Next Football Legends? Rising Stars to Watch in 2025/26 Season
Football is known as the worldwide expression of passion and competition, never stands still. Every new season brings a fresh group of rising stars ready to reshape and revolutionize football.
The 2025/2026 season is set to be just as captivating, as a new generation of talented players prepares to captivate football fans around the world, these upcoming stars stand out as more than just challengers.
They collaborate natural talent, vibrant energy and the level of promise that can captivate the world. The energy around this new generation is energizing, whether they’re making waves at elite European teams or only beginning to attract attention.
In 2025’s group of rising stars, an outstanding range is made clear. From Brazilian flair to Spanish tactical brilliance, and the power-driven determination of English academies, every profile offers something unique. What connects these youngsters is their impressive skill to dictate play in ways well beyond their years.
The Next Generation: Talents Ready to Break Through
Estêvão (Chelsea) – The Brazilian Spark
Chelsea’s signing of Estêvão has been one of the most discussed moves of the summer, commonly referred to as Messinho. Chelsea fans are overjoyed over their new winger.
His rapid movement, sharp dribbling skills, and vision for goal chances have made an impression during preseason. He appears to fit Enzo Maresca’s system, but his true test will come in adapting to the intensity and demands of Premier League football.
Franco Mastantuono (Real Madrid) – The Argentine Maestro
Franco Mastantuono is a cornerstone in Real Madrid’s search for breakout youngsters from their own system. His arrival alone sparks excitement, but it’s his remarkable skill that bypasses defenders with ease.
Executing accurate through passes and firing from outside the box truly makes him stand out. He’s practising with the senior squad, while officially registered with the Castilla squad. Under the current management, his steady progression is becoming one of the standout sagas at the Bernabéu.
Max Dowman (Arsenal) – The Hale End Gem
At just 15, Max Dowman has made Premier League headlines by debuting against Leeds, where he won a penalty and displayed composure beyond his years.
A technically sharp midfielder with outstanding vision, he represents the pride of Arsenal’s Hale End academy. Carefully managed progression is expected, but Dowman has already given fans a glimpse of the homegrown quality they love to celebrate.
Rio Ngumoha (Liverpool) – The Unpredictable Winger
16-year-old Rio Ngumoha has drawn admiration among Liverpool supporters after an remarkable preseason. His assured ball handling, instinct for unpredictable dribbles, and creativity in the attacking third have caught plenty of attention.
Ngumoha shows maturity on the pitch, despite his young age, he showed he can score and assist for his teammates. Ngumoha’s vibrant play might introduce a hidden threat to their attacking arsenal, with Liverpool entering a new tactical era.
Shumaira “Shim” Mheuka (Chelsea) – The Versatile Forward
Chelsea’s academy reliably develops standout prospects and Shumaira Mheuka is the current one to impress. This striker is an adaptable frontman able to perform in various positions in the offensive zone.
His precise dribbling, clever runs, and refined skillset constantly trouble the backline. Though establishing himself as a starter at Chelsea is a competitive battle given the competition, his flexibility makes him a reliable resource for both domestic and European matches.
Marc Bernal (Barcelona) – The La Masia Anchor
Marc Bernal looks poised to maintain La Masia’s legacy of producing intelligent midfielders. He shows remarkable composure and keen positional sense, as a defensive midfielder.
He also has effortless midfield dominance. Bernal has joined the first-team picture and may soon become a vital piece of Barcelona’s evolving midfield, with manager Hansi Flick already backing his potential.
Ayden Heaven (Manchester United) – The Defensive Rock
Manchester United’s defensive rebuild could provide the platform for Ayden Heaven’s rise. A tough-tackling, determined centre-back with natural instincts, Heaven has started to gain recognition within the squad.
While appearances have been few so far, his profile suggests he could develop into the reliable defender United needs for the future.
Tom Bischof (Bayern Munich) – The German Playmaker
Tom Bischof’s move to Bayern Munich from Hoffenheim marked a decisive move toward the elite in the Bundesliga. The creative midfielder is respected for his vision, mutual understanding and game intelligence.
He has previously experienced in the Bundesliga. Bayern’s legacy for nurturing domestic talent makes him a player to watch as he grows into a key figure for both club and country.
Giovanni Leoni (Parma) – The Italian Prodigy
Giovanni Leoni has drawn acclaim for his composure and leadership qualities that resist his age, as he quickly made his mark as a pillar of Parma’s defence. His heading ability, footballing IQ, and sharp sense of play reflect his maturity and skill as a defender.
Leoni matches the profile, aligns with the legacy celebrated defensive legacy. His growth might allow him to move to a bigger stage, while top clubs watch closely.
Bradley Barcola (Paris Saint-Germain) – The Rising Star
Bradley Barcola has rapidly progressed at PSG compared to his teammates. His finishing ability, smart offensive movements and calmness in big moments have established him as a vital part of the French champions’ front three.
The 2025/2026 season may solidify his place as one of the continent’s rising talents, currently drawing interest across Europe.
Such rising players surpass potential, they reflect the revival that maintains the passion. As the new season starts, their careers will engage global supporters from natural talent to iconic players.
Each has the special quality that sets apart good players from future legends, ensuring the next chapter of the beautiful game is in safe hands.
