NXGN 2024: 50 Best Wonderkids in World Football

Discover the future of football with NXGN 2024's top 50 wonderkids, shining a light on those born after January 1, 2005. From global talents to future legends, here are the players set to shape the next generation of the beautiful game.

s football continues to evolve, the search for the next Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo remains a focal point for fans and pundits alike. Amid this quest, the emergence of wonderkids across the globe has captivated the footballing community, sparking debates and excitement about the potential future stars of the sport. Enter NXGN, the prestigious accolade that highlights football's brightest young talents.

What is NXGN wonderkid rankings?

Launched in 2016, NXGN is an annual list that celebrates the top 50 young footballers, all aged 19 or under, showcasing their skills, potential, and impact on the game. This initiative, spearheaded by GOAL, spans across various leagues including the Premier League, LaLiga, Ligue 1, Bundesliga, Serie A, and even the World Cup U-20, ensuring a comprehensive coverage of the footballing landscape.

How does NXGN 2024 work, and who votes?

Compiling the NXGN list is a rigorous endeavour undertaken by a dedicated team of football experts and youth football specialists from around the world. These connoisseurs of the game keep a year-round vigil on emerging talents, evaluating them based on skill, performance, potential for growth, and their ability to influence games, ensuring a list that's both credible and exciting.

What is the NXGN Nine?

2023 marked a pivotal shift in the NXGN awards, transitioning from a single winner to the NXGN Nine. This new format recognises nine exceptional young talents deemed to possess the qualities to ascend to world-class status as they progress in their careers. Each member of the NXGN Nine is honoured with a special award from NXGN, acknowledging their burgeoning prowess and the bright future that lies ahead.

The NXGN best 50 wonderkids in world football full list:

50. Jobe Bellingham (Sunderland)

Emerging from the shadow of his brother Jude, Jobe Bellingham's transition from Birmingham City to Sunderland has shown his potential. With versatility in midfield and attack, he's tipped to reach the heights of his celebrated sibling.

49. Nestory Irankunda (Adelaide United)

Set to join Bayern Munich, Irankunda's explosive speed and lethal left foot have made him Australia's most exciting prospect since Tim Cahill. His record-breaking A-League move underlines his expected impact in Europe.

48. Benjamin Cremaschi (Inter Miami)

Benefiting from Lionel Messi's mentorship at Inter Miami, Cremaschi's midfield prowess and connection with the Argentine legend have boosted his profile, making him a dual-national talent to watch for Argentina and the USA.

47. Sverre Nypan (Rosenborg)

Norway's new Martin Odegaard, Nypan's exceptional passing and versatility in midfield have caught the eye of top European clubs. His talent suggests a bright future ahead on the international stage.

46. Agustin Ruberto (River Plate)

Ruberto's knack for goals at the U17 World Cup has marked him as Argentina's next striking sensation. With a keen eye for goal and a €30m release clause, he's on the radar of Europe's elite.

45. Julian Rijkhoff (Ajax)

Rijkhoff's return to Ajax from Dortmund reiterates the club's reputation for nurturing forwards. His prolific scoring in youth football promises to revitalise Ajax's attacking options.

44. Assane Diao (Real Betis)

Assane Diao's blend of power, pace, and technical skill on the wing for Real Betis has attracted interest from Premier League and La Liga giants. With a notable €30m release clause, his future is bright.

43. Archie Gray (Leeds United)

Continuing Leeds United's familial legacy, Archie Gray's versatility and midfield dominance have sparked interest from top English clubs. Borussia Dortmund have also been linked to sign Archie Gray. An England youth captain, his trajectory hints at a promising career ahead.

42. Julien Duranville (Borussia Dortmund)

Belgium's next star, Duranville's pace and skill have made an immediate impact at Dortmund. Despite injury setbacks, his potential as a future Belgian icon is undeniable.

41. Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal)

As the youngest-ever Premier League player, Nwaneri's maturity and skill for Arsenal highlight a talent with a bright future ahead, capturing the interest of England's top clubs.

40. Paris Brunner (Borussia Dortmund)

Dubbed 'the new Moukoko', Brunner's impressive U17 World Cup and Euros performances for Germany signal a star in the making, despite needing to polish his disciplinary record.

39. Ben Doak (Liverpool)

Liverpool's young Scottish winger, Doak's aggressive play style and potential as a future key player for the Reds have made him one to watch, even as he recovers from injury.

38. Franco Mastantuono (River Plate)

Emerging as River Plate's next great talent, Franco Mastantuono's scoring ability and versatility in midfield have caught the eye of Barcelona and Manchester United, marking him as a future star.

37. Marc Guiu (Barcelona)

Guiu's dramatic goals for Barcelona have catapulted him into the spotlight, showcasing his potential as a powerful striker capable of becoming a mainstay in the team's attacking lineup.

