As the 2021/2022 season kicks off for three of the Big Five Leagues (Premier League, La Liga, and Bundesliga), we complied a list of who we believe are the young stars. We give you the 21 under 21 for the 2021/2022 season:
Eduardo Camavinga
CM, Stade Rennais F.C., France
Age: 18
Camavinga is one of the top young midfield talents in Europe. Born in a refugee camp in Angola, Camavinga’s family moved to France when he was young, settling in a small town near Rennes. The eventual beneficiary of the family’s settlement location was local soccer club Stade Rennais. After playing for a smaller local team, Camavinga joined Stade Rennais’ youth set-up at age 11. After rapidly rising through the Stade Rennais system, Camavinga debuted for the first team at just 16 years old. This meteoric rise has continued, as Camavinga has played a key role in Stade Rennais Champions League qualification in the 2019/2020 season, has been critical to Stade Rennais domestic success over the last two years, and even debuting for the French national team. Camavinga has since been transfer linked to every major club in Europe, though the most consistent links have been to Real Madrid and, recently, Manchester United. Camavinga’s contract expires with Stade Rennais in 2022, unless he signs a new contract, Stade Rennais will look to cash in on Camavinga in the Summer 2021 transfer window. Regardless of whether he commands a hefty transfer fee or leaves on a free, expectations for the 18-year-old will be enormous no matter where he lands. Camavinga looks to become a top midfielder in Europe and evolve into a key piece of a French national team that is loaded with talent, and will be for the foreseeable future.
Myron Boadu
CF, AS Monaco, Netherlands
Age: 20
Many people will credit Billy Beane with AZ Alkmaar’s recent success, European qualification, and “moneyball” style of play. While others may debate who should get credit for AZ’s success, there is no doubt who AZ’s most exciting young talent was: Myron Boadu. The young goal-scoring machine has had another great season, with double-digit goals yet again and AZ set to qualify for European Competition for the second year in a row. His domestic success was rewarded with his first cap for the Oranje and, true to his form, Boadu scored in his debut. Boadu’s performance caught the attention of several European clubs and his decision to hire Mino Raiola looks like it paid off, as Boadu will join Raiola in the income-tax free haven Monaco for the 2021/2022 season.
Yusuf Demir
AM/RW/LW, SK Rapid Wien (on loan at FC Barcelona), Austria
Age: 18
Demir couldn’t buy liquor during last season, but he could certainly score goals. The now 18-year old talent, who can play any attacking position, scored 6 goals and set up another 3 in his first full season in the Austrian Bundesliga. Demir’s performances garnered attention from Europe’s top club, and he eventually landed a loan with Barcelona, with an option to make the move permanent. Barcelona will evaluate Demir throughout the season, but from what everyone else has seen, the Blaugrana would be crazy not to exercise the 10-million-euro option.
Giovanni Reyna
AM/LW/RW, Borussia Dortmund, United States
Age: 18
Barely 18 and already a US international, Reyna appears to be following in the footsteps of international teammate Christian Pulisic and making a name for himself at Dortmund. A regular starter for BVB this season, Reyna scored 4 goals and added 6 assists in the Bundesliga. With another year of Haaland, Reus, and Brandt, and a new contract locking him up until 2025, Reyna will have constant competition between training sessions and matches, so we expect him to develop into one of the premier attacking players in Europe.
Nuno Mendes
LB, Sporting CP, Portugal
Age: 19
Another Sporting CP defensive product, Mendes is arguably the best young left-back in the world. Signing a new contract with a 70 million Euro buyout clause at just 18 years old, Mendes has been a regular starter for the 2020/21 Primeira Liga champions. His standout performances led to a 2021 call-up to the Portuguese National Team where, despite being called up in March 2021, he already has three caps. Mendes will be a standout for the Portuguese National Team for years to come, and will certainly be included in their 2022 World Cup roster. Where will Nuno end up after Sporting CP? Well, he has the same agent as Bruno Fernandes, so the Premier League may be calling, and the Red Devils may have an advantage.
Pedro Gonzalez Lopez (Pedri)
CM/AM, FC Barcelona, Spain
Age: 18
The 18-year old Spanish international has secured his place as a starter in the Barcelona side as the 2020/2021 season has progressed. While the stats are not overwhelming, one only needs to watch a couple of Barcelona games to see Pedri’s immense talent. With his agility, speed, and on-ball ability, Pedri is set to develop into Barcelona’s next star. His talents have not gone unnoticed in the international realm as well, as the 18-year old has earned himself a call-up to La Roja for the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, and will presumably battle for a place on the 2022 World Cup Roster. While his transfer fee could rise to 22 million Euros from incentives, the transfer looks like a steal for a player that is sure to feature for Blaugrana for years to come.
