Soccer players have relatively short careers, especially at the highest level. Most retire around age 30 after starting their careers in their early 20s. By the time they reach their 20s, they’re no longer considered young and are expected to maximize their potential. Therefore, at this age, they’re seen as playing their best soccer. In this article, bestsoccertips.com will provide you with a list of the best soccer players under 25.
Top soccer players under 25
1. Kylian Mbappé (PSG)
At just 25 years old, Kylian Mbappé has already won the FIFA World Cup, 5 Ligue 1 titles, the Golden Boy award, 4 Ligue 1 Golden Boots, along with several other individual and team honors. He was the top scorer and assist provider in the French league last season. Furthermore, Mbappé secured the Golden Boot at the FIFA World Cup 2022 – where he scored a stunning hat-trick in the grand final.
The speed, exquisite skills, and intelligent movement of the French player, combined with composure in front of goal, make him a truly world-class soccer player. The PSG forward is expected to soon win the Ballon d’Or. He is considered one of the fastest soccer players of all time. It’s highly likely that Kylian Mbappé will join Real Madrid next season.
2. Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
Erling Haaland has been scoring goals aplenty in recent years, asserting himself as one of the most feared strikers in the world. The Norwegian player joined Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund in the summer for a bargain price of £51 million. The 23-year-old has become even more frightening in Pep Guardiola’s lineup, scoring 32 goals in 32 matches across all competitions at the current moment!
Haaland possesses all the qualities of a perfect striker, making him one of the best forwards in the world. He can utilize his physique to maintain effective gameplay and link up with his teammates. Haaland combines exceptional speed and intelligent movement to run behind the defensive line. He can also dribble and create, as well as finish with both feet and head. Haaland could challenge Kylian Mbappé in the future as the best player in the world.
3. Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid)
The 2021/22 season marked a breakthrough for Vinicius Junior as he became one of the most consistent players for Real Madrid as they clinched the Supercopa de Espana, La Liga, and the UEFA Champions League. At just 24 years old, the Brazilian player has become one of the finest wingers in soccer at present. He scored 22 goals across all competitions in the past 2 seasons, with the most crucial being the goal that sealed victory against Liverpool in the Champions League final.
Moreover, Vinicius played a key role for Brazil in the recently concluded World Cup, where Brazil reached the quarter-finals. What makes Vinicius Jr one of the outstanding soccer players under 25 is his incredible speed, dribbling ability, and goal-scoring instinct. This season, the Brazilian player has cemented his position as one of the best wingers in the world, with 15 goals in 25 matches, including a sublime goal against Girona.
4. Phil Foden (Manchester City)
Phil Foden, at 23, has been highly regarded since coming through the Manchester City academy. He has justified this hype by establishing himself as one of the standout players under Guardiola. Moreover, Foden has become an indispensable part of England at the international level.
Phil Foden has the potential to become one of the best midfielders in the world. He has developed rapidly, becoming more versatile, tenacious, and reliable. In a recent Manchester Derby, Phil Foden showcased his prowess by scoring two goals against Manchester United.
5. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
Jude Bellingham is considered the best teenage soccer player in the world right now. The 20-year-old displays maturity and leadership qualities beyond his age. He left Borussia Dortmund and moved to Real Madrid in a major transfer. However, Bellingham also has an impressive goal-scoring record for a midfielder. So far, he has scored 16 goals and provided 3 assists in 21 appearances for Real Madrid in La Liga.
Bellingham featured prominently for the England national team at the FIFA World Cup 2022 Qatar as Gareth Southgate’s squad reached the quarter-finals. Jude Bellingham is a diligent and versatile midfielder. Quick on his feet, intelligent runs into the box, and impressive passing ability make him a perfect midfielder. He is one of the most valuable players in the market.
6. Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich)
With impressive talent, Jamal Musiala has attracted the attention of Bayern Munich – one of the top clubs in the world – since his days in Chelsea’s academy. The transition from a promising young talent to a top star hasn’t been an easy journey. However, Musiala seized the opportunity when given a place in Bayern’s first team and never looked back.
