With the over a decade-long rivalry between Leo Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo – two of the best football players to ever grace the pitch at the same time – getting older and increasingly becoming unlikely to play further after the FIFA World Cup 2022, the football world should definitely get ready to witness the next generation of wonderkids taking their place.
However, world football is currently blessed with an incredible number of young talents, whose futures look beyond bright.
Let’s take a look at the list of the TOP 10 youngsters who are ready to dominate football after Messi - Ronaldo legacy.
10. Alejandro Garnacho
- Age – 18
- Club – Manchester United
- National team – Argentina U20
Image source: Getty Images
Alejandro Garnacho is currently one of Manchester United's most promising talented youngsters and has already begun to establish himself in Erik Ten Hag's first team.
Despite his young age, the Madrid-born winger is a clinical finisher, with a natural ability to score goals from a variety of angles and distances.
9. Karim Adeyemi
- Age – 20
- Club – Borussia Dortmund
- National team – Germany
Image source: Getty Images
In May 2022, Borussia Dortmund announced the signing of Adeymai from Red Bull Salzburg on a deal until the summer of 2027.
The 21-year-old was the Austrian Bundesliga’s top scorer with 19 goals last season and managed to make three appearances for the German International team.
The German forward is arguably one of the most promising talents in the world, being compared to the likes of Kylian Mbappe in his style of play.
8. Gavi
- Age – 18
- Club – Barcelona
- National team – Spain
Image source: FC Barcelona
Gavi is proof that La Masia is undoubtedly one of the hugest football academies. The 18-year-remarkable old's displays for the Catalan giants have attracted attention in the football world.
One of the midfielder's most notable qualities is his composure on the ball. He is not easily rattled by opponents and is able to make intelligent decisions under pressure. Probably, it's easy to say that the La Liga outfit could admit they’ve made Andres Iniesta’s heir.
7. Jamal Musiala
- Age – 20
- Club – Bayern Munich
- National team – Germany
Image source: Sky Sports
You know you are something special when you’re one of the key figures for Bayern Munich’s squad at the age of 20. The German international is potentially the world's most exciting talent right now.
The ace has made 35 appearances for the Bundesliga giants this season, scoring eleven and assisting nine goals.
With his technical ability, creativity, and composure on the ball, the attacker is expected to continue making waves in the world of football for many years to come.
6. Rafael Leão
- Age – 23
- Club – AC Milan
- National team – Portugal
Image source: Getty Images
Without a doubt, Rafa Leao had one of the best seasons in 2022. The Portuguese ace guided his side, Milan, to win their first Scudetto for the first time in eleven. Therefore, following his remarkable campaign, the 23-year-old managed to finish 14th in the Ballon d'Or voting.
Leão is a versatile forward who is comfortable playing mostly as a center forward. The young talent is known for his explosive speed and acceleration, which allow him to make runs behind the defense and create space for himself and his teammates.
With his speed, technical ability, and eye for goal, the attacker is considered to become one of the most promising names in Europe, making an impact for both AC Milan and the Portugal national team.
5. Bukayo Saka
- Age – 21
- Club – Arsenal
- National team – England
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Image source: Getty Images
Despite his youth, Saka has already become an important player for both Arsenal and England, showing impressive maturity and composure on the field.
The 21-year-old has contributed 12 goals and 10 assists in all competitions so far for the Gunners. His performances have been important for Londonders' title challenge as the winger has consistently been a threat on the right side and has displayed his range by appearing in numerous midfield and attack roles.
Overall, the starlet is widely regarded as one of the most promising young football talents in football and has already established himself as a key man for both club and country.
4. Pedri
- Age – 20
- Club – FC Barcelona
- National team – Spain
Image source: Getty Images
Another young talent, who can guarantee Barcelona’s bright future. Despite being just 19, the Canary Islander has been amazing in the Spanish midfield and was fairly recognized by UEFA.
Pedri has been named the best young player at EURO 2020 since he had a spectacular tournament. And instead of having a rest ahead of the 2021/22 season, he proudly represented his country at Tokyo 2020 and won a silver medal.
Alongside Blaugrana teammate Gavi, the 19-year-old is one of the latest and highly-rated La Masia graduates. Seeing the duo pairing in midfield makes people think they can be the new Xavi and Iniesta. Both players already have experience and are not affected by the pressure.
3. Eduardo Camavinga
- Age – 20
- Club – Real Madrid
- National team – France
Image source: Getty Images
The 20-year-old is a strong, smart and skillful midfielder who keeps improving himself game by game. Modern midfielders are often divided into neat categories, but defining Camavinga’s special role is a little bit tricky. He can do it all. The word “Versatile” still doesn’t do him justice!
2. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
- Age – 22
- Club – Napoli
- National team – Georgia
Image source: Getty Images
Khvicha's debut season with Napoli has turned out to be one of the major topics in football this year. The 22-year-old is currently one of the most highly-demanded players following his spectacular form with 11 goals and 15 assists in all competitions so far.
The Serie A outfit have kicked off the 2022/23 campaign in a high-flying rhythm, succeeding in both domestic and European tournaments, in which the Gerogin international is playing a massive role.
1. Jude Bellingham
- Age – 19
- Club – Borussia Dortmund
- National team – England
Image source: Getty Images
Jude Bellingham is currently at the top of the list of the most promising talents in world football. At such a young age, the midfielder has already made waves in both his respective club Borussia Dortmund and Englan international, tipped for greatness by fans and experts alike.
The rising star has already made a name for himself as a skilled and versatile midfielder. Therefore, it's not even surprising that several European giants from the Top Five leagues are eager to get the player's services in the upcoming transfer window.
However, it is still uncertain, if the Bundesliga outfit would be ready to lose their treasured starlets as Real Madrid, Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea are battling to sign him.