Maarten Vandevoordt
GK, KRC Genk, Belgium
Age: 19
The 19-year old looks to be the next great Belgian goalkeeper, though Thibaut Courtois won’t give up his place in the national team without a fight. Although not quite as tall as Courtois, both the 6’2” Vandevoordt and the starting Real Madrid keeper came through the Racing Genk academy. Vandevoordt has secured his place as the number 1 for the Belgian Cup champions, and will presumably remain their number 1 during their Champions League run next season.
Kaio Jorge
CF, Juventus, Brazil
Age: 19
The 19-year old Santos product looks set to be the next number 9 for the Brazilian National Team, but we’re getting ahead of ourselves. Kaio, who found his goal-scoring form in the 2020 Copa Libertadores, was tracked by every major club in Europe, eventually landing in Turin with Juventus. With obvious talent and success in the 2020 Libertadores, it was a wonder why Fernando Diniz only started Kaio once in the 2021 Libertadores. That question has disappeared with his move to Juventus, and has been replaced with a new inquiry: Will Kaio Jorge spend the 2021/2022 season with Juventus? If not, who will he be loaned out to? Kaio was always destined for a move to Europe. The only question left now is how will Kaio perform now that the European move has happened.
Anssumane “Ansu” Fati
LW/RW/CF, FC Barcelona, Spain
Age: 18
Prior to a painful meniscus injury, Fati was one of the best young stars in La Liga. Despite only appearing in 7 games prior to the injury, Fati had bagged 4 goals and an assist in La Liga. Fati also put in some great displays in European competition, scoring a goal and adding 3 assists over three games. A versatile forward who can play any position up front, Fati’s skill set should be advantageous for a Barcelona team that, at times, plays a more “fluid” front three model. Despite being eligible to play for his birth country of Guinea-Bissau, Fati made his international debut for La Roja in 2020, at just 17 years old. One of the younger players on this list (age 18), Fati is arguably the most talented player on the list, with one of the highest ceilings on the list. Fati joined La Masia in 2012 at 10 years old, and if Barcelona is smart, they won’t let this generational talent go.
Rodrygo
RW/LW/CF, Real Madrid, Brazil
Age: 20
While his teammate and compatriot Vinicius Junior could be on the move, it looks like Rodrygo is there to stay at Real Madrid. After inconsistent playing time and performances at the beginning of the 2020/2021 La Liga season, Rodrygo has been in form since February 2021. Zidane put faith in Rodrygo, and Rodrygo repaid that faith with some stellar performances. Despite his inconsistency at the beginning of the season, the speedy Brazilian scored 1 goal and contributed 5 assists during the La Liga season. Inconsistent and underperforming wing play may have been Real Madrid’s most glaring weakness during the 2020/2021 season, but Rodrygo was a bright spot for Real. With players like Gareth Bale and Eden Hazard potentially on the move (either via transfer or loan), Rodrygo may end up as Real’s first-choice right winger during the 2021/2022 season.
Gabriel Menino
CM/RM/RB, Palmeiras, Brazil
Age: 20
Menino, who turns 21 next month, is the next young midfield star to come out of Brazil. A regularly appearing member of Palmeiras, he’s a natural central midfielder who can also play on the right side or slot in at right back. Menino is not particularly lethal going forward so upon moving to Europe, expect him to play in a more defensive midfield role like Casemiro or Fabinho rather than an attacking midfield role, i.e. Coutinho or Lucas Paqueta. In the future, I see Menino as a midfielder like Lyon’s Bruno Guimaraes, an important or integral part of a team, but not necessarily a player who has eye-popping stats.
Chukwunonso “Noni” Madueke
RW/AM, PSV Eindhoven, England
Age: 19
Noni followed the “Jadon Sancho” model, moving from the Tottenham Academy to a team abroad in search of first team experience, and just like Sancho, it has paid off. Noni moved to PSV in 2019. He spent much of his first season on the bench, making just a few Eredivisie appearance; however, Noni really blossomed this past season with seven goals and six assists in 24 Eredivisie appearances. Just like Sancho, a team abroad gave Noni a chance, and he has made the most of it. Eventually, he’ll move from the Eredivisie to a bigger league, but for now, expect him to continue to thrive with PSV. Tottenham’s loss with be PSV’s gain in the form of a hefty transfer fee whenever he moves on.
