The Top 20 Future Big Stars of Football World

A select set of players who may legitimately claim to star in football define each generation. And who will come after?

We examine 20 athletes in this article who have the prospect of becoming the following major figures in the game of soccer.

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We won’t give you a list of players you’ve never heard of, but we are considering players who might become as famous as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in the upcoming seasons.

All players must be 25 or younger to be eligible for inclusion. We did not include players like Neymar, Eden Hazard, David Alaba, or Mario Goetze because they may already be regarded as “huge stars.”

This is a partial list, and there are a ton of people who might have been included. Instead, it is organized to reflect best how near to superstardom these individuals are.

Do you believe someone is missing? Please add your ideas below.

 

20. Martin Hinteregger

• Age: 21

• Team: Red Bull Salzburg

 

The next major star defender might be Martin Hinteregger. Let’s face it; many elite teams required center-services backs before the 2014–15 season, from Manchester United to Liverpool to Barcelona.

Hinteregger has represented Austria at every youth level from under-17 to the present and just received a call-up to the senior team. He made his senior team premiere in November 2013 against the United States.

Hinteregger excelled with Salzburg this season in the Europa League, going undefeated through the second leg of the round of 16. For this game, the 21-year-old was suspended.

The 6’1″ Austrian plays with an aggressive and physical style that is very composed and makes it simple to picture him playing in the Premier League.

In a preseason friendly this year, the left-footed defender scored from about 70 yards out against Schalke. See it here; it’s unique.

 

What People Claim

 

When Austria faced Uruguay in March, Hinteregger faced Luis Suarez. According to David Hytner:

“Even though Liverpool striker Luis Suarez’s influence increased as the game went on, Hinteregger played the full 90 minutes against Suarez and came out on top.”

 

19. Remy Cabella

• Age: 24

• Team: Montpellier

 

Remy Cabella, a French playmaker, has worked at Montepellier since 2009. He is moving this summer and will gain much more notoriety.

The former teammate of Olivier Giroud won Ligue 1 in 2011–12 and is incredibly quick, inventive, and possesses a good shot. Though he can play on the right wing, playing behind the striker is where he excels.

He has played in every Ligue 1 game this season, scoring 13 goals and dishing out five assists for Rolland Courbis’ team.

 

What People Claim

 

Laurent Nicollin, the deputy chairman of Montpellier, stated during the 2012–13 season that the club would only contemplate parting ways with Cabella if a deal of €100 million were made. According to him:

“He cannot be transferred. Even in football, we attempt to anticipate and plan, but it is difficult.”

“Remy was informed of this and knows the club wants to keep him. A club’s offer of €100 million will be discussed if it is made.”

 

18. Florian Thauvin 

• Age: 21 

• Team: Marseille

 

At the age of 21, Florian Thauvin has already played for a number of French clubs, including Grenoble, Bastia, Lille, and Marseille. The winger’s honesty was questioned during the transfer between the previous two clubs as he attempted to force through a move to Marseille without even playing a single minute for Lille.

The French under-20 international scored ten goals in Ligue 1 while playing on loan at Bastia last year, and he added three more when he represented France at the Under-20 World Cup, which they went on to win. He has scored five goals in three games for the under-21s and eight for l’OM at the club level this season.

Thauvin certainly appears to be a promising young player who is quick, agile, and has a decent shot on goal. He may succeed in becoming a global star if he can shake his reputation as a spoiled brat.

 

What People Claim

 

James Eastham wrote the following in December:

“He has an abundance of talent and the mental fortitude to match it. Thauvin has adapted quickly despite Marseille being a famously difficult location for young footballers to succeed, which is all the more amazing given the transfer scandal that preceded his move and the fact that he could not participate in a full preseason.”

 

17. Andre Hahn

• Age: 23

• Team: Augsburg (will move to Borussia Monchengladbach this summer, per Transfermarkt)

 

In German football, Andre Hahn is on the verge of becoming a household name. The 23-year-old signed for Augsburg in January 2013 from German fourth-tier Kickers Offenbach for just €250,000. He was largely unknown just 18 months prior.

He has been a significant contributor to the Bavarian team this year. In 29 games for the Bundesliga, he has scored ten goals and recorded five assists. Intriguingly, those figures match those of Arjen Robben.

The right-sided forward was called up to German national team for their friendly match against Chile on March 5 due to his performances for Augsburg.

 

What People Claim

 

Max Eberl, the club’s sporting director, provided the following statement upon joining Gladbach:

“This season at Augsburg, Andre Hahn has had an unbelievable development. He ranks among the league’s top scorers on the wing and will undoubtedly help us in the offensive department.”

