Top 25 Rising Football Stars Under 22

Here’s a list of the world’s most promising young footballers, all aged 21 or under in 2026. These players have been ranked according to their current achievements and future potential.

Among the list are several Premier League talents, including Estevao Willian, who has made a remarkable rise in the rankings. Players older than 21 at the time of assessment were not considered.

How We Ranked Them

• Achievements: Success at club and international level so far
• Potential: Expected growth and impact in the coming years
• Age restriction: Only those 21 or younger qualify

25. Lewis Miley | England | Age 20

• Position: Midfielder
• Club: Newcastle United
• DOB: 01/05/2006
• Senior Career: 2023–Present at Newcastle
• Lewis Miley joined Newcastle’s academy at seven and became the club’s youngest Premier League player at 17. Now 20, he has already made 80 senior appearances with six goals and eight assists. Eddie Howe praises him as having a "brilliant brain." England might soon give him his first cap.

24. Claudio Echeverri | Argentina | Age 20

• Position: Midfielder
• Club: Manchester City (currently on loan at Girona)
• DOB: 02/01/2006
• Senior Career: River Plate (2023), Manchester City (2024–present), loans back to River Plate (2024), Bayer Leverkusen (2025–26), Girona (2026)
• Echeverri was signed by Manchester City in 2024 after impressing at River Plate. Although he has only played three games for City, he scored in the FIFA Club World Cup. To gain more experience, he’s been loaned to Girona.

23. Dro Fernandez | Spain | Age 18

• Position: Midfielder
• Club: Paris Saint-Germain
• DOB: 12/01/2008
• Senior Career: Barcelona (2025–26), PSG (2026–present)
• Coming from Barcelona’s famous academy, Dro Fernandez is an attacking midfielder showing early promise despite limited appearances. PSG secured his transfer in January after he caught attention at Camp Nou.

22. Franco Mastantuono | Argentina | Age 18

• Position: Winger
• Club: Real Madrid
• DOB: 14/08/2007
• Senior Career: River Plate (2024–25), Real Madrid (2025–present)
• Real Madrid paid £38.5m for this young winger before he turned 18, convinced by his talent at River Plate. He became Argentina’s youngest-ever debutant in June 2025. His start at Madrid is modest but includes a Champions League goal in a 6-1 win over Monaco.

21. Ethan Nwaneri | England | Age 19

• Position: Striker/Winger
• Club: Arsenal (loaned to Marseille)
• DOB: 21/03/2007
• Senior Career: Arsenal (2022–present)
• Nwaneri rose to fill the gap left by injuries at Arsenal, impressing with skill and composure. In the 2024/25 Premier League season, he scored four times in 26 games. Currently on loan at Marseille, his playing time has been limited under the new coach.

20. Leny Yoro | France | Age 20

• Position: Defender
• Club: Manchester United
• DOB: 13/11/2005
• Senior Career: Lille (2022–24), Manchester United (2024–present)
• Yoro attracted interest from giants like Real Madrid before joining Manchester United. In the 2023/24 season, he featured 44 times for Lille, showing versatility as a centre-back and defensive midfielder. His height and ball skills stand out despite a tough season for United.

19. Senny Mayulu | France | Age 19

• Position: Midfielder
• Club: Paris Saint-Germain
• DOB: 17/05/2006
• Senior Career: PSG (2024–present)
• This technically skilled, two-footed midfielder has contributed nine goals and assists across 28 Ligue 1 and Champions League games. Although PSG has many midfield stars, Mayulu stands out as a strong prospect for the future.

18. Max Dowman | England | Age 16

• Position: Winger
• Club: Arsenal
• DOB: 31/12/2009
• Senior Career: Arsenal (2025–present)
• Dowman is one of the most exciting talents from Arsenal’s academy in recent years. Known for excellent close control and fearless attacking runs, he became the youngest scorer in Premier League history. He may not be a regular yet but promises a bright future.

17. Rio Ngumoha | England | Age 17

• Position: Winger
• Club: Liverpool
• DOB: 29/08/2008
• Senior Career: Liverpool (2024–present)
• Ngumoha competes fiercely with Liverpool’s top wingers, making an impact with key plays like a late winner against Newcastle and an assist versus Nottingham Forest. Though still gaining minutes, he has earned six Man of the Match awards in just nine starts, hinting at huge potential.

16. Myles Lewis-Skelly | England | Age 19

• Position: Defender
• Club: Arsenal
• DOB: 26/09/2006
• Senior Career: Arsenal (2024–present)
• Arsenal’s versatile youngster plays both left-back and defensive midfield. Despite competition, he impressed quickly, scoring on his England debut under Thomas Tuchel. Although 2026 game time has been scarce, manager Mikel Arteta admitted he might have rushed his decision not to play him more often earlier.