Best young players in the world 2024
Our comprehensive round-up of the 10 best young players in the world in 2024.
The sheer amount of fixtures on the footballing calendar means there has never been a better time for new stars to break onto the scene.
The game is bursting at the seams with promising talent as managers increasingly turn to young players to cope with demanding schedules - and the best in the business naturally find their way into starting XIs at the biggest clubs on the planet.
After looking at recent form, trophies won, impact for club and county, future potential, as well as some stats, we've crunched the numbers to build a list of the hottest prospects on the planet.
The likes of Barcelona ace Gavi and Manchester City full-back Rico Lewis are among those to miss out so you'll probably disagree with some of our picks!
RadioTimes.com brings you our definitive list of the 10 best young football players in the world in 2024.
Check our more football features: Best players of all time | Best players in the world 2024 | Best strikers 2024 | Best wingers 2024 | Best midfielders 2024 | Best defenders 2024 | Best goalkeepers 2024 | Best teams in the world 2024
10. Endrick (Real Madrid)
A Brazilian wonderkid will always attract attention, but Endrick looks like becoming one of the game’s leading figures in the years to come.
An explosive forward with an eye for goal, the 18-year-old has seamlessly fitted in at Real Madrid after a mega-money switch from Palmeiras.
9. Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United)
One of the few positives about Manchester United in recent years has been the breakthrough of Kobbie Mainoo in the engine room.
The 19-year-old has composure beyond his years and is tidy in possession. It is hardly surprising that he has also become a key man for England in the process.
8. Warren Zaïre-Emery (PSG)
He only turned 18 in March but Warren Zaïre-Emery has already made more than 80 appearances for Paris Saint-Germain, which is a clue that we’re dealing with a proper talent.
A force to be reckoned with at the base of midfield, Zaïre-Emery is destined to become a serial trophy winner.
7. Arda Güler (Real Madrid)
Arda Güler has had a challenging spell at Real Madrid following a big move from Fenerbahçe in 2023, although the Turkey international is one of the most exciting youngsters on the block.
The 19-year-old attacking midfielder faces fierce competition at the Bernabeu and has been impacted by injuries, but he possesses dancing feet and an eye for goal. A big talent.
6. Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen)
The 21-year-old attacking midfielder came of age in 2023/24, playing a crucial role in Bayer Leverkusen's unbeaten Bundesliga campaign and run to the Europa League final.
A demon dribbler capable of finding space and scoring goals, it seems only a matter of team before one of the continent's biggest clubs splash the cash on Florian Wirtz.
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5. Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid)
Eduardo Camavinga is the midfielder that can do it all thanks to his ability to play in a number of positions.
A major presence in the engine room, who is comfortable in possession and dribbling with the ball, the France international already boasts two La Liga and Champions League titles on his CV.
4. Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich)
Jamal Musiala's stock continues to rise after sharing the Golden Boot at Euro 2024 and being named in the Team of the Tournament, despite Germany failing to reach the final on home soil.
One of the most dangerous attacking midfielders on the planet, Musiala is fast approaching the 200-appearance mark for Bayern Munich thanks to his direct running style, ability to break the lines and eye for goal.
3. Pedri (Barcelona)
It feels like Pedri has been around for ages as he collected the Golden Boy and Kopa Trophy awards in 2021, but he surely has at least another decade at the highest level.
The intelligent midfielder - a bargain €5million buy from Las Palmas in 2019 - makes his presence known in the engine room and has, rightfully, earned comparisons to some of Barca's greatest ever players.
2. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
The jewel in English football’s crown, Jude Bellingham is the epitome of a Rolls Royce footballer. The 21-year-old glides through midfield like a hot knife through butter, scores a hatful of goals, but also does the dirty work so well.
He will, no doubt, be the first name on the Three Lions team sheet for the next decade.
1. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
Arguably the most exciting talent to come out of the La Masia talent factory since Lionel Messi, Lamine Yamal has already stamped his authority on the game for club and country.
A nightmare to defend, with pace to burn and tricks galore, the 17-year-old has already become one of Barcelona's main men and played a major role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph.
Who is the best young player in the world?
Lamine Yamal is the real deal - and he’s surely only going to get better.
Barcelona have developed a gem, he plays with a maturity that is well beyond his tender years and his trophy cabinet already boasts some impressive titles.
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