Top 10 U20 Football Talents Ready to Shine in 2025/26
By Sholy | August 1, 2025
Each new football season brings more than just tactical innovations and blockbuster transfers — it offers a stage for the next generation of football stars to rise. From academy gems to preseason standouts, young talents are poised to make headlines in the coming campaign.
Here are 10 under-20 prospects who could explode onto the world stage in the 2025/26 season — keep your eyes on them.
10. Dro Fernandez (Barcelona)
Born: Jan 12, 2008 (17 years old)
A relatively unknown figure until recently, Dro Fernandez has started to attract attention as a key player in Barcelona’s U19 side. Despite his age, he’s already competing with older peers and made waves by scoring during Barça’s 2025 preseason tour. Expect whispers of his name to grow louder as the season unfolds.
9. Treymaurice Nyoni (Liverpool)
Born: June 30, 2007 (18 years old)
Having penned his first professional deal with Liverpool in October 2024, Nyoni is edging closer to a senior breakthrough. Included in the squad for a Champions League clash against PSV, he’s gaining trust from the coaching staff. A few Premier League minutes might be all he needs to showcase his full potential.
8. Christian Comotto (AC Milan)
Age: 17
Comotto announced himself during Milan’s preseason friendlies against Arsenal and Liverpool, before truly impressing in a start against Perth, where he not only scored but also won a penalty. The Italian teenager’s composure and attacking instinct make him a player to watch closely this season.
7. Ethan Williams (Manchester United)
Born: Nov 14, 2005 (19 years old)
Williams started out at Rochdale before joining Manchester United in 2019. A loan stint at Cheltenham helped polish his game, and he returned to Old Trafford more mature and focused. Under manager Ruben Amorim, he scored in United’s 4–1 preseason victory over Bournemouth and could now become a fringe first-team player.
6. Josh Nichols (Arsenal)
Born: July 26, 2006 (19 years old)
Nichols has been a Gunner since age 8 and signed a professional deal in 2024. The dynamic right-back stood out in preseason friendlies, especially against Manchester United, Newcastle, and AC Milan. With consistent performances, he may soon earn his competitive debut under Mikel Arteta.
5. Marli Salman (Arsenal)
Age: 15
A highly versatile defender who can slot in as both a center-back and an attacking full-back. Despite being just 15, Salman’s physicality and tactical intelligence have earned comparisons to Jean-Clair Todibo and William Saliba. In recent preseason outings against AC Milan and Newcastle, he demonstrated maturity, composure under pressure, and aerial dominance.
Though still raw, his rapid development suggests Arsenal may have unearthed another defensive gem.
4. Tygo Land (PSV)
Born: Jan 11, 2006 (19 years old)
Land, a technically sound midfielder, started at SC Heerenveen before moving to PSV in 2023. His performances earned him a spot in the 2024 Eerste Divisie Team of the Season — a huge feat for someone his age. Known for his defensive resilience and positional discipline, Land could take on a greater role at PSV this season.
3. Roony Bardghji (Barcelona)
Born: Nov 15, 2005 (19 years old)
Swedish winger Bardghji has long been on Europe’s radar, especially after scoring a memorable Champions League goal against Manchester United at just 17. Barcelona snapped him up in 2025, and he’s already impressing fans with a sensational goal during preseason. His explosive pace and skill make him a thrilling wide option.
2. Rio Ngumoha (Liverpool)
Born: Aug 29, 2008 (15 years old)
Ngumoha’s rise has been meteoric. After beginning at Chelsea’s youth academy, he joined Liverpool in 2024 and immediately impressed during the 2025 preseason. His electric dribbling, top-tier acceleration, and attacking flair mark him as one of England’s most exciting teenage talents. A potential star in the making.
1. Max Robert Dowman (Arsenal)
Born: Dec 31, 2009 (15 years old)
Arsenal’s wonderkid and perhaps the brightest gem of the list. Dowman is an attacking midfielder with flair, vision, and a knack for taking on defenders. At just 15, he made his debut in a preseason match against AC Milan and featured again against Newcastle. With dazzling dribbles and fearless creativity, he’s already being likened to Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal.
Dowman has all the tools to break into the senior team if nurtured correctly — remember the name.
Final Thoughts
The 2025/26 season could be a landmark campaign for youth development across Europe. These 10 talents — all under 20 — aren’t just promising. They’re knocking on the door of stardom. Some will shine immediately; others may need more time. But one thing is certain: the future of football is in very exciting hands.
