Baleba to Irankunda: Top 10 young football players to watch in 2025/26 season

From breakout stars in Serie A to Premier League prospects and Ligue 1 livewires, a new generation of young talent is ready to leave their mark on the 2025/26 season. Some are already nudging into starting XIs, others are still waiting to explode. All are worth keeping an eye on.

Predicting which young players will actually 'make it' has long been a fool's errand in football. Talent is one thing, but minutes, form, injuries, and even luck all play their part.

Still, patterns emerge. A successful loan, tactical shift or long-term contract are all the quiet signals that a player is potentially being geared up for something.

The list below is a snapshot of ten players under the age of 23 whose careers could tilt dramatically in the coming months.

Some are already established rising stars, and others are still breaking through. What they have in common is momentum - and the sense that, by next summer, we'll be talking about them differently.

Giacomo Faticanti | Lecce

Faticanti playing for Ternana in 2024Gianluca Vannicelli / IPA Sport / Zuma Press / Profimedia

An assured defensive player with the makings of a midfield general, Faticanti reads the game with calm precision and strong positional awareness.

He's adept at breaking up play through interceptions and aerial challenges, while equally comfortable threading passes from deep to pivot tempo .

At 6'1", the 20‑year‑old Italian combines physicality with a steady work rate, even earning captaincy duties during his time with Roma's U19s. He now seeks a breakthrough in senior football.

Luka Topalovic | Inter

The 19‑year‑old Slovenian midfielder arrived at Inter last year with the polish of a continental prospect; he's tall, athletic, and keen to contribute with both goals and assists.

Equally at ease spraying passes as he is dribbling into tight spaces, Topalović blends box-to-box energy with technical poise .

Having made his senior debut for Inter (a 10-minute cameo against Como), he still seems destined for deeper integration, potentially bridging from squad rotation to a more prominent role as the season unfolds.

Nestory Irankunda | Watford

Irankunda arrives at Watford with no shortage of promise, a fast, direct winger with tight control and a clear eye for goal.

After spending a season between Bayern's reserves and a stint on loan in Switzerland, the 19-year-old now finds himself in the English Championship - a testing but fertile ground for his talents.

Should he settle quickly, a productive season is within reach, and with that, a compelling case for continued Socceroos selection ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Sael Kumbedi | Lyon

Kumbedi in action for Lyon last seasonPSNEWZ / Sipa Press / Profimedia

Fleet-footed and combative, the 20‑year‑old graduate of Le Havre's youth setup has emerged as one of Ligue 1’s most promising full‑backs.

He brings defensive acumen and intensity to the right flank, generating solid numbers in tackles (2.78) and pass completion (84.1%) per 90 minutes.

Backed by a contract running until 2027, Kumbedi enters 2025/26 ready to translate youth promise into consistent first-team minutes and stronger statistical outputs up and down the pitch.

Simone Pafundi | Udinese

A diminutive but inventive playmaker capable of unlocking defences, Pafundi is known for his close control, vision, and burst of pace in the final third.

Standing just 5'4", the left‑footed attacking midfielder has generated considerable hype. His style has drawn comparisons to Antonio Di Natale, though his ceiling is still speculative.

Despite limited Serie A exposure with Udinese and a loan spell in Switzerland last season, the 19‑year‑old remains a wildcard. A potential match-winner in tight moments, the season ahead could define whether he's a long-term asset at the top level.

Castello Lukeba | Leipzig

Lukeba playing for France's U21s in JuneDeFodi Images / Shutterstock / Profimedia

The 22‑year‑old French centre‑back has slotted seamlessly into Leipzig’s defence since his signing  from Lyon two years ago.

Lukeba shines in one‑on‑one duels and at initiating play from deep, clocking in over 2,000 minutes across all competitions in 2024/25 .

With a long-term contract that runs to 2029, he appears destined to be a staple in Leipzig’s defence - and perhaps force his way into regular contention for France's senior team.

Carlos Baleba | Brighton

Having emerged as a force in Brighton's midfield following his January 2023 arrival, the hard-working 21-year-old thrives in the chaos of the press.

With a full Premier League season under his belt, Baleba now has the platform to tighten his numbers - tackles, progressive passes, the lot.

This could see him further cement himself as the linchpin of Fabian Hürzeler’s team or become the next high-yield export from Brighton’s talent pipeline.

Eliesse Ben Seghir | Monaco

A tantalising blend of flair and productivity has marked Ben Seghir’s rise at Monaco, with nine goals and four assists across all competitions in 2024/25.

The right‑footed, left-sided Morocco international thrives in tight spaces, combining intelligent movement with a willingness to press and carry.

Contracted until 2027, the 20-year-old winger has narrowed the gulf between potential and real‑world impact; should he build on last season, he could emerge as one of Ligue 1’s breakout stars in 2025/26.

Harvey Elliott | Liverpool

Elliott was named player of the tournament at the 2025 U21 EurosBranislav Racko / AFP

Elliott remains one of Liverpool's most artful midfielders, a player who has a deft first touch and a strong awareness between the lines.

Buoyed by eye-catching cameos in Europe and sparkling form with England's U21s, the coming season could offer him a chance to re-establish himself as a regular at Anfield. Although his desire for regular first-team action could see him push for a move away before the transfer window closes.

Wherever Elliott plies his trade in 2025/26, a steady stream of goal contributions may make the conversation around a senior England call-up too loud to ignore.

Alejandro Garnacho | Man Utd

Garnacho warms up during the 2025 Europa League finalSportimage / Alamy / Profimedia

Garnacho remains a box of fireworks waiting to ignite - all raw pace, confidence, and a strong output. 

Last season’s haul of 11 goals and 10 assists in all competitions was proof of his threat, even if recent spells on the bench suggest momentum lost.

A change of scene, be it via a loan or permanent move away from Manchester United, might just provide the spark. Should he rediscover his form, a 15+ goal contribution campaign is well within reach.