As the 2025/26 football season kicks off, all eyes are on a new crop of under-23 stars poised to make waves across Europe’s top leagues. From promising playmakers to explosive wingers and defensive stalwarts, these young players are entering a pivotal stage in their careers. Whether they’re emerging from youth setups or knocking on the door of first-team regularity, each has the potential to become a defining figure this season. Here are ten rising football talents ready to shape the narrative of the upcoming campaign.
1. Giacomo Faticanti (Italy, Midfielder)
Club: Yet to fully break through
Faticanti brings a composed presence in defensive midfield, reading the game with precision and breaking up play through well-timed interceptions and aerial strength. At 6’1”, the former Roma youth captain combines physicality with vision, often dictating tempo from deep. The 20-year-old is seeking his senior breakthrough and could be a surprise engine for any midfield this year.
2. Luka Topalović (Slovenia, Midfielder – Inter Milan)
Inter’s 19-year-old Slovenian talent has already had a taste of senior action and looks set for more. Tall, dynamic, and technically sharp, Topalović is a true box-to-box midfielder who’s equally comfortable threading passes or driving through tight spaces. With Inter looking to rotate its squad more heavily, Topalović could seize valuable minutes and make a lasting impression.
3. Nestory Irankunda (Australia, Winger – Watford)
Irankunda’s journey from Bayern’s reserves to the Championship could be the career move that elevates him to global attention. The 19-year-old is known for his blistering pace, close control, and attacking intent. If he settles quickly in England’s highly competitive second tier, his name could be in regular rotation ahead of Australia’s 2026 World Cup plans.
4. Saël Kumbedi (France, Right-Back – Lyon)
A product of Le Havre’s famed academy, Kumbedi has grown into one of Ligue 1’s most intriguing full-back prospects. His numbers — nearly three tackles and over 84% pass accuracy per game — reflect a player on the rise. With a contract through 2027, the 20-year-old is expected to push for greater influence in Lyon’s starting XI.
5. Simone Pafundi (Italy, Attacking Midfielder – Udinese)
Standing just 5’4”, Pafundi is a creative dynamo capable of unlocking stubborn defenses with his sharp vision and deft control. Despite limited Serie A opportunities so far and a stint on loan in Switzerland, the 19-year-old remains a potential game-changer. If he can find consistency, he may finally convert raw hype into real impact.
6. Castello Lukeba (France, Centre-Back – RB Leipzig)
Now a regular at Leipzig, Lukeba logged over 2,000 minutes in the 2024/25 campaign. The 22-year-old ex-Lyon defender is calm under pressure, effective in duels, and progressive in build-up play. Locked in until 2029, he’s not just a Bundesliga mainstay — he’s on the cusp of France national team recognition.
7. Carlos Baleba (Cameroon, Midfielder – Brighton & Hove Albion)
Baleba’s high-intensity style has made him a standout in Brighton’s pressing system. Since arriving in early 2023, the 21-year-old has blended ball-winning grit with sharp forward passing. If he polishes his numbers this season, he could either become a Premier League star or fetch major interest from Europe’s elite clubs.
8. Eliesse Ben Seghir (Morocco, Winger – AS Monaco)
Ben Seghir turned heads last season with nine goals and four assists, showing he’s more than just flair. The 20-year-old Morocco international thrives in tight spaces and presses aggressively. If he builds on last season’s momentum, Monaco might have their next big export — or their key man for a European push.
9. Harvey Elliott (England, Midfielder – Liverpool)
Elliott continues to show flashes of brilliance at Liverpool and with England’s U21s. His ability to operate between the lines and deliver incisive passes makes him a midfield asset. However, with minutes at a premium, a loan move or permanent transfer could unlock the consistency and exposure he needs to break into the senior national setup.
10. Alejandro Garnacho (Argentina, Winger – Manchester United)
With 11 goals and 10 assists last season, Garnacho proved he’s already a threat. But inconsistent starts at United have raised questions about his role. A change of scenery might reignite his spark — and if it does, the 20-year-old Argentine could post even stronger numbers in 2025/26.
What to Expect from These Rising Stars
From Garnacho’s electric pace to Faticanti’s midfield intelligence, this group of young players is bursting with potential. Some are on the verge of stardom, while others are just stepping onto the big stage. But all have one thing in common: 2025/26 could be the season that changes everything for them.