36. George Ilenikhena (Royal Antwerp)

Dubbed 'the new Romelu Lukaku', Ilenikhena's goal-scoring prowess in Belgium hints at a future at Manchester United, his dream club, following an explosive debut season.

35. Paul Wanner (Bayern Munich - loan at Elversberg)

Labelled an 'extraordinary talent' by Julian Nagelsmann, Wanner's loan at Elversberg is seen as a step towards becoming a fixture in Bayern Munich's midfield, showcasing his development potential.

34. Isaac Babadi (PSV)

PSV's box-to-box midfielder, Babadi's ability to break through defences and leadership qualities have solidified his role as a key player, fending off interest from AC Milan and Atletico Madrid.

33. Eliesse Ben Seghir (Monaco)

Ben Seghir, an attacking maestro at Monaco, combines flair with clinical finishing. Despite injury setbacks, his potential remains vast, hinting at a future star in French football.

32. Simone Pafundi (Udinese - loan at Lausanne)

Pafundi, loaned to Lausanne from Udinese, shows promise with his magical left foot and playmaking ability. Italy's youngest international in a century, his future is brightly lit on the European stage.

31. Jack Hinshelwood (Brighton)

Brighton's midfield dynamo, Hinshelwood's adaptability and knack for crucial goals have made him a standout in the Premier League, earmarking him as a future England international.

30. Eli Junior Kroupi (Lorient)

Kroupi, likened to Mbappe for his explosive speed and goal-scoring talent, is setting Ligue 1 ablaze with Lorient, attracting attention from Barcelona and Real Madrid.

29. Dean Huijsen (Juventus - loan at Roma)

On loan at Roma, Huijsen is tipped as Juventus' defensive future. His composure and tactical intelligence belie his youth, drawing comparisons to footballing greats.

28. Francesco Camarda (AC Milan)

Breaking records at AC Milan, Camarda's goal-scoring prowess at a young age forecasts a glittering career, mirroring legends like Van Basten, with top clubs on high alert.

27. Gianluca Prestianni (Benfica)

Prestianni, Argentina's 'Pulga', dazzles with fearless dribbling and creative play, making a bold move from Velez to Benfica where his development is eagerly watched.

26. Valentin Carboni (Inter - loan at Monza)

Carboni's grace in midfield, coupled with his versatility, has made his loan spell at Monza pivotal, with eyes set on a blossoming career with Inter and Argentina.

25. Amara Diouf (Generation Foot)

Senegal's youngest international, Diouf's record-breaking prowess at U17 level and impending move to Metz, earmark him as a talent with the world at his feet, drawing comparisons to Sadio Mane.

24. Assan Ouedraogo (Schalke)

Ouedraogo's dominance in midfield for Schalke hints at a talent too vast for the second division, attracting interest from Europe's elite with his box-to-box capabilities.

23. Lucas Bergvall (Djurgarden)

Sweden's hope, Lucas Bergvall's move to Tottenham from Djurgarden marks him as a potential midfield general in the Premier League, bringing creativity and defensive solidity.

22. Desire Doue (Rennes)

Doue's electrifying pace and two-footed skill make him Rennes' latest academy success story, with Bayer Leverkusen and other top clubs showing keen interest.

21. Estevao Willian (Palmeiras)

Dubbed 'Messinho', Willian's agility and prowess have drawn comparisons to Lionel Messi, with Barcelona and Chelsea vying for the Brazilian prodigy's signature.

20. Luis Guilherme (Palmeiras)

Another gem from Palmeiras, Guilherme's electrifying pace and versatility have put him on the radar of Liverpool and other top European clubs, promising a future among the elite.

19. Lewis Miley (Newcastle)

Miley's intelligence and versatility have made him a key figure for Newcastle, with the potential to become the centrepiece of PIF's ambitious project. But Newcastle United will come under pressure to keep the 17-year-old, after reports that Real Madrid have been scouting the wonderkid.

18. Arthur Vermeeren (Atletico Madrid)

Belgium's next star, Vermeeren's move to Atletico Madrid showcases his potential as a playmaker, with a bright future in Spain and on the international stage.

17. Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona)

Barcelona's defensive prodigy, Pau Cubarsi's composure and precision have drawn comparisons to Pique, making him a critical figure in the club's future plans. Pau Cubarsi could be one of La Liga's leading centre-backs in a very short space of time.

16. Gabriel Moscardo (Paris Saint-Germain - loan at Corinthians)

Moscardo's defensive midfield prowess has made him PSG's future anchor, with comparisons to Declan Rice underscoring his potential to dominate the position globally.

15. Guillaume Restes (Toulouse)

Labelled the next Fabien Barthez by Thierry Henry, goalkeeping wonderkid Guillaume Restes combines modern goalkeeping with exceptional agility, marking him as France's future between the sticks.

