Who are the 2025-26 Breakout Soccer Players and the Brightest Future Young Stars?

The 2024-25 season was an exciting showcase of a new generation of talent already making waves across Europe. We witnessed the meteoric rise of Lamine Yamal, who stunned fans with his maturity and game-changing performances on some of the biggest stages. However, he wasn’t alone. Players like Myles Lewis-Skelly, Pau Cubarsí, Désiré Doué, and others made their mark, signaling a changing of the guard in top-flight football.

As thrilling and action-packed as this season was, perhaps the most exciting part is what lies ahead. A new generation of promising young talent is waiting in the wings, poised to make a name for themselves. With the 2025-26 campaign fast approaching, particularly during the preseason, these rising stars could seize their moment and break onto the scene in a big way. The future is bright, and these are the up-and-coming players you’ll want to watch closely.

Franco Mastantuono

At just 17 years old, Franco Mastantuono has already become one of Argentina’s most exciting young players. The River Plate midfielder is a creative, left-footed technician with vision, flair, and a knack for scoring from distance. He became the youngest player to score in the legendary Superclásico against Boca Juniors and is already drawing comparisons to some of Argentina’s all-time greats. Mastantuono has also attracted major European interest, especially from Real Madrid, who reportedly lead the race for his signature. Though a move likely won’t happen until he turns 18 in August, the hype is real and justified. Keep an eye on him this preseason and into the 2025-26 campaign; he’s got all the tools to be the next breakout star on the global stage.

Estêvão Willian

Another name lighting up conversations in scouting circles is Estêvão Willian, often nicknamed "Messinho" for his dazzling footwork and low center of gravity. The 17-year-old Brazilian winger currently plays for Palmeiras and has already agreed to join Chelsea in a deal reportedly worth over €60 million, which will be finalized once he turns 18. Estêvão is electric on the ball, combining blistering pace with elite-level dribbling and creativity in the final third. His ability to beat defenders one-on-one and create space out of nothing has drawn comparisons to Brazilian greats like Neymar. Despite his age, he’s already made a strong impact at the senior level with Palmeiras, and expectations are sky-high for his move to Europe.

Estêvão Willian is poised to take the next big step in his career and emerge as one of the breakout stars of the 2025-26 season. His talent has long been evident, but now he’s ready to translate that potential into real impact on the pitch. He’s not just a name to watch for the future. He is prepared to make his presence felt right now and turn heads on the biggest stage.

Max Dowman

Arsenal’s Hale End Academy continues to produce exceptional talent, and Max Dowman is the latest prodigy drawing attention. Born on December 31, 2009, the 15-year-old attacking midfielder has already made history by becoming the youngest goalscorer in the UEFA Youth League at just 14 years old. His performances have earned him comparisons to Brazilian legend Kaká, highlighting his technical prowess and vision on the field. Dowman's rapid progression saw him debut for Arsenal's U18s at 13 and later feature for the U21s, making him the youngest-ever player in Premier League Two. His standout performances for England's U17 team, including a record-breaking goal at the UEFA European Under-17 Championship, further underscore his immense potential. Despite his young age, Dowman has been training with Arsenal's first team and is expected to be part of the club's preseason tour. As he continues to develop, Max Dowman is poised to become a significant figure in Arsenal's future and a player to watch in the 2025-26 season.

Claudio Echeverri

Manchester City’s acquisition of Claudio Echeverri, affectionately known as “El Diablito,” marks another exciting addition to their roster of young talent. The 19-year-old Argentine attacking midfielder joined City from River Plate in January 2024 for a reported fee of £12.5 million and remained on loan at his boyhood club until January 2025. During his time at River Plate, Echeverri made 35 league appearances, scoring three goals. Echeverri made his debut for Manchester City in the 2025 FA Cup final against Crystal Palace and shortly after appeared in the Premier League against Fulham. His style of play, characterized by quick dribbling, creativity, and a low center of gravity, has drawn comparisons to Lionel Messi. Echeverri has also captained Argentina's U20 team, leading them to a runners-up finish in the South American Championship, where he was the second-highest scorer with six goals. With his technical skills and leadership qualities, Echeverri is poised to make a significant impact in the 2025-26 season as he integrates further into Pep Guardiola's squad.

Marc Bernal 

FC Barcelona's youth academy, La Masia, continues to produce exceptional talent, and Marc Bernal is a testament to that legacy. Born on May 26, 2007, in Berga, Spain, Bernal is a towering 1.91m defensive midfielder known for his composure, tactical intelligence, and precise passing. He joined La Masia at the age of six and steadily progressed through the ranks, making his senior debut with Barcelona Atlètic in August 2023. Bernal's performances quickly caught the attention of the first-team coaches, and he made his La Liga debut on August 17, 2024, in a 2–1 victory over Valencia. Unfortunately, just ten days later, he suffered a severe injury, tearing his ACL and damaging the meniscus in his left knee during a match against Rayo Vallecano. This setback sidelined him for the remainder of the season. Despite the injury, Barcelona demonstrated their faith in Bernal's potential by renewing his contract until June 2029 and setting a €500 million release clause. As of May 2025, Bernal is nearing full recovery and is expected to return to action at the start of the 2025-26 season. With his return, he will add depth and competition to Barcelona's midfield, which already boasts talents like Frenkie de Jong, Gavi, and Marc Casadó.