“We are happy he chose us despite stiff competition when we tried to sign him.”

 

16. Eliaquim Mangala

• Age: 23

• Team: FC Porto

 

This summer, Eliaquim Mangala is probably going to shift around. The French center-back paid €6.5 million to join FC Porto in 2011 and is now worth more than three times that much, per Transfermarkt.com.

Mangala is a great defender and deserves to be as highly regarded as he is, despite a few recent subpar performances and a brief stint on the Porto bench.

He has received two French caps and has played more than 50 times for Porto, winning back-to-back Primeira Liga championships in the past two years. Three of his five goals this season came in the Europa League.

According to John Richardson, Mangala has a £38 million release clause in his contract and is presently linked to Manchester City and Manchester United.

 

What People Claim

 

Didier Deschamps, the head coach of France, stated in March:

“Eliaquim was not a surprise to me because he plays for a major Portuguese club and competes in the Champions League.”

 

15. Alberto Moreno

• Age: 21

• Team: Sevilla

 

Alberto Moreno, born and bred in Seville and graduated from the Sevilla youth system, has made an impression since being elevated to the senior ranks of Los Rojiblancos in March 2013.

He gained his first call-up to the Spain senior team eight months later for a World Cup qualifier against Belarus and then debuted against Georgia, playing the full 90 minutes in a 2-0 victory.

The attacking left-back began his career as a midfielder before switching to the position that has earned him praise for his performances at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan. He won the Under-21 European Championship in Israel last year.

According to Paul Hetherington of the Daily Star, the 21-year-old is reportedly being connected with various clubs as the current season comes to a close. The kind of football Moreno is capable of is demonstrated by these teams: Chelsea, Real Madrid, Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester United.

 

What People Claim

 

Vicente del Bosque, the Spain coach, quoted:

“We want to operate like a team that values its youth teams. Although we are not adamant in this regard, giving young people opportunities leads to positive outcomes. We summoned Alberto up because he is exhibiting that level, so that’s why.”

 

14. Gerard Deulofeu

• Age: 20

• Team: Everton (on loan from Barcelona)

 

This season, Gerard Deulofeu has performed admirably in the Premier League. He played seven times for the senior team of Barcelona, a product of the club’s development academy, before being transferred on loan to Everton in July 2013.

With Spain’s youth teams, he has won a number of championships, including the special honor of being named the 2012 UEFA European Under-19 Championship Golden Player. Paul Bryan of UEFA.com at the time wrote:

At the 11th UEFA European Under-19 Championship, there were times when the Barça young team player appeared determined to shred rival defenses independently, his constant focus and passion almost working against the club’s best interests. Deulofeu’s decision-making and finishing ultimately ranked highest among the variables that contributed to Spain’s victory because the squad gained the most when he got it right.

The 20-year-old is the definition of a difficult winger with his quick feet, pace, and dribbling abilities. Deulofeu, equally skilled playing wide or as a No. 10, has scored three goals in the Premier League this year. Also, he scored 18 goals for Barcelona B last year.

He has what it takes to excel for his club and country.

 

What People Claim

 

Everton manager Roberto Martinez said:

“In the new year, he will explode on the league. He has so much skill. He has shown fantastic things already, but for any young player, it takes time to adjust.”

 

13. Roberto Firmino

• Age: 22

• Team: Hoffenheim

 

Roberto Firmino, a playmaker from Brazil, is on the verge of becoming well-known. Hoffenheim’s No. 10 has had a remarkable season thus far, scoring 20 goals and dishing out 15 assists across all competitions.

Firmino has yet to receive a Brazil national team cap, but his performances in the Bundesliga have led to links to several teams, including Liverpool and Chelsea. According to sources, the 22-year-old extended his existing contract with the Rhein-Neckar Arena until 2017.

The 2014 World Cup with Brazil could feature him, and if his upward trend continues, Firmino will one day be a household name in football.

 

What People Claim

 

Hoffenheim chairman Peter Rettig in response to Firmino’s new contract, stated:

“We’re delighted that the club has retained Roberto Firmino, a crucial component of this young team.”

Alexander Rosen, the sporting director, continued:

“He’s a player with extraordinary skill who has progressed immensely under Markus Gisdol the previous year.”

 

12. Domenico Berardi

• Age: 19

• Team: Sassuolo (on loan from Juventus)

 

On January 12, 2014, Domenico Berardi made his biggest impression on the field by scoring four goals against AC Milan. Sassuolo, playing in the top division of Italian football for the first time in their existence, accomplished a tremendous milestone with a 4-3 victory.

