Tor-Kristian Karlsen is a Norwegian football scout and executive and is the former chief executive and sporting director at AS Monaco. He will write regularly for ESPN on the business of soccer and the process of scouting.
For the past three years, 39 has worked well, and from an initial long list of 100 players, those remaining best satisfied the main criteria: appearances at the highest level, consistent performance over a sustained period and the potential to develop into a top-level footballer.
What types of research were conducted?
I used a sounding board consisting of professional scouts and sporting directors from several top European clubs before deciding on the final ranking, as well as some online scouting platforms. Personal preference also played a role.
Is there a reason attacking players dominate the list?
In general, forwards get more playing time at a younger age than, say, central defenders or goalkeepers, who tend to need more time to develop tactical awareness, positioning and understanding of the game. Beyond those who made it, other defenders considered included new Liverpool signing JérémyJacquet and Chelsea's Jorrel Hato
It speaks volumes about the array of attacking talent that players like Endrick, Ethan Nwaneri, Konstantinos Karetsas, Alejandro Garnacho, Jamie Gittens and Yankuba Minteh didn't make the final cut, some due to minutes. Last year's No. 8, Gavi, was too injured during the year, while Malick Fofana was also out for too long.
Notes:
Players included must be age 21 or under on April 1, 2026. Transfer values are taken from Transfermarkt. Positions are: GK (goalkeeper), LB (left back), RB (right back), CB (center back), DM (defensive midfield), CM (central midfield), AM (attacking midfield), FW (forward), ST (striker). Stats correct as of March 31 via Opta/ESPN's Global Research team. Presenting the best players on Planet Football, age 21 or under. ESPN Illustration THE LIST Jump to: No. 30 | No. 25. | No. 20. | No. 15. | No. 10. | No. 5. | No. 1.
39. Assan Ouédraogo, CM
Club/country: RB Leipzig/Germany Age: 19 Estimated transfer value: €28 million 2025 position: Unranked
Ouédraogo has been followed by scouts from Europe's biggest clubs from an early age. But since joining RB Leipzig from Schalke 04 in the summer of 2024, he has demonstrated that the technical and creative elements of his game have reached another level.
He boasts a rare physical and stylistic makeup, as a tall (6-foot-3) central midfielder with outstanding balance and body control, strong technical ability, excellent dribbling skills, the ability to carry the ball forward at pace, and shoot with both feet. Used primarily as a box-to-box No. 8 -- though his role often resembles more of a No. 10 behind the striker -- in addition to his tremendous, line-breaking dribbles, he is also blessed with the ability to make smart touches, flicks and one-twos to create chances for his teammates.
On pure potential, Ouédraogo would be a lot higher on this list, but recurring injuries have hindered his progress.
Key stat: His tendency to drive into advanced areas is reflected in 5.41 touches in the opposition box per 90 minutes -- by far the highest among central midfielders in the German Bundesliga).
How he can improve: He needs to up his defensive involvement when compared to his peers. His first touch can also be unreliable occasionally.
Bournemouth moved quickly to secure the Brazil international from Vasco da Gama for €28.5 million in January, beating several European heavyweights to the punch. And though still a player in development, he has looked comfortable with the intensity of the Premier League and even scored a goal on his home debut against Aston Villa.
Although Brazil regularly produces technically gifted attackers, Rayan stands out for his physicality and explosive change of pace when driving forward with the ball, particularly when he finds space in wide areas. From those positions he can turn a transition into an attacking threat and use his potent left foot to test the goalkeeper.
However, while he is still developing the instincts of a penalty-area poacher, Rayan's overall skill set does raise some tactical questions. Indeed, right now he looks more naturally suited to a wide-forward role -- as a long-term successor to Antoine Semenyo at Bournemouth -- where his acceleration and directness can be used to its full force, rather than operating exclusively as a central No. 9 striker.
Key stat: It's a small sample size, but Rayan has won 1.87 of his aerial duels for Bournemouth, which ranks him highly against other strikers. He has 0.4 goal contributions per game played, the fifth-most among Brazilian-born players in the Premier League this season.
How he can improve: Rayan needs to reduce the reliance on his left foot to make him less predictable, particularly in one-vs.-one situations where shifting the ball in either direction could open up more options. And if he wants to become a complete center forward then he will also need to refine his link-up play, balancing his instinct to run in behind the defense with the ability to hold up the ball and connect with his teammates.
37. Said El Mala, FW/AM
Club/country: FC Cologne/Germany Age: 19 Estimated transfer value: €40M 2025 position: Unranked
El Mala was a standout performer after scoring four goals in four matches at the U19 European Championship for Germany in 2025. After spending the previous two seasons in Germany's third tier, the forward has had a breakout campaign in the Bundesliga, registering 10 goals and three assists for Cologne while battling to help the club stay clear of relegation.
