With the Club World Cup already underway across U.S. stadiums, some of the game’s brightest young talents are seizing their moment. While the tournament crowns a world champion, it also serves as a launchpad for future stars, many of whom are already making noise in early matches. Here are ten players, all 21 or younger, turning heads on the global stage this summer.
Player spotlights
1. Désiré Doué (20, PSG)
Doué has quickly become one of the most promising young players at Paris Saint-Germain. This season, he stood out in some of the biggest games, earning Player of the Match in the Champions League final after scoring two goals. What sets Doué apart is his smart decision-making and how effortlessly he glides past defenders. His ability to shift tempo in tight areas, thread final balls through heavy traffic, and create space with one touch makes him essential to PSG’s buildup.
A Rennes academy graduate, Doué has already proven why PSG made the move to sign him. His performances are turning heads not just in France but across Europe, with many tipping him to become one of the continent’s elite No. 10s in the coming years.
2. Senny Mayulu (19, PSG)
Mayulu is another rising star from PSG. He’s a midfielder who glides through defenses with his dribbling and finishes calmly under pressure. Despite limited minutes, he made a major impact by scoring in the Champions League final. His ability to find pockets of space and link play makes him a headache for defenders. If he keeps showing this kind of edge, a regular starting role won’t be far off.
3. Ibrahim Mbaye (17, PSG)
Mbaye became PSG’s youngest-ever starter at just 16. Now 17, he’s made his Club World Cup debut and is showing why the club has high hopes for him. He combines blistering pace, upper-body strength, and the kind of close control that unsettles experienced defenders. Despite his age, he’s already learning how to manage pressure and pick his moments.
4. Tom Bischof (19, Bayern Munich)
Bischof moved to Bayern from Hoffenheim and brings composure and balance to midfield. He may not always grab headlines, but his sharp positioning and calm distribution keep things ticking. Teammates trust him to make the right choice in tight spaces. Bayern views him as a long-term piece, and this tournament is his first big test in red.
5. Lennart Karl (17, Bayern Munich)
Karl made the most of his Club World Cup debut during a dominant win. At just 17, he played with surprising confidence—dropping shoulders, taking corners, and driving forward. Coach Vincent Kompany praised his fearlessness. He has a long way to go, but the swagger is already there.
6. Franco Mastantuono (17, River Plate → Real Madrid)
Mastantuono is one of the most talked-about teenagers in South America. Real Madrid signed him from River Plate for a huge fee, and he’s already showing flashes of brilliance. In his Club World Cup debut, he hit the post and created chances with clever movement and vision. His body language and first touch already look built for La Liga.
7. Estêvão Willian (18, Palmeiras → Chelsea)
Willian is a quick, skillful winger with electric footwork and sharp instincts. Last season, he scored 13 goals in Brazil’s top league and routinely tormented defenders on the right flank. Chelsea signed him for his upside, but this tournament is a test of how quickly he can adjust to elite tempo. He’s got the tools—now he needs the moments.
8. Rayan Cherki (21, Man City)
Cherki arrived at City following Kevin De Bruyne’s departure and brought with him a bag of tricks. He’s a two-footed playmaker who can spin out of pressure and slip passes through tight seams. Guardiola won’t let him freelance, but if Cherki adapts to City’s system, he could become their next creative hub.
9. Jobe Bellingham (19, Dortmund)
The younger Bellingham carries the same competitive edge. Since his move to Dortmund, he’s impressed with his work rate, spatial awareness, and composure under pressure. He’s not a highlight-reel player yet—but he doesn’t need to be. The way he fits into a system and keeps the team moving could be what sets him apart long term.
10. Warren Zaire-Emery (19, PSG)
Zaire-Emery is a midfield anchor who thrives on winning the ball back and launching attacks. With 23 Ligue 1 starts this season, he already plays like a veteran—rarely rushed, rarely out of position. He’s earned the trust of Luis Enrique and could soon become a fixture for France as well.