This season, the 19-year-old has scored 13 goals in 26 Serie A games. He scored 11 goals for the Neroverdi in Serie B last season, prompting clubs like Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, and Southampton to pursue the forward until Juventus entered into a co-ownership agreement with Sassuolo, according to Sam Cunningham of the Daily Mail.

Upon visiting his brother at the university in Modena in 2010, Sassuolo scout Luciano Carlino discovered Berardi, as reported by sources.

Expect Berardi to wear Juve jerseys the following season because he is tall, strong, and a great finisher. A future superstar? In our opinion, yes.

 

What People Claim

 

Carlino described first spotting Berardi to Tuttosport:

“He is a former player with a tremendous appetite. Domenico was more focused and less spoiled than most good boys I’ve seen. It was sufficient from a technical standpoint to see him attempt ten attempts and score ten goals, all of which were in the top corner. Impressive. He has a devastating left foot that can strike from any angle. He reminds me of [Arjen] Robben because of his light touch and quick cutting ability.”

 

11. Julian Draxler

• Age: 20

• Team: Schalke 04

 

Julian Draxler, one of the most intriguing young possibilities in the Bundesliga, has been with Schalke since he was eight. The German international, who has made nearly 150 club games since making his senior squad debut at 17 years and 117 days, has long been a favorite of Arsenal.

The offensive midfielder has already won two trophies with Schalke, the 2010–11 DFB Pokal and the DFL Supercup. He is quick, controlled, and deadly on the counterattack.

Jens Keller’s German team is frantically trying to cling onto Draxler. According to a source, club chairman Clemens Tonnies has already ruled out a summer transfer to Arsenal or Bayern Munich.

 

What People Claim

 

Felix Magath, a former Schalke coach, stated:

“He has an extremely sophisticated understanding of the game’s rhythm for someone his age. He is not prone to sloppiness and is quite focused. He is cheeky, self-assured, and constantly trying to score on the field. He is an awkward opponent for anyone due to all of it.”

 

10. William Carvalho

• Age: 22

• Team: Sporting Lisbon

 

According to reports, William Carvalho will sign a contract with Manchester United this summer, as reported. A transfer to Manchester might be the next step to becoming a future game star after a breakthrough season for Sporting Lisbon.

Before returning to the Jose Alvalade Stadium this season, the powerful, composed central/defensive midfielder spent an additional 1.5 seasons on loan at Cercle Brugge. He was promoted to Sporting’s leading team upon his comeback, and as of this season, he has participated in 27 games in the Primeira Liga.

Carvalho has received recognition from Portugal at every level, including the under-17 level. This year, he was called to the senior team for the two-game World Cup play-off against Sweden. He participated in the second leg and then appeared in a friendly match against Cameroon. He might make it to Brazil in 2014.

 

What People Claim

 

In February, Sky Sports Scout was questioned about Carvalho. What they had to say was as follows:

“Suddenly, Portugal has a holding midfielder who many belief has the potential to be a world-class player.”

“One quality about Carvalho that stands out immediately is his maturity and serenity. He seldom panics while handling the ball, but he also can release the ball fast.”

“Carvalho is not sluggish and can move the ball forward on his own, but he prefers to distribute the ball out wide; thus, most of the time, he lets the ball do the job.”

“He currently plays with a relatively straightforward style, but he excels at his essential role for Sporting. His long limbs allow him to cover land fast and eliminate most threats, commanding the area in front of the defense.”

“A competent defensive midfielder is priceless, and Carvalho is undoubtedly a wonderful discovery for Sporting.”

 

9. Adnan Januzaj

• Age: 19

• Team: Manchester United

 

Adnan Januzaj is a unique talent, as anyone who has seen him play for Manchester United this season can attest.

After making his debut in the Community Shield in August, the player from Brussels made his way into the United’s first squad this season.

Januzaj has since made 24 Premier League appearances this season, contributing three assists and four goals. The teenage midfielder has been a bright spot for David Moyes’ team throughout a largely forgettable season.

The 19-year-old at Old Trafford has a bright future ahead of him.

 

What People Claim

 

Last October, Robin van Persie spoke with David McDonnell and said:

“I’m a huge fan of his, and he’s a fantastic player. He has something extraordinary, as I said before in the preseason.”

“I’ve watched a lot of young players over the years, and I can honestly say that he ranks among the top one or two of all the young players I’ve seen.”