Though his technical and physical attributes are eye-catching, his results are most notable. Operating predominantly from the left flank, he can accelerate quickly into space, fend off challenges with his strength, and run at the defense. When cutting inside onto his stronger right foot, he frequently creates angles for shots or crosses around the edge of the box, helped by subtle feints and quick body shifts.
At 6-foot-2, he is unusually tall for a wide player, a physical trait that can also help his defensive duties, but he can beat opponents in tight spaces and often uses his quick footwork rather than relying purely on pace.
Key stat: El Mala averages 3.44 shots per 90 in the Bundesliga this season, and only Lamine Yamal has more (14) than his 10 goals in the 2025-26 Bundesliga season among players 21 or younger from Europe's top five leagues.
How he can improve: El Mala's clearest area to work on is decision-making. Occasionally, he can be a bit selfish, hanging on to the ball too long or opting for optimistic long-range shots instead of picking out teammates in better positions. Improving his awareness in structured attacks -- particularly against deep defensive blocks -- would mean he can impact games more.
36. Francesco Pio Esposito, ST
Club/country: Inter Milan/Italy Age: 20 Estimated transfer value: €35M 2025 position: Unranked
The emergence of a classic No. 9 striker is always welcomed in Italy, and the 20-year-old has passed his initial examination, scoring nine goals for his club during his debut Serie A campaign and adding three more for his country.
At 6-foot-3, Esposito has the traditional center/forward profile, but with several modern flourishes. He likes to engage physically with opposition center backs, but is also understanding how to move inside the penalty area and link up more effectively with his teammates. The timing of his layoffs and combinations has become a more visible part of his game this season, and his ability to create space and keep the ball helps his team push higher up the pitch.
Furthermore, he often occupies defenders enough to allow others to move into more advanced areas, making him valuable even in matches when he doesn't score.
Key stat: Esposito has won 50% of his aerial duels and 49.7% of his ground duels this season, highlighting a level of physical competitiveness that is unusual for a 20-year-old striker in his first Serie A campaign.
How he can improve: Much of the next step lies in refining the technical side of his game. Greater composure when finishing under pressure, improved short passing accuracy and a more reliable touch when playing layoffs and flicks would help him reach the next level.
35. Archie Gray, LB/RB/CB/CM
Club/country: Tottenham Hotspur/England Age: 20 Estimated transfer value: €35M 2025 position: 36
It is difficult to pass judgment on Gray during what has been a chaotic season for Tottenham. Opinions among the club's supporters have been divided: Some have grown frustrated with his occasionally erratic passing, while others view him as one of the few players who can look back on the campaign with a measure of pride.
Part of the challenge has been his positional journey, which is confusing to say the least. During his career, Gray has been moved across large parts of the pitch, appearing at center back, in both full back positions, as a deep-lying No. 6 midfielder, and as a more-advanced No. 8 midfielder (the latter probably his best position). That level of tactical reshuffling would test even the most experienced professionals, let alone a 20-year-old still learning the demands of the league.
What has stood out most this season is his attitude. Gray has approached things with resilience, never complaining and consistently attempting to contribute wherever he plays. At his best, he offers Tottenham a valuable progression outlet because he is comfortable receiving the ball under pressure, capable of carrying it past the first line of pressure, and is generally keen to move play forward rather than sideways. For those reasons, his long-term prospects remain encouraging.
Key stat: His 41 clearances in the Premier League season are the second most among midfielders aged 21 or younger.
How he can improve: Developing more physical authority would help him win more duels (34.6% success on the ground and 36% from aerial is low), while quicker decision-making in advanced areas -- whether through the final pass or shot -- would ensure he has more attacking impact.
34. Savinho, FW
Club/country: Manchester City/Brazil Age: 21 Estimated transfer value: €40M 2025 position: 10
Though last year's No. 10 still plays a role in Pep Guardiola's winger rotation at City, his standing has slipped. He has shown flashes of influence in cup competitions, proving a catalyst in knockout ties and contributing goals against Premier League opposition, but his overall consistency has dropped, which is reflected in his new ranking.
His qualities are obvious: a sharp acceleration over short distances, high-speed dribbling that allows him to beat defenders on either side, excellent close control and a trademark move of receiving the ball out wide before driving diagonally toward the box.