Thiago Almada
AM/LW/RW, Velez Sarsfield, Argentina
Age: 20
A name familiar to anyone who has followed the South American transfer market over the last 3 years, Almada is the most talented young player in Argentina. Standing at 5’6” (1.71 m), Almada is from the same area of Buenos Aires as Carlos Tevez. Almada continues to have a huge impact on the field, with 3 goals and 2 assists in 12 matches in Copa de la Liga, and 2 goals in 6 games in Copa Libertadores. Watching him play, it’s no wonder that teams like Manchester City, Arsenal, and Manchester United are bidding on his services; however, after a recent sexual assault allegation, any and all moves may be off pending the outcome of the legal case. It also appears that any move that Almada makes will be to Europe, as Atlanta United agreed to a transfer fee with Velez for Almada, but was unable to come to a contractual agreement with the player.
Josko Gvardiol
CB, RB Leipzig, Croatia
Age: 19
Leipzig, knowing that Konate and Upamecano would leave the club soon, went out and grabbed a young center-back who could replace their defensive standouts. Gvardiol spent the 2020/2021 season loaned back to Dinamo Zagreb, presumably to continue to develop and have consistent playing time, and it appears the loan paid off. A stalwart in the Dinamo defense, Gvardiol helped Dinamo Zagreb win yet another Prva HNL title. Leipzig, less concerned about the Croatian league title, also got what they were looking for out of the loan. Gvardiol appeared 41 times throughout all competitions, including 25 appearances in Prva HNL, 2 appearances in Champions League, and 11 appearances in Europa League. Despite not being known for his forward prowess, Gvardiol added 2 goals and 3 assists in Prva HNL and contributed 1 goal in the Europa League. Expectations are high for the 19-year-old, and he’s replacing two young, great center-backs, but if Gvardiol can handle the pressure, expect him to flourish as a yet another young defender dominating the Bundesliga for Leipzig.
Jude Bellingham
CM, Borussia Dortmund, England
Age: 18
The now 18-year-old got his start at the Birmingham City Academy, where younger brother Jobe now plays. After a battle between clubs to sign his signature, with links to numerous clubs and bids from both Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund. Bellingham chose follow in the steps of England international Jadon Sancho and signed with Dortmund in Summer 2020. Despite competition in Dortmund’s crowded midfield, Bellingham has emerged as a regular starter for BVB, appearing in 28 games and contributing 1 goal and 3 assists throughout the season. The stats are simply a simplified metric for how Bellingham has grown into his role with Dortmund. While he looked timid and confused during his first few games for Dortmund, Bellingham has really grown into his role within the team, linking up with BVB’s other young wonderkids Gio Reyna and Erling Haaland. His performances for Dortmund piqued the interest of Gareth Southgate who, in November 2020, handed Bellingham his first England senior team call up. Bellingham was capped in a friendly with the Republic of Ireland, making his Three Lions debut at just 17 years old. Bellingham is already at a big club and developing well, so only time will tell if he will leave the Yellow Wall.
Florian Wirtz
AM, Bayer Leverkusen, Germany
Age: 18
Wirtz, who turned 18 toward the end of the Bundesliga season, was an absolute revelation for Bayer Leverkusen. With 5 goals and 6 assists in 29 appearance, it’s clear that he contributed during the season, but the statistics belie Wirtz’s true value last season. Wirtz played such an important role as a link between Leverkusen’s midfield and attacking play that on his 18th birthday, Leverkusen signed him to a new five-year contract; apparently, Bayer Leverkusen will be damned if this young talent gets poached by the likes of Dortmund or Bayern on the cheap because of an expiring contract. Wirtz, who was then 17, started the season on the first team bench and was initially incorporated as a rotational player; however, by mid-October, it was clear to the entire Bundesliga that he was both their starting attacking midfielder and he was destined for great things. Joachim Low was also apparently impressed, and he named the then 17-year-old midfielder to the German squad for the 2022 World Cup qualifiers in March 2021. Providing critical link-up play between the midfield and attack, Wirtz is an attacking-minded work horse who is going provide offensive firepower to Bayer Leverkusen before commanding a huge sum to move to one of Europe’s elite clubs.
