With every new season, a fresh generation of football talent emerges, ready to capture the imagination of fans and scouts alike. As 2025 approaches, a host of young players are poised to leave their mark on the global stage, showcasing their skills, versatility, and determination. From defenders with the composure of seasoned veterans to creative playmakers and clinical wingers, these rising stars could define the future of football. Here are eight players you’ll want to keep your eye on in the coming year.
Monaco’s dynamic duo – Maghnes Akliouche and Eliesse Ben Seghir
A creative force emerging from Monaco’s ever-productive academy, Eliesse Ben Seghir is making waves with his dynamic performances in Ligue 1. The Moroccan attacking midfielder is known for his vision, silky dribbling, and an eye for goal, and his 2024/25 season statistics reflect his growing influence. With 7 goals and 4 assists in 23 appearances, Ben Seghir has been instrumental in unlocking defenses for Monaco, demonstrating an impressive ability to create big chances — eight so far — and an average of 1.35 successful dribbles per game.
Ben Seghir’s composure in the final third and versatility allow him to operate as a central playmaker or drift into wider areas, making him a nightmare for defenders. His ability to link up with teammates and deliver incisive passes sets him apart as one of Morocco’s brightest young stars, and his development could position him as a key figure for both club and country in the coming years.
He is accompanied by another promising attacking player, Maghnes Akliouche. Another gem from Monaco’s academy, Maghnes Akliouche is an electric right-winger with a creative edge. His 4 goals and 5 assists in 21 appearances are backed by nine big chances created and 1.48 successful dribbles per game. A left-footed dynamo, Akliouche thrives on cutting inside and linking up with teammates.
His flair and ability to carve open defenses make him one of the most exciting attacking players in Ligue 1, and his continued growth could see him attract interest from Europe’s top clubs.
Europe’s most wanted CB – Abdukhodir Khusanov
A commanding presence at the heart of RC Lens’ defense, Abdukhodir Khusanov is quickly becoming one of the most promising young defenders in Europe. The 20-year-old Uzbek international blends physicality, intelligence, and precise timing to snuff out danger before it escalates. His impressive defensive statistics for the 2024/25 season underline his importance: 1.81 interceptions and 4.31 clearances per game, along with an excellent record of winning 4.19 duels per game. These contributions have earned him a commendable Sofascore rating of 7.11.
Calm under pressure and dominant in aerial duels, Khusanov’s ability to read the game marks him as a rising defensive talent. His modest goal-scoring ability and strong technical skills further enhance his value, making him one of the most exciting players to watch in 2025, and it’s no wonder that Manchester City would like to make him a part of their squad as soon as this January.
Another German midfield machine – Tom Bischof
Germany’s production line of elite midfielders shows no signs of slowing down, and Tom Bischof is the latest to capture attention with his blend of creativity and composure. The left-footed Hoffenheim midfielder has been a central figure in their build-up play during the 2024/25 season, registering 2 goals and 2 assists across 21 appearances. His knack for unlocking defenses is highlighted by 2.14 key passes per game, demonstrating his vision and orchestration skills.
Poised under pressure and sharp in distribution, Bischof is a tactical thinker with technical brilliance. His maturity at just 19 makes him one of the Bundesliga’s brightest prospects as he continues to develop his influence on the pitch.
Croatian sensation – Luka Vušković
At just 17, Luka Vušković is already proving why Tottenham snapped him up before loaning him to Westerloo for valuable first-team experience. The towering Croatian center-back stands out with his scoring ability, registering 6 goals in 20 matches, and his defensive stats are equally impressive: 5.2 ball recoveries, 6 clearances, and 5.55 duels won per game. His remarkable Sofascore rating of 7.40 showcases his impact on both ends of the field.
With composure, tactical awareness, and set-piece prowess, Vušković has all the tools to become a defensive leader for club and country in the years ahead. The idea of a centre-back pairing of Vušković and Gvardiol for the future has Croatia national teams fans’ mouth watering.
La Masia’s late bloomer – Nico González
Versatile and technically gifted, Nico González has flourished as a defensive midfielder at Porto. His 5 goals and 5 assists in 21 appearances highlight his offensive contributions, while 2.05 tackles and 2.33 accurate long balls per game reflect his defensive nous and passing range. An impressive Sofascore rating of 7.30 underlines his consistency and quality in midfield.
A product of Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, González combines intelligence, work rate, and a keen sense for breaking up play. His ability to contribute on both ends makes him one of Spain’s most intriguing midfielders to watch, and has reportedly already caught the attention of Europe’s biggest clubs.
Yet another winger from Sporting – Geovany Quenda
Lightning-fast and technically brilliant, Geovany Quenda is an exciting right-winger making his name at Sporting CP. Despite modest output with 1 goal and 1 assist, he has created five big chances and averages 1.41 key passes per game, earning a solid Sofascore rating of 7.11. His ability to stretch defenses with his pace and deliver dangerous balls into the box marks him as a player full of promise.
Still developing his end product, Quenda’s raw talent and flair could make him one of Portugal’s next big attacking stars. Judging by some other wingers produced by Sporting, such as Luis Figo, Cristiano Ronaldo, Luis Nani, Quaresma and, more recently, Rafael Leao, Quenda might soon become the hottest stuff on the football market.
Ajax keep ’em coming – Jorrel Hato
Watching at the list of players their academy produces year in year out, one easily understands why Ajax gave their Youth Academy a simple, yet effective nickname, De Toekomst – The Future.
The latest prodigy of the famous Dutch school is a player capable of playing as both a center-back and left-back. Jorrel Hato has already showcased impressive versatility for Ajax. The left-footed defender has contributed 2 goals and 4 assists in 22 matches, while his defensive stats include 2.23 tackles and 4.64 duels won per game. Agile, intelligent, and strong in the challenge, Hato is drawing comparisons to some of the best modern defenders in Europe.
His maturity at such a young age and positional awareness make him a standout prospect, and 2025 could see him rise to even greater prominence.
Conclusion
These eight rising stars are poised to define the future of football in 2025 and beyond. Whether excelling in defense, midfield, or attack, they represent the next generation of elite talent. Keep your eyes on these players as they make their mark on the beautiful game — even though their journey might have just started, it’s already pretty safe to say we’ll be hearing these names on the biggest stage a lot, for many years to come.