Soccer players have relatively short careers, especially at the highest level. Most are in their prime in their 20s and retire in their 30s.
In their 20s, they are no longer regarded as youngsters and are expected to fulfill their potential. So at this age, they are considered to be playing their best football.
In this article, TOP SOCCER BLOG brings you the best soccer players in the world who are or are below 25 years of age.
1. Kylian Mbappé (PSG)
Still just 25 years old, Kylian Mbappé has already won the FIFA World Cup, 5 Ligue 1 titles, the Golden Boy award, 4 Ligue 1 Golden Boots, and several other individual and team honors.
He was both the highest goalscorer and assist provider in the French league last season.
Furthermore, Mbappé won the Golden Boot at the 2022 FIFA World Cup — where he scored a sensational hat-trick in the epic final.
The Frenchman’s pace, skillet, intelligent movement, combined with his composure in front of goal, makes him a genuine world-class soccer player.
The PSG forward is being tipped to win the Ballon d’Or very soon. He is said to be one of the fastest soccer players of all time.
It’s very possible that Kylian Mbappé will join Real Madrid next season.
2. Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
Erling Haaland has been banging in goals for the last few years — establishing himself as one of the most fearsome strikers in the world.
The Norwegian joined Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund in the summer for what is now considered a bargain £51 million.
The 23-year-old has become even more frightening in Pep Guardiola’s team, netting 32 goals in 32 matches in all competitions so far!
Haaland possesses all the attributes of a complete centre-forward, making him one of the best strikers in the world.
He is able to utilize his physical frame to hold play up effectively and link up his teammates.
Haaland also combines his superior pace and clever movement to run in behind the defense. He can also dribble and create, as well as having the ability to finish with both feet and his head.
Haaland might challenge Mbappe in the future as the best player in the world.
3. Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid)
The 2021/22 season was a breakout one for Vinicius Junior, as he became one of the most consistent players for Real Madrid as they clinched the Supercopa de Espana, La Liga, and UEFA Champions League.
Still only 24, the Brazilian is already one of the best wingers in football at the moment.
He scored 22 goals in all competitions two seasons ago, with the most important being the winner against Liverpool in the Champions League final.
Moreso, Vinicius starred for Brazil at the just concluded World Cup as Brazil reached the quarterfinals.
What makes Vinicius Jr one of the best soccer players aged under 25 in the world is his fantastic pace, dribbling ability, and eye for goal.
This season the Brazilian has cemented his place as one of the best wingers in the world, with 15 goals in 25 matches, including a masterclass against Girona.
4. Phil Foden (Manchester City)
Phil Foden, aged 23, was highly regarded when he was coming through the ranks at Manchester City academy.
He has justified the hype by establishing himself as one of the best players on Guardiola’s side.
Moreso, Foden has made himself integral to England at international level.
Phil Foden has the potential to become one of the best midfielders in the world.
He has developed rapidly, becoming more versatile, consistent, and reliable.
In the recent Manchester Derby, Phil Foden put on a show with two goals that sunk Manchester United.
5. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
Jude Bellingham is arguably the best teenage footballer in the world right now.
The 20-year-old displays a kind of maturity and leadership qualities that belies his age.
He left Borussia Dortmund and moved to Real Madrid in a huge transfer.
However, Bellingham is also has a great goalscoring profile for a midfielder. He has so far scored 16 goals and provided 3 assists in 21 appearances for Real Madrid in La Liga.
Bellingham starred for England at the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup as Gareth Southgate’s men reached the quarterfinals.
Jude Bellingham is a hardworking and versatile midfielder.
His quick feet, intelligent runs into the box, and impressive passing range, makes him a complete midfielder. He is one of the players with the highest market value.
6. Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich)
So good was Jamal Musiala that Bayern Munich poached him from Chelsea’s academy and offered him first-team opportunities.
He grabbed it with both hands and hasn’t looked back since.
The 20-year-old proved himself to be one of the brightest young talents in the world at the World Cup, despite Germany crashing out at the group stage.
His technical prowess, acceleration, awareness, and eye for goal are out of this world.
7. Victor Osimhen
Victor Osimhen has established himself as one of the premier young talents in soccer under the age of 25, with a trajectory that draws parallels to African football legends like Didier Drogba and Samuel Eto’o, who dominated European leagues.
His rise to prominence was marked by his exceptional performance at the 2015 FIFA Under-17 World Cup, where he claimed the Golden Boot.
Despite a challenging start at Wolfsburg, Osimhen’s potential unfolded spectacularly as he honed his skills in Belgium and then at Lille in Ligue 1.
It was with Napoli, however, that he truly showcased his prowess, earning the Young Player of the Season in Serie A and the Golden Boot, contributing significantly to Napoli’s long-awaited league title with 26 goals in 37 games.
His record-breaking stint in Serie A, where he outscored all African players and surpassed Samuel Eto’o’s single-season goal record, further cements his status as one of the best under-25 players. In the 2023/24 season, he has continued his impressive form, with 11 goals and 3 assists in just 15 matches for Napoli.
Osimhen’s impact was not just felt at the club level but also internationally, as he played a key role in Nigeria’s journey to the 2023 AFCON final.
His playing style is characterized by a potent combination of physicality, athleticism, and technical skill, underlined by his ability to score, create space, and link up with teammates, making him a formidable right-footed center-forward.
8. Pedri (Barcelona)
Pedri González, also known as Pedri, is widely regarded as one of the best young soccer players in the world.
He has been lauded by both soccer pundits and coaches for his technical ability, vision, and passing skills.
Although he is only 21, his an integral part of both the Spanish national team and Barcelona.
Pedri possesses a natural talent and ability to read the game, strong work ethic, dedication to training, and ability to adapt to different playing styles and formations.
The Spaniard has also shown that he is able to perform at a high level under pressure, and has garnered a reputation for being a team player who is willing to work hard for the benefit of the team.
In addition, Pedri is known for his professionalism and humility, which have earned him the respect and admiration of his teammates and coaches.
9. Bukayo Saka
Bukayo was instrumental as Arsenal mounted a surprising English Premier League title challenge.
The 22-year-old is fast winger and prolific dribbler.
He loves to drive from deep and sweep past players in one-on-one situations with maneuvers and quick turn of pace.
Saka has emerged as one of the best right-wingers in the world, as he is capable of creating chances and providing crosses for teammates from the left flank.
The English forward is by far one of the best soccer players aged under 25.
10. Aurélien Tchouaméni (Real Madrid)
Aurélien Tchouaméni is a young and talented soccer player who has shown great potential and skill in the sport.
Since joining Real Madrid, Tchouaméni has replaced Casemiro with ease, and is undoubtedly one of the best defensive midfielders in the world.
Most people don’t know this, but Aurélien Tchouaméni is still only 24, but it seems like he’s been around for a while.
Some reasons why he is considered one of the best football players under age 25 include his strong technical ability, his physical strength and athleticism, and his intelligence as well as his tactical awareness on the field.
He played a key role for France in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The Frenchman is also known for his versatility, work rate and adaptability, as he can play a number of different positions effectively.
Notable Mentions:
- Darwin Núñez (Liverpool)
- Julián Álvarez (Manchester City)
- Enzo Fernández (Chelsea).
- Cole Palmer (Chelsea)
- Lamine Yamal (FC Barcelona)
- Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen)
- Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen).
- Alexander Isak (Newcastle)
- Matías Soulé (Frosinone)
- Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Napoli)
- Manuel Ugarte (PSG)
- Xavi Simons (RB Leipzig)
- Takefusa Kubo (Real Sociedad)
- Sávio (Girona).