At just 20 years old, Musiala has quickly made an impact not only at the club level but also on the international stage. Although Germany exited early in the World Cup group stage, Musiala remains the center of attention with his exquisite technique, astonishing acceleration, profound awareness on the field, and delicate goal-scoring ability.
7. Victor Osimhen
Victor Osimhen has established himself as one of the top young talents under 25 in the soccer world, with a trajectory reminiscent of African legends like Didier Drogba and Samuel Eto’o, who dominated European competitions. His rise to prominence was marked by an outstanding performance at the FIFA Under-17 World Cup 2015, where he clinched the Golden Boot.
Despite a challenging start at Wolfsburg, Osimhen’s potential shone brilliantly as he honed his skills in Belgium and later at Lille in Ligue 1. However, it was with Napoli that he truly showcased his mettle, winning the Serie A Best Young Player award and the Golden Boot, contributing significantly to Napoli’s long-awaited title with 26 goals in 37 matches.
His record-breaking performance in Serie A, where he outscored all African players and surpassed Samuel Eto’o’s single-season goal record, further solidifies his position as one of the top U25 players. In the 2023/24 season, he continued his impressive form, with 11 goals and 3 assists in just 15 appearances for Napoli.
Beyond his influence within club competitions, Osimhen’s significance resonates on the international stage, notably contributing to Nigeria’s progression to the AFCON 2023 final. His gameplay embodies a potent fusion of physical prowess, athleticism, and technical finesse, underscored by his adeptness in scoring goals, carving out space, and fostering collaboration with teammates, solidifying his position as a formidable right-footed center-forward.
8. Pedri (Barcelona)
Pedri González, commonly referred to as Pedri, garners widespread acclaim as one of the globe’s premier young soccer talents. His exceptional technical proficiency, visionary play, and impeccable passing acumen have earned accolades from pundits and coaches alike. At just 21 years old, he is an indispensable part of both the Spanish national team and Barcelona. Pedri possesses innate talent and game reading ability, high work ethics, dedication in training, and adaptability to different playing styles and formations.
Demonstrating remarkable composure under pressure, the Spanish athlete has proven his ability to excel at a high standard, distinguishing himself as a dedicated team player, consistently striving for the collective success of his team. Moreover, Pedri’s conduct is characterized by professionalism and humility, qualities that command respect and admiration from both fellow teammates and coaching staff alike.
9. Bukayo Saka
Bukayo Saka has played a crucial role in Arsenal’s journey, helping them overcome unexpected challenges in the Premier League title race. At 22, he has shone with his agility and effective dribbling skills. Saka consistently makes a difference with smart wing runs, outpacing opponents with agility and rapid speed.
With excellent abilities to create opportunities and deliver dangerous crosses from the left flank, Saka has emerged as one of the top right-wingers in the world. He has proven himself as one of the best young forwards today, recognized and highly regarded in the soccer world.
10. Aurélien Tchouaméni (Real Madrid)
Aurélien Tchouaméni is a young and talented soccer player who has shown great potential and skills in this sport. Since joining Real Madrid, Tchouaméni has easily replaced Casemiro and is certainly one of the best defensive midfielders in the world. Most people don’t know this, but Aurélien Tchouaméni is only 24 years old but seems like he has been here for a while.
His stature among the top soccer talents under 25 stems from a blend of robust technical prowess, physicality, and enduring stamina, coupled with astute intelligence and tactical acumen showcased on the pitch. Notably, he proved pivotal for France during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Renowned for his versatility, diligent work ethic, and adeptness, he seamlessly maneuvers across various positions, further cementing his reputation as a multifaceted player.
Conclusion
The world of soccer is constantly evolving, with young talents emerging to showcase their skills and leave a lasting impact on the sport. The players mentioned above represent a new generation of stars under the age of 25, each with their unique strengths and contributions to their respective clubs and national teams. From goal-scoring prowess to exceptional technical ability, these players embody the future of soccer and continue to inspire fans worldwide with their performances on the pitch. As they continue to develop and mature, their influence on the game is set to grow, promising an exciting era ahead for soccer enthusiasts everywhere.
See more: Top 7 soccer players with number 20 most famous today
