The saying “out with the old, in with the new” holds strong in football, especially when it comes to the influx of talented young players waiting for their chance at senior action or already making an impact. Teenagers often bring a fresh energy to a team: relentless work ethic, determination, and the drive to seize every opportunity—qualities that are sometimes lacking in more experienced senior players.
However, not all academy prospects get that chance because football is ultimately a business, and while promoting young talent is exciting, the best players, regardless of age, typically get the playing time. That’s just how it works.
Nonetheless, a number of teenage prodigies are currently making waves in the Premier League and across the globe—defenders rising to the occasion, midfielders showing wisdom beyond their years, and forwards with a natural goal-scoring instinct. To celebrate their talent, GIVEMESPORT has compiled a list of the 20 best teenagers in world football, ranked in order:
Top Teenagers in World Football Right Now
Being part of the same Barcelona academy that produced Lionel Messi is no small feat. The pressure on 17-year-old Lamine Yamal could break many players, but he’s thrived. He played 50 games for Barcelona last season, contributing 17 goals—an impressive feat for a 16-year-old. With such a remarkable start, his success will soon be the new standard rather than a surprise.
Yamal’s exceptional run at Euro 2024 saw him break multiple records, including becoming the youngest player to appear, score, and start a major international tournament final, surpassing a 66-year-old record previously held by Pele.
Another standout is Pau Cubarsi, who at 18 is already playing alongside Inigo Martinez in the Barcelona defense. While he may not be the tallest at 6ft, his exceptional passing and ability to keep up with the speed of La Liga’s best make him an exciting prospect for Barcelona’s future.