Mason Greenwood
RW/SS/CF, Manchester United, England
Age: 19
Greenwood, who joined Manchester United’s youth system in 2007 at just 6 years old, has spent the past 12+ years rising through the ranks, developing, and, finally, breaking into the first team squad. After a strong showing at the end of the 2019/2020 season, Greenwood was asked to undertake a new challenge: to learn to play the right-wing in addition to his ability to play the number 9 position. This adaptation has given Greenwood the opportunity to play a more important role in the first-team, and he has emerged as a rotational starter during the 2020/2021 Premier League season. Preferred by Solskjaer over the likes of Amad Diallo, Daniel James, and Juan Mata, Greenwood has scored 7 goals and added another 2 assists during a good 2020/2021 Premier League campaign. Additionally, Greenwood added vital goals during Manchester United’s European campaigns, which culminated in a Europa League final appearance for the Red Devils. Internationally, Greenwood has debuted for the England national team, but he may have to wait a bit being called up again. Greenwood, along with Phil Foden, were sent home after breaching COVID-19 guidelines before a Nation League match against Iceland. While the situation was juicy for the English tabloids, the real issue is a combination of losing Gareth Southgate’s trust and the depth of the England national team. Obviously, losing a manager’s trust is not good, and when competing for a place in the team with the likes of Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, Raheem Sterling, Mason Mount, and others, Greenwood may find himself iced out of the team for a long time. Greenwood was not part of the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, but if he can find great form and can repair the trust issues with Southgate, he could find himself in the 2022 World Cup squad.
Benoit Badiashile
CB, AS Monaco, France
Age: 20
What more can be said about a center-back who has been talked about extensively? The 6’4” 20-year-old played in 35 Ligue 1 games last season, scoring 2 goals, adding 1 assist, and playing a huge role in Monaco’s 2021/2022 Champions League qualification. Badiashile is being tracked by a number of top clubs throughout Europe, including PSG and Manchester United. A star in the making, Monaco has no income tax, which may appeal to the young center-back when discussing a contract extension, but other major European clubs can more than compensate for the income tax issue. Badiashile is with Monaco for now, but his destiny may lie elsewhere in Europe.
Eric Garcia
CB, FC Barcelona, Spain
Age: 20
Garcia left the legendary La Masia for Manchester City in 2017. In Manchester, he found an inconsistent backline and a manager willing to give him a chance. Garcia became a regular starter for Pep Guardiola, despite being just 19-years-old; however, he rejected a contract extension with Manchester City. Guardiola desperately wanted to keep hold of the youngster, but it was clear that the 20-year-old had his sights set on one place: Camp Nou. Arguably the best young signing of Summer 2021, Garcia brings both youth and top tier experience to a Barcelona backline that needs to replace an aging Pique, but has only found expensive duds so far (no offense, Umtiti). Garcia, at 6’, is big enough to play with some of the more physical forwards in La Liga, yet fast enough to keep pace with the elite speed. He’s shown consistent good play, with flashes of brilliance, playing in one of the top leagues in the world. If the trajectory that he’s on continues, Garcia has the chance to be a starting center-back at Barcelona for a decade or more. As for the international aspect, Garcia is a full-fledged member of La Roja, and was a member of both the Euro 2020 squad and the 2020 Olympic squad. A future world-class center-back, Barca was fortunate to get him on a free, but it’s a wonder why they ever let him leave in the first place.
Jeremy Doku
RW/LW, Stade Rennais, Belgium
Age: 19
People (i.e. the media) are far too tough on Jeremy Doku. Did he have a bit of a lackluster season given the 25-million-euro transfer fee? Sure, 2 goals and 3 assists in 30 Ligue 1 games probably doesn’t cut it given the fee. Where was he in the Champions League, the first one Rennes had qualified for in decades? Yeah, he wasn’t great in their 6 games in the Champions League either. But the Belgian winger is 19-years-old, has shown how high his potential ceiling is, and, given his age, maybe needed a season to adjust to a new league. While you can look at the performances and argue about whether or not Rennes should have spent the money they spent, one thing can’t be argued: Jeremy Doku is an incredible talent who will be a star at Rennes shortly. Anyone who doesn’t believe that did not watch the 2020 Euros. Though he only played in 2 games, Doku brought an energy and quickness that was an asset to an otherwise methodical and aging Belgian side. The spark that he brought to the Red Devils was undeniable, and, despite the loss, he was brilliant against Italy in the quarter-finals. His quickness, change of pace, and ability create great goal-scoring situations will be an asset to Stade Rennais and Belgium as he continues to improve.
Agustin Alvarez
CF, CA Penarol, Uruguay
Age: 20
The 20-year-old forward is a star in the making, and his 2021 numbers back that up. In 10 appearances during Copa Sudamericana, he has 8 goals and 2 assists. In 2021 Primera Division, Alvarez has contributed 7 goals and bagged 1 assist as well. Alvarez clearly has a nose for goal and the only question is which path he will follow. Will Alvarez go directly to Europe? Or, will he follow the path of other young Penarol stars Diego Rossi and Brian Rodriguez, and end up in MLS while European teams continue to evaluate his talent? Only time will tell.