The main challenge for Savinho is his end product. Too often, he appears caught between options once he has beaten his full back; whether to shoot, cross or recycle possession. His crossing can be inconsistent (24.1% success rate), and he can struggle to impact some games for long spells. And though his profile is largely in line with last season across most attacking metrics, the main difference is a 15% to 20% reduction in touches inside the opposition box, which helps explain his drop in goal involvements.
Key stat: Savinho's 165 passes completed in the final third in this Premier League season is the most among Brazilian-born players aged 21 or younger.
How he can improve: Simplifying his final action would be a useful starting point to reverse this negative trend. Improving the timing of his off-the-ball movement -- particularly when attacks develop on the opposite flank -- would also help him arrive in better areas, and he could learn from the way new teammate Antoine Semenyo times his blindside runs to attack the far post.
33. Mateus Fernandes, CM
Club/country: West Ham United/Portugal Age: 21 Estimated transfer value: €35M 2025 position: Unranked
Last season, Fernandes suffered relegation with Southampton despite winning both of the club's Player of the Season and Fan's Player of the Season awards, but he had to play only three games in the Championship before making a £40 million move to West Ham. However, somehow he is in much the same predicament this season, as West Ham are in a battle to avoid the drop.
Fernandes is a central midfielder who equally brings defensive and attacking qualities. On one hand, he makes tackles, presses well and regains possession -- 158 duels puts him in the 95th percentile among midfielders -- while he also has the vision to deliver excellent long passes (61.1% success rate) and pick out deep runs from his teammates.
He generally covers a lot of ground and reads danger superbly, winning a lot of loose balls, while he copes well under pressure and can shift play quickly. That, along with fine dribbling at high speed, makes him equally useful at either end of the pitch. But his three goals this season -- including the fastest Premier League goal of the campaign, scored after just 29 seconds against Aston Villa -- also suggest he has a knack of arriving in good goal-scoring positions.
Key stat: Fernandes' 143 recoveries (4.9 per 90) in the Premier League season is the most among players 21 or younger. He has also won (40) almost the same number of fouls as he has committed (41).
How he can improve: Improving the quality of his crossing (26.1%) would raise his threat level significantly. His shots-on-target rate of 23% (five, from 22 in total) is also modest, considering his dangerous positions.
Larsson's brilliance is more about being very good at most things rather than exceptional in one area. As such, he has established himself as a dependable and industrious performer in Frankfurt's midfield since arriving from Malmo in 2023, and as he is fielded as a deeper No. 6 or a box-to-box No. 8, his remit demands a wide range of responsibilities.
In possession, Larsson supports the build-up through tidy-ball circulation and intelligent positioning, where he is a safe passing option for defenders before looking to push play forward. Without the ball, his task is to cover ground between the defensive lines, supporting the press and competing for second balls. Arguably, the roaming nature of the box-to-box role suits his energetic instinct and willingness to contribute across different phases of play best.
At 6-foot-2, he can move across the pitch with long, efficient strides. And though his game is built more on reliability than flair, he does contribute in the attacking third as well.
Key stat: His 28 interceptions in Bundesliga, UCL and German Cup this season is the third-most among players 21 or younger from German teams, He also has yet to pick up a yellow or red card.
How he can improve: Larsson could become more assertive with the ball in advanced areas. Increasing the volume of his forward passes and showing greater willingness to shoot from distance would up his attacking input.
Still only 18, Bouaddi has already become one of Lille's most important players. He is primarily used as a deep-lying No. 6 in a midfield two, although he can also play in a three, and is becoming a specialist at recovering possession and connecting build-up play from defense.
He is not your average defensive midfielder, though: Bouaddi frequently steps up to press opponents, track runners or block passing lanes. This is particularly valuable when Lille defend higher up the field, as his anticipation skills have quickly made him one of the most reliable ball-winners (he has won an outstanding 58.2% of his defensive duels) among Ligue 1 midfielders.
Bouaddi also brings quality with the ball at his feet. He is comfortable circulating the ball as well as providing line-breaking forward passes, and is already becoming almost the complete central midfielder as a teenager.
Key stat: Bouaddi has made the most recoveries (119) for Lille in Ligue 1 this season, and the second-most duels (196).
How he can improve: He doesn't always directly influence Lille's attacks, and could add to his attacking contribution with more progressive passes and forward carries, while his range of distribution is still developing. His bold style of breaking out of formation to press and tackle an opponent comes with a recklessness, too: He was shown back-to-back red cards towards the end of 2025.
After bursting on to the scene to take Arsenal's starting left back spot last season, this campaign has been one of regression for Lewis-Skelly as one would have expected him to move up this ranking considerably. Instead, he hasn't moved at No. 30, though increased competition for his place has not helped his cause.