 

8. Raheem Sterling

• Age: 19

• Team: Liverpool

 

Raheem Sterling has stunned many this season with his breakneck-speed dribbles and poise in front of goal for Liverpool.

The Reds player has had a standout season under Brendan Rodgers, who has reaped the benefits of a player rumored to be leaving Anfield for a Championship loan deal in January, as reported by the Mirror. Sterling has been used both as a No. 10 and on the flank.

Despite being only in his teen years, he is thrilling and unpredictable. There is still much more to come from Sterling, the unfinished product.

He will become a star player for both club and country in the following years.

 

What People Claim

 

Graeme Souness, a former player, and manager for Liverpool, about Sterling:

“He has everything; I can’t believe how swift and strong he is. He also can understand the big picture.”

“Since I’ve never met him, I don’t know his height or physical description, but he intimidates and bullies others who are much bigger than him, which makes him a star.”

“He might become worldly given his advanced age.”

 

7. Luke Shaw

• Age: 18

• Team: Southampton 

 

Where have you been if you have yet to hear of Luke Shaw? The 18-year-old left-back has swiftly emerged as one of the Premier League’s most talked-about young players, and it appears that many other clubs have him on their wish lists.

His breakthrough season in the Premier League came in 2012/13 when Shaw made 25 appearances for the Saints after being promoted to the first team at St. Mary’s.

He has consistently played for the team that has excelled under Mauricio Pochettino this season. According to The Guardian, he has already been named to the PFA Young Player of the Year shortlist after playing left defender in 31 games.

It’s simple to draw analogies between Gareth Bale and Southampton’s attacking full-back, who plays for Southampton. Shaw does, however, share many of the same traits as the Real Madrid player, including pace, quickness to track back, physical strength, calmness, and a terrific left foot.

According to Martin Lipton of the Mirror, Shaw might be headed to Manchester United this summer, who also claims that Chelsea is intrigued.

Shaw still has much playing time ahead of him, so expect him to do great things.

 

What People Claim

 

According to Southampton teammate Adam Lallana, who spoke to David Woods:

“He’s an exceptional talent and one of the best players I’ve ever seen at 18 years old.”

 

6. Alen Halilovic

• Age: 17 

• Team: Dinamo Zagreb (will join Barcelona this summer)

 

Alen Halilovic is only 17 years old, which is difficult to comprehend. After making an impression for the Croatian team, the young midfielder has been frequently linked with moves away from Stadion Maksimir.

It is irrelevant whether the player is “the new Lionel Messi” or “the next Luka Modric,” as Aleksandar Holiga of The Guardian claimed. In the game, comparisons of this kind are common, but in Halilovic’s case, they may be accurate.

According to the Daily Mail, Halilovic has recently been connected with a number of teams, including Manchester United, Manchester City, and Real Madrid.

Notwithstanding the club’s transfer ban, it was revealed in late March that the teenager would be moving to Barcelona this summer. According to Ed Aarons of The Guardian, the move is still anticipated to go through.

How does he play, then? Well, somewhat akin to Messi. His small stature and scruffy hair provide a clear physical connection. Still, the Argentinian is more than just a passing likeness regarding his dribbling, pace, strength with the ball, and finishing abilities.

Halilovic is a future superstar in the making.

 

What People Claim

Former Croatia striker Davor Suker told Cope:

“Halilovic is a star. He reminds me of Messi. He is young, but we can trust him, and he controls the ball really well,” 

 

5. Kurt Zouma

• Age: 19

• Team: St Etienne (on loan from Chelsea)

 

Kurt Zouma, a young center-back, has drawn much interest from abroad after making his professional debut for Saint Etienne in 2011.

His development was hindered this season by a 10-game suspension for violent behavior. Still, aside from that, his reliable performances in the heart of the defense for St. Etienne and the French under-20 squad cannot conceal the fact that he is a good player. 

According to David Hytner, the 6’3″ defender has already been signed by Chelsea and immediately loaned back to St. Etienne after the signing. He exudes confidence, is lightning-fast, and cuts an intimidating figure.

At every youth competition, Zouma has represented France, and last October, he received his first call-up to the senior team.

 

What People Claim

 

Jose Mourinho, the manager of Chelsea, stated to The Telegraph and other outlets after getting Zouma:

“We liked his profile and believe he has transitioned well to the Premier League. He is a young player for a position where we also need the future.”

“Physically fit, he has great potential as a player. Being physically and tactically prepared are two different things. Bravo, Chelsea.”