Honorable Mentions:
Anatoliy Trubin
GK, Shakhtar Donetsk, Ukraine
Age: 20
Standing at 6’6.5”, Trubin is one of the tallest goalkeepers in the world. He has the size and range of an elite goalkeeper. Displaced from his hometown of Donestk, Trubin won the starting keeper spot for Shakhtar Donestk during the 2020/2021 season and so far, it looks like he’ll remain in that spot for the 2021/2022 season. His performances have drawn interest from the Ukrainian national team, and Trubin received a call up to the national team in March 2021. Additionally, clubs with aging goalkeepers, such as Inter Milan, have made inquiries into Trubin’s availability and potential transfer fee costs. Goalkeepers have notoriously long careers, so Trubin could be a top club’s keeper for the next 2 decades if the right move happens.
Charles De Ketelaere
AM/LW, Club Brugge KV, Belgium
Age: 20
If you thought the Belgian golden age of soccer ended with Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, think again. De Ketelaere, along with the other Belgians on this list (Kana, Verschaeren), are demonstrating that even as some Belgian stars are in their prime, the Red Devils will continue to be a dominant force in world soccer for the foreseeable future. De Ketelaere, who plays for his hometown team Club Brugge, made his debut for the Belgium in November 2020. In addition to being called up to the senior squad at just 19-years-old, the now 20-year-old midfielder has starred for Brugge, playing in the midfield, on the left wing, and in a forward position. In addition to his production in Jupiler League (3 goals, 4 assists) and Champions League (2 goals, 2 assists) last season, De Ketelaere is already on the score sheet for the 2021/2022 season, scoring in Brugge’s season opener. Much like many other Belgian stars, teams across Europe will watch De Ketelaere develop in the Jupiler League for the next season or two before making a move for the young midfielder. And if past moves are any indication, De Ketelaere may want to start looking at real estate in England or Germany.
Wesley Fofana
CB, Leicester City, France/Cote d’Ivoire
Age: 20
The 20-year-old center-back was the subject of a very large transfer fee (36.5 million Pounds) from Leicester City for a young and relatively unproven player. If anyone thought that Fofana was going to sit out for a couple of seasons and develop, they were quickly dispelled of that notion. A key starter throughout Leicester’s Premier League campaign, European campaign, and silverware-winning FA Cup campaign, Fofana has been a stalwart of the Leicester defense. Despite Jonny Evans and Caglar Soyuncu as other talented center-back options for the Leicester back line, Fofana seems to have thrived amongst the competition. It looks like Fofana will not be seen this season due to injury, and we’re wishing him a speedy recovery.
Marcos Paulo
LW/CF, Atletico Madrid, Portugal
Age: 20
Kayky and Metinho aren’t the only Fluminense youngster who are on their way to Europe; Marcos Paulo is bound to appear in the nightmares of even the most experienced right-backs. Paulo joined reigning La Liga champions Atletico Madrid on a free transfer this summer. With 7 goals and 7 assists in 48 Brazilian Serie A matches, the young left winger has shown the he not only has a nose for goal, but that he’s able to set up teammates to score as well. Playing alongside the likes of Luis Suarez, Joao Felix, Angel Correa, and Marcos Llorente, the “defensively-minded” Simeone is going to have an embarrassment of attacking riches this season. One interesting note: like Pepe, Marcos Paulo is Brazilian-born, yet has represented the played in the Portuguese national team set-up so far. Though he is only risen to Portugal’s U-19 team so far, it’s only a matter of time before he’s playing for their senior team. The Brazilian national team is always stacked with an incredible amount of talent, so they may not even notice his absence, but this is a great get for the Portuguese national team.
Moriba Kourouma Kourouma (Ilaix)
CM, FC Barcelona, Spain/Guinea
Age: 18
Despite the crowded Barcelona midfield, Ilaix worked his way into the rotation of substitutes used by Ronald Koeman last season. Despite other midfield options, such as Miralem Pjanic, Riqui Puig, and Coutinho, by the end of the season, Ilaix was the first midfield name off the bench. In his 12 appearances in La Liga this season, Ilaix contributed 3 assists and bagged a goal for himself. Though he needs to improve his decisionmaking and on-ball defending, Ilaix has the potential to be the next great creative midfielder. Initially, everyone expected Ilaix to contribute to Barcelona from the bench this season; however, it now appears that Ilaix’s season may lie away from Barcelona. Unable to come to an agreement regarding a new contract, Ilaix may either be sold to another suitor or Barcelona will lose him on a free in Summer 2022.
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