14. Kendry Paez (Independiente del Valle)

Ecuador's brightest talent, Paez's impending move to Chelsea promises to showcase his creative midfield genius on the biggest stages.

13. Roony Bardghji (FC Copenhagen)

Bardghji, a dazzling winger with the flair and agility to bypass defenders effortlessly, marked his ascent with a memorable goal against Manchester United in the Champions League. Known as "the Norwegian Neymar," his electrifying performances in Denmark have sparked interest from top European clubs, positioning him for a significant move.

12. Jorrel Hato (Ajax)

At just 18, Hato exemplifies Ajax's rich tradition of nurturing defensive talents capable of commanding the backline with poise and intelligence. His leadership on the field, even in European competitions, underscores a maturity that belies his age. Hato's seamless adaptation to professional football has alerted Arsenal, eager to secure a defender of his calibre.

11. Antonio Nusa (Club Brugge)

Dubbed "the Norwegian Neymar," Nusa's skill set is reminiscent of football's most audacious talents. His knack for producing moments of magic on the pitch has not only thrilled fans but also placed him on the radar of Tottenham Hotspur, who see in him the potential to electrify the Premier League.

10. Leny Yoro (Lille)

At the heart of Lille's defence, Yoro has emerged as one of the most sought-after young talents in Europe. His ability to blend physical prowess with technical skill makes him a rare breed among defenders, attracting attention from football's elite clubs. Yoro's future promises to be a battleground for clubs vying for his signature.

9. Claudio Echeverri (Manchester City - loan at River Plate)

Labelled "the next Lionel Messi," Echeverri's breathtaking skill and vision have made him the subject of a high-profile move to Manchester City. Currently honing his craft at River Plate, his progression is keenly observed by those anticipating his impact on the Premier League.

8. Kenan Yildiz (Juventus)

Juventus' latest prodigy, Yildiz, has drawn comparisons to the legendary Alessandro Del Piero, not just for his on-field brilliance but for his ability to inspire and lead. His early performances for Juventus suggest the emergence of a new icon at the club, capable of defining an era.

7. Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United)

Mainoo's ascension at Manchester United has been nothing short of meteoric, blending technical finesse with a maturity that has seen him dominate midfield battles against far more experienced opponents. His trajectory suggests a future not just at the heart of United's midfield but also on the international stage with England.

6. Vitor Roque (Barcelona)

Roque, Brazil's latest striking sensation, has drawn inevitable comparisons to Ronaldo Nazário. His explosive arrival at Barcelona signals the club's belief in his potential to become the spearhead of their attack for years to come, blending South American flair with Catalan sophistication.

5. Arda Guler (Real Madrid)

Dubbed "the Turkish Messi," Guler's creative genius and dribbling prowess have made him one of the most exciting talents in football. His move to Real Madrid is viewed as the perfect stage for him to develop into a global superstar, with the club and fans alike anticipating his impact, with clubs like Spurs interested in stealing the young Turkish wonderkid this summer.

4. Mathys Tel (Bayern Munich)

Bayern Munich's French prodigy, Tel, has proven to be one of the most natural goal-scorers of his generation. Despite limited opportunities, his efficiency in front of goal has drawn comparisons with France's greatest strikers, positioning him as a future leader of Bayern's attacking line.

3. Warren Zaire-Emery (Paris Saint-Germain)

As PSG looks to the future post-Mbappé, Zaire-Emery stands out as the cornerstone around which the team could be rebuilt. His extraordinary midfield talent, combined with a tactical intelligence rare for his age, has made him indispensable to PSG and a future star of French football.

2. Endrick (Palmeiras)

The Brazilian phenom, Endrick, has captured the imagination of the football world with his dazzling play, earning a high-profile move to Real Madrid. Endrick's blend of speed, skill, and scoring ability has drawn comparisons to Neymar, signalling the arrival of Brazil's next superstar on the global stage.

1. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)

At just 16, Yamal has been heralded as the heir to Lionel Messi's throne at Barcelona. His record-breaking achievements and mesmerizing talent on the ball have already made him a key player for the club, embodying the hopes of a new generation of Catalan football. Yamal's potential is limitless, marking him as the top wonderkid of NXGN 2024. Although Barcelona's financial woes have top clubs circling around wonderkid Lamine Yamal, in the hope of swooping for the youngster this summer.

This is the ninth year of the NXGN wonderkids awards, with previous winners including Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo, Jadon Sancho, and Youri Tielemans.

Whilst most of the players will go on to have excellent careers, the hard work has to start now for the young wonderkids. The danger of premature recognition, as we've seen with players like Jadon Sancho, is that their careers can progress almost too rapidly, with the player perhaps becoming complacent.

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See more of football's best wonderkids:

Best young players in the Premier League to watch in 2024/25