 

4. Paul Pogba

• Age: 21

• Team: Juventus

 

One of the most intriguing young players in football today, Paul Pogba, has already made a name for himself. Will he, like former Juventus greats Alessandro Del Piero, Pavel Nedved, and David Trezeguet, become a “huge star”?

He’s been inconsistent lately. We are curious whether this is due to exhaustion (Pogba has featured in 57 games for the club and country this season) or issues brought on by ongoing transfer rumors. However, the fact that the 21-year-old has emerged as a crucial player for the Old Lady cannot be disputed. Ignoring his outstanding passing, two-footed play, ability to score screamers, and rock-solid defensive contribution are impossible.

Pogba, formerly of Manchester United, joined Juventus in the summer of 2012. He steadily pushed his way into the first squad in Turin during his first season, appearing in 27 league games and eight Champions League contests. He got off to a fast start this season, contributing to Juve’s first 15 Serie A victories with four goals and three assists.

His performances have gotten worse throughout the season. Nonetheless, there are still rumors about a summer departure from Juventus. The midfielder has been linked to Manchester United, Monaco, and Paris Saint-Germain.

 

What People Claim

 

Gianluigi Buffon, the goalkeeper for Juventus, said of his teammate: 

“Pogba has been a genuine surprise; nobody anticipated him to be this excellent when he arrived. He is an amazing player who maintains great modesty. He will make history for Juventus and France.

 

3. James Rodriguez

• Age: 22

• Team: Monaco

 

James Rodriguez, already well-regarded, can emerge as one of the game’s most promising young players.

The Colombian’s efforts for FC Porto between 2010 and 2013 led to a cool €45 million summer transfer to Monaco. In his 32 appearances this season, the attacking midfielder has quickly adapted to life in Ligue 1, scoring nine goals and setting up another 11 goals.

Rodriguez, a three-time winner of the Primeira Liga and a Europa League champion with Porto, is one of the most intriguing players participating in the 2014 World Cup. If healthy, he can play either wing or as a No. 10, assisting clubmate Radamel Falcao, a fellow countryman, and Jackson Martinez, a former Porto teammate.

What will he do now that he has secured the lucrative relocation to France? fame comparable to that of Cristiano Ronaldo.

 

What People Claim

 

 Rodriguez said when questioned about parallels to Colombia veteran Carlos Valderrama:

“It makes me proud when they compare me to great players, but I am James and continue to be James. I am my person, and the world can see me that way.”

 

2. Raphael Varane

• Age: 20 

• Team: Real Madrid

France has a golden generation of athletes poised to make their marks as major stars in their way.

Raphael Varane, the highly regarded center-back for Real Madrid, joins Paul Pogba, Florian Thauvin, and Kurt Zouma, featured elsewhere in this slideshow.

In 2011, the defender from Lille switched from Lens to Real Madrid to play in La Liga. You may be familiar with the person who worked to make the deal happen: Zinedine Zidane, as seen on Goal.com.

His progress has been limited this season by injuries, but in his 17 games for Madrid, he displayed all the qualities of a top-notch defender. Didier Deschamps is probably going to use Varane in Brazil this summer.

 

What People Claim

 

 Elliott Bretland:

“Varane is the best young central defender in the world. When asked about him, I said as much to The Sun in March.”

 

1. Koke

• Age: 22

• Team: Atletico Madrid

It has been a season for Atletico Madrid and the team’s 22-year-old midfielder, Koke.

As shown on ESPN last year, Jorge Resurreccion Merodio, or “Koke,” has already been nicknamed “the future Xavi,” at this time, he might join the majority of European teams.

His breakthrough season was 2012/13 when he played in 33 of Atletico’s 38 La Liga games and won the EU Super Cup and the Copa del Rey.

Koke has already received seven caps for Spain’s senior team after being called up after his country’s victory at the European U-21 Championships last year.

Koke is very powerful, adaptable, and creative. This season, he has contributed 13 assists, six goals, and four more assists across Europe and the Copa del Rey. Koke’s goal proved crucial in advancing Atletico Madrid over Barcelona in this year’s Champions League semifinals.

Over the years, Spain has produced an abundance of midfielders of the highest caliber. Koke is another potential future star that they have.

 

What People Claim

 

Barca player and teammate, Xavi of Spain, said :

“Koke is a brilliant football player. He possesses all the qualities of a prospective and present football player, including talent and physical prowess.”

“He has been designated as the orchestral director for Spain for the ensuing ten years.”

“Because we both play in the same position, and I believe he is an exceptional player, I have a special fondness for him.”