As the footballing world shifts its gaze towards the future, a new generation of talent is beginning to take centre stage. From seasoned stars entering pivotal moments in their careers to teenage prodigies with limitless potential, 2025 promises to be a year of intrigue, evolution, and defining moments for these ten players. Whether it’s contract sagas, breakout seasons, or transfers that could shift the balance of power in European football, these players are poised to make headlines.
Players to Watch in 2025
Trent Alexander-Arnold – Liverpool
Few players in the modern game have redefined their position quite like Trent Alexander-Arnold. The Liverpool right-back, known for his exquisite crossing ability and playmaking skills from deep, has become one of the Premier League’s most influential players. However, with his contract set to expire in 2025, all eyes will be on whether Trent commits his future to Liverpool or seeks a new challenge elsewhere, such as Real Madrid.
With over 60 assists and countless breathtaking moments in his career so far, Trent remains not only a crucial part of Arne Slot’s system but also a symbol of Liverpool’s recent success. The upcoming year will be decisive, and his performances—both as a defender and as a creative engine—will shape Liverpool’s campaign.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid are fully focused on one name and one name only: Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold who becomes a free agent in the summer pic.twitter.com/rbMBYbPVXf
— 365Scores (@365Scores) November 12, 2024
Myles Lewis-Skelly – Arsenal
Arsenal’s academy has produced some serious gems over the years, and Myles Lewis-Skelly might just be the next to sparkle. A versatile midfielder blessed with pace, composure, and an eye for a killer pass, Lewis-Skelly has been turning heads in Arsenal’s youth setup and now in their first team as well as they deal with an injury crisis.
He played a pivotal role in the club’s FA Youth Cup run and has begun knocking on the door of the senior squad. Comparisons to the likes of Patrick Vieira and Declan Rice have started to emerge, and 2025 could be the year he breaks through into Mikel Arteta’s first team. If given more opportunities in cup competitions or during squad rotations, Lewis-Skelly could become one of the Premier League’s most exciting young talents.
Marc Casado – Barcelona
Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy continues to be a conveyor belt of talent, and Marc Casado is its latest gem. A versatile midfielder who excels in both defensive and box-to-box roles, Casado has already shown glimpses of his quality in Barcelona’s senior setup. With Sergio Busquets’ departure leaving a leadership void in midfield, Casado has the perfect stage to stake his claim. Known for his sharp passing, tactical awareness, and maturity beyond his years, he has become a key figure in Hansi Flick’s system. If injuries or squad rotation open up opportunities, expect Casado to make a household name for himself in 2025.
Geovany Quenda – Sporting Lisbon
Geovany Quenda is already generating buzz in Portugal as one of Sporting Lisbon’s brightest prospects. A dynamic winger with a bag of tricks and an eye for goal, Quenda has the ability to change games in an instant. His fearless approach to taking on defenders and his raw pace make him a nightmare for opposing full-backs.
Having recently broken into Sporting and Portugal’s first team, Quenda will be looking to establish himself as a consistent starter in 2025. If he continues on his current trajectory, bigger European clubs will undoubtedly start circling.
Alphonso Davies – Bayern Munich
Alphonso Davies is no stranger to the spotlight, but 2025 could be a defining year for the Canadian superstar. With his contract set to expire, speculation around Davies’ future is already dominating headlines. Known for his blistering pace, defensive recovery, and attacking flair, Davies has been a cornerstone of Bayern Munich’s success in recent years.
Having won multiple Bundesliga titles and a Champions League trophy, Davies has already achieved more than most players dream of. However, whether he extends his stay in Bavaria or seeks a new challenge in another European powerhouse, Davies will remain one of the most talked-about names in football.
Davies dazzles against Real Madrid, then joins them? 🤯
— 365Scores (@365Scores) November 20, 2024
Could the Canadian sensation be the next player to make the switch from rival to foe? 🇨🇦🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/MA09C7TDKv
Leny Yoro – Manchester United
Leny Yoro’s move to Manchester United has been met with high expectations, and 2025 could be the year he truly delivers on his promise. The young French centre-back possesses an impressive combination of strength, composure, and ball-playing ability. With Manchester United still in a rebuilding phase under Ruben Amorim, Yoro has the opportunity to cement himself as a cornerstone of their defence.
After an injury kept him sidelined for three months, he has shown potential in bright cameos against Arsenal and Tottenham. At just 18, he’s already shown glimpses of brilliance, and consistent game time in the Premier League could see him develop into one of Europe’s elite defenders.
Kendry Paez – Independiente del Valle / Chelsea
Ecuadorian wonderkid Kendry Paez has already captured the attention of Chelsea fans despite not yet arriving in London. Set to join Chelsea once he turns 18, Paez is regarded as one of South America’s brightest attacking midfield talents. Known for his creativity, dribbling ability, and composure in tight spaces, he’s already made waves with Independiente del Valle. Paez’s development in 2025 will be closely monitored, as Chelsea looks to integrate him into their long-term plans. If his performances in Ecuador are anything to go by, the Premier League might soon have a new teenage sensation.
Done Deal ✅️
— 365Scores (@365Scores) June 5, 2023
Chelsea have completed the signing of Kendry Páez from Independiente Del Valle. The 16-year-old Ecuadorian wonder kid will join during the 2025/26 season.#KendryPaez #Chelsea #EPL #IndependienteDelValle #365Scores pic.twitter.com/rqvUSmEamD
Jorrel Hato – Ajax
Ajax has long been a breeding ground for exceptional talent, and Jorrel Hato is no exception. A versatile defender who can operate both as a centre-back and a left-back, Hato combines defensive intelligence with technical elegance. Despite his youth, he’s already featured almost 60 times for Ajax’s first team in the Eredivisie and has demonstrated maturity beyond his years. In 2025, Hato will likely become a linchpin in Ajax’s defensive structure, and bigger European clubs will undoubtedly take notice.
Real Madrid eyeing up another young talent! 👀
— 365Scores (@365Scores) November 12, 2024
Jorrel Hato, watch out, the Bernabéu might be calling your name soon pic.twitter.com/XXMSTO1VE9
Assan Ouédraogo – RB Leipzig
RB Leipzig has built a reputation for identifying and developing young talent, and Assan Ouédraogo is their latest rising star. A powerful and dynamic midfielder, Ouédraogo possesses an impressive blend of physicality and technical finesse. His ability to cover ground, break up opposition play, and contribute offensively makes him an all-action presence in midfield. In 2025, expect Ouédraogo to become a key figure for Leipzig as they continue to challenge Bayern Munich for Bundesliga supremacy.
Franco Mastantuono – River Plate
At just 16 years old, Franco Mastantuono is already turning heads in Argentina. The River Plate attacking midfielder is being hailed as the next big thing in South American football. Known for his creativity, vision, and knack for scoring spectacular goals, Mastantuono has already made an impact in River’s senior side. With scouts from Europe closely monitoring his progress, 2025 could be the year he earns a big move to one of Europe’s elite clubs.
By Nicky Helfgott – NickyHelfgott1 on X (Twitter)
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