Here comes another busy season that is full of rise-and-shine stars who look all ready to take over for the top honours in world football. The list for top 5 young players to watch in the year 2025/26 includes Endrick, Cubarsi, Joao Neves, Doue & Yamal.
5.Endrick
At just 19, Endrick is already showing why Real Madrid didn’t think twice before signing him from Palmeiras. The Brazilian forward has been a sensation since his early teens, turning heads with goals that belong in highlight reels. Even before moving to Spain, he had already announced himself to the football world, netting screamers, winning titles, and becoming one of the youngest ever to wear Brazil’s senior jersey.
His coming to Madrid has just stoked the fire of the excitement. Endrick with his ball control, lightning fast movement, and superb shooting can only be called an attacker by nature. Hitting the net twice against the mighty ones England and Spain before the age of 20 tells a lot about his talent. If he is able to cope with the pressure at the Bernabeu, Real could be having their next big star after Benzema and Vinicius Jr.
4. Pau Cubarsi
Pau Cubarsi, the recently crowned star of Barcelona, is a proof that La Masia is far from closing its great production line. The 18-year-old defender is revealing himself to be a professional, calm in crucial moments, knowing the game like a pro, and gaining even the title of the future commander of the Spanish defense.
His first appearance with the national team established him as the youngest footballer to date in the Spanish outfit, which is a strong sign of his talent. If Barca have placed their trust in him at the back, then it is only a matter of time that Cubarsi will be in both, the club, and national teams, as a permanent figure.
3. Joao Neves
Then there’s Joao Neves, Portugal’s next midfield boss. Last summer, Paris Saint-Germain took him on board, making the highest bid over a number of other European clubs for his signature.
Neves could hardly be described as the most brilliant player, yet his smartness, toughness and skill in handling the game have all contributed to his being a non-ignored player. He has played for Portugal at Euro 2024 and is slowly but surely becoming the leading role of the new PSG era.
2. Desire Doue
When Desire Doue joined PSG from Rennes, few expected him to become a star so fast. And here he is, bringing the UCL final to life with a 10/10 rated display and taking the spotlight from experienced coworkers. The 20-year-old wide player’s quickness, style, and perception have turned him into nothing less than a nightmare for the back line.
The absence of Mbappe would certainly be a significant obstacle for PSG, nevertheless, the rising of Doue has saved the blow. He is not only occupying a spot but also establishing his reputation.
1. Lamine Yamal
And then comes the name that’s on every scout’s lips, Lamine Yamal. A comparison to Messi still refers to a very young player. The eighteen-year-old genius hailing from Barcelona has already been declared the representative of Spain’s new golden generation.
With his fantastic dribbles, precise shots, and daring fantasy, Yamal is already taking the opportunity and not waiting for it. Euro 2024 made it official that the audience’s perception of the player as “a gift” is completely justified. If he continues to progress this way, then the talk about being a Ballon d’Or winner is not premature, it’s inevitable.
