Recall when Messi, then 19, and Neymar, then 18, ran through the world’s best defenders, making everyone else look like backyard footballers? It was a groundbreaking demonstration of how age doesn’t matter in football—if you’re good enough, you’re old enough.

All of this contributed to a trend in which young football prospects were lavished with praise. It costs hundreds of millions of euros to relocate children under the age of 20. The ideal example is Kylian Mbappe, whom PSG acquired at 18 for 180 million euros.

The culture of exaggerating young footballers rarely benefits the clubs. On the contrary, numerous young players signed over the years have failed to deliver, leaving their organizations financially bound.

10. Gavi (FC Barcelona)

When Gavi made his senior team debut for Barcelona at 17, he stunned the world. Luis Enrique quickly recognized his talent, leading to the 17-year-old Gavi being called up to the national team for the Euros and Olympics.

The young player is impressive. One thing to note about his maturity in the middle of the field is that his defensive prowess away from the ball is equally remarkable. Like a center-forward, he presses. Otherwise, it’s unusual for an aggressive midfielder in his debut league season to have nine cautions and a red card in 28 games.

Gavi, equally diligent and technically gifted, fits within the Barcelona system wonderfully. He can also play as a winger, defensive midfielder, and attacking fielder.

The 17-year-contract old’s with FC Barcelona is currently being extended.

9. Bukayo Saka (Arsenal FC)

Bukayo Saka is not one of Arsenal’s issues the club has had.

With 11 goals in the Premier League, the 20-year-old Londoner concluded the previous season as Arsenal’s leading goal scorer. Although he doesn’t score goals, the midfielder’s courage to run into defenses, particularly on wings, is incredible.

Therefore, Saka is undoubtedly the Gunners’ most important player. And now that Gabriel Jesus has joined the team, Saka has a lot more talent to work with.

The English midfielder is renowned for his incredible skill and speed. Although his finishing may be better, the youngster also possesses a respectable conversion rate.

8. Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen)

The midfielder, then age 18, had a fantastic 21/22 season with Bayer Leverkusen.

When the German team traded for Kai Havertz for a record sum, Florian Wirtz seized the chance to play attacking midfield and did it brilliantly. As a result, the player and the club benefited from the transfer.

The young attacking midfielder embodies Coutinho’s best qualities. In addition, larger European clubs may be interested in signing Wirtz because of his ability to take possession from the middle, run into defenses, and score with accuracy.

The midfielder also has exceptional ball control, distribution, and vision abilities.

7. Ansu Fati (FC Barcelona)

The season may be where Barcelona No. 10 steps into Leo Messi’s enormous shoes in style.

After having the best possible start to his career, the forward from Spain has experienced injury problems. As a result, he could only play ten times for the club in 2021–2022.

Ansu Fati, The 19-year-old, has already demonstrated his abilities. He scored a goal that was similar to his predecessor’s even in his first game back from injury after being replaced in the 89th minute at Camp Nou.

The winger so has much to prove, and this might be the year when he successfully defends reclaiming the number 10 jersey from one of the greatest football players in history.

6. Jamal Musiala (FC Bayern)

Jamal Musiala, one of Germany’s most promising young athletes, occasionally seems unstoppable.

He spent eight years working with Chelsea’s youth team before joining Bayern Munich in 2019. The forward, who was 17 years old, was the youngest player to ever play for the Bavarians.

The 20-year-old is not only the youngest player on the team but also one of its greatest players right now, on par with Bayern’s best. The forward is renowned for his lightning-quick feet and exhilarating pace.

His alertness in the final third is frequently contrasted with Thomas Muller’s. However, Musiala will need to demonstrate consistency if he wants to surpass the top players in light of adding Sadio Mane to a club that is already stacked with wingers.

5. Jude Bellingham (Borrusia Dortmund)

The player is already one of the world’s top central midfielders.

Jude Bellingham, a Birmingham City product, joined Dortmund in 2020 and has since established himself as the pivotal player in their midfield. It cannot be easy to believe the 19-year-old is still a teenager when he plays with such maturity and skill.

Additionally, he performs the standard “Number 8” duties in the central midfield. Although the young player is equally well-known for his defense, it is his anchoring ability that has enticed top premier league clubs to sign him.

However, there seems to have been disagreement over the Englishman’s lack of consistency. With that exception, the young player has some of the best footballing prospects in the world.

4. Vinicus Jr. (Real Madrid)

Although Karim Benzema was undoubtedly the season’s most outstanding performer, this young Rio de Janeiro native was crucial.

Vinicus Jr.’s transition to the Santiago Bernabeu was never accessible as a massive signing expected to fill the shoes of the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo. However, he took some time to get comfortable before going off like a firecracker.

Additionally, the 22-year-old scored 17 goals for Real Madrid in 35 Laliga appearances last season. The winger also had a fantastic UCL season, scoring four goals in 13 games.

Vini Jr. will undoubtedly make a difference in the upcoming season. The focus is on the young player who has repeatedly demonstrated his abilities on the biggest stage in world football because Haaland and Mbappe will not be joining Real Madrid.

If we discover him among the top 20 candidates for the Ballon d’Or, it won’t come as a surprise.

3. Phil Foden (Manchester City)

Third on the list and joining the top four is Phil Foden of Manchester City.

In one of the most important leagues in the world, the 22-year-old attacker has established himself as one of the greatest players in his 28 games played in the Premier League. Additionally, he scored three goals in the Champions League the previous year.

However, the forward, a midfielder, is not just well-known for his goals. Foden typically succeeds in running through opponents thanks to his quickness and dribbling prowess.

The most critical factor is his integration into Guardiola’s strategy seamlessly. The City number 47 can play as a false nine, a winger, and a midfielder.

Foden will also play more wing time now that Sterling has been transferred to Chelsea and Haaland has joined the team.

2. Pedri (FC Barcelona)

If there’s one player who has impressed everyone, it’s Pedri.

At 17, the teenager fought for the first team in Barcelona. In the last two seasons, the wonder kid has done wonders not many thought he would do.

With a calm presence of mind at midfield, the 19-year-old deals with the pressure as he owns it. On the back of a hectic 20/21 season, the midfielder just played 12 games in Laliga.

Regarding his international career, Pedri became the youngest Spanish player in Euro Championships. He played all but one minute of the championship, making him the player with the most appearances in a calendar year.

Moreover, the teenage sensation is considered one of the greatest playmakers.

The young star is also regarded as one of the best playmakers.

1. Erling Haaland (Manchester City)

There is no denying who is the most outstanding young person in the world. Erling Haaland is unrivaled in his field.

At the age of 21, the Norwegian international has already proven his ability as a striker. His quickness and tenacity in front of the goal are nearly unrivaled.

The striker’s best qualities are direct running, finishing, pace, and physicality. In addition, the 6-foot-4 forward is skilled at exploiting openings in the box with quick movements.

This season, Haaland has the opportunity to perform to the best of his abilities, thanks to a top-tier coach and teammates who share his goals. He has never been short of goals in his career, but will those be enough to break the UCL tie? We’ll see what happens.