Football has produced some of the most brilliant players, showcasing exceptional talent and skill on the field.
From the likes of Messi and Ronaldo, who have been dominating the sport for over fifteen years, to the newest generation of young talents that leave spectators in awe, football continues to be a sport that captivates millions worldwide.
We've put together a list of the top fifteen football players under the age of 18, who have already made a name for themselves in the sport.
1. Jobe Bellingham
Age: 18
Club: Sunderland
Nationality: England
At age 18, Jobe Bellingham, the younger brother of Real Madrid's midfielder Jude Bellingham, has already made significant strides in his football career which is not so surprising, as his brother is also significant on the pitch. Jobe, who started his career in Birmingham City's academy made his first-team debut at age 16 and has made other league appearances before joining Sunderland. He started as a regular player for Sunderland and has showcased a great deal of maturity and versatility beyond his years, primarily featuring in an advanced midfield role. Despite his modest statistics of four goals and one assist this season, Jobe's growth has been evident, drawing praise for his maturity and physicality on the pitch.
2. Oscar Bobb
Age: 20
Club: Manchester City
Nationality: Norway
Oscar Bobb's journey from Manchester City's academy to the first team has been one of great amazement. He joined Premier League side Manchester City about five years ago and got his fame as the best young talent of his age group that same year. He got his premier league debut last year against Fulham when he came up as a substitute for Phil Foden where he showcased his talent by participating in the build-up leading to the fifth goal, Bobb has seamlessly adapted to Pep Guardiola's tactical setup which has made Guardiola himself praise Bobb's ability to thrive in tight spaces, highlighting his confidence, awareness, and aggressiveness off the ball. Despite Norway's failure to qualify for Euro 2024, Bobb's potential shines through, leaving fans eager to witness his continued development and impact on the pitch.
3. Paris Brunner
Age: 17
Club: Borussia Dortmund
Nationality: Germany
Starting from the academies of Rot-Weiss Essen and VFL Bochum before finally joining Borussia Dortmund in the year 2020, Paris has shown himself greatly by winning the award of one of the best players to be born in 2006 worldwide. Rising to prominence in the world of football after scoring a total of sixteen goals in only five under-17 Bundesliga appearances. He was then promoted to the under-19 side at the age of sixteen where he continued to showcase his great talent as he scored on his debut. Paris, whose goal-scoring instincts, dribbling skills, and versatility to play on the wing earned him comparison to teammate Youssoufa Moukoko who was also a teen legend. Brunner's ascent to the first team seems inevitable especially considering his great talent. With Borussia Dortmund's rich history of nurturing young talents, fans eagerly await Brunner's breakthrough into the senior squad.
4. Levi Colwill
Age: 20
Club: Chelsea
Nationality: England
Joined Chelsea at the under-nine level having previously played for Sunday league team City Central. Levi signed his professional contract with Chelsea at the age of seventeen. He was loaned to Huddersfield Town from 2021/2022 where he made his debut and scored his first career goal in August, in a game against Sheffield United after which he got a newfound confidence and versatility. Praised for his ball-playing abilities and adeptness at covering the left-back position, Colwill has caught the eye of Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino, who envisions him as one of England's premier center-backs. As Chelsea's loan network continues to provide a pathway to the first team, Colwill stands poised to make a significant impact in the Premier League.
5. Benjamin Cremaschi
Age: 18
Club: Inter Miami
Nationality: America
Born and raised in South Florida, he began playing with Key Biscayne SC at the age of six and later moved to Weston FC at the age of fourteen. In 2022 he helped Inter Miami under - 17 win the Generation Adidas Cup and he made his debut with Inter Miami II, scoring five and assisting one. Cremaschi has quickly risen through the ranks of Inter Miami's academy to earn a spot in the first team alongside his childhood idol, Lionel Messi. Renowned for his tenacity in midfield and adaptability to various roles, Cremaschi has seamlessly transitioned to the physicality of MLS, starting 21 of 28 matches last season. While comfortable in defensive duties, Cremaschi's natural inclination towards an attacking role is evident, with Messi's mentorship poised to elevate his skills further.
6. Anthony Elanga
Age: 21
Club: Nottingham Forest
Nationality: Sweden
Anthony Elanga's journey from Manchester United's academy to Nottingham Forest has not gone unnoticed. Despite United's abundance of wingers, Elanga's departure has left fans recognizing his prowess in front of goal and ability to change the game's pace. Scouted by both Manchester City and United at the age of 12, Elanga’s talents were already noticed. Deciding on Manchester United he joined the youth system and has won awards like Jimmy Murphy's Young Player of the Year. He finished the COVID-shortened season as the top scorer in the league. With a knack for finishing and a burst of speed, Elanga's versatility on the flank presents a formidable threat to opposing defenses. As Nottingham Forest's standout performer, Elanga's future seems destined for greater heights, attracting attention from top clubs eager to secure his services.
7. Julio Enciso
Age: 19
Club: Brighton & Hove Albion
Nationality: Paraguay
Starting at Caaguazu, Julio got recruited by Club Libertad where he made his senior debut in 2019 and became the youngest player to debut for Libertad. He was later transferred to Brighton & Hove Albion where he made his Brighton debut in a game against Forest Green Rovers in which he claimed an assist to Stephen Alzate’s long-range goal. Julio Enciso's rise to prominence at Brighton & Hove Albion has been so sensational. Despite battling a knee injury, Enciso's impact on the pitch has been undeniable, with notable performances earning him recognition, including a spot on FIFA's Puskas Award shortlist. However, amidst the hype, manager Roberto De Zerbi has highlighted the need for Enciso to maintain consistency and improve his mentality.
8. Evan Ferguson
Age: 19
Club: Brighton & Hove Albion
Nationality: Ireland
Ferguson began playing with the prestigious Dublin schoolboy club St Kevin’s Boys before moving on to the youth section of the League of Ireland club where he played in the under-age League. In 2020, he scored in his last game at underage level. In 2021, he signed for the academy of Brighton and Hove Albion where he made his first team debut replacing Enock Mwepu. Among other awards, he was nominated for Premier League II Player of the Month and he won his club’s Goal of the Month competition in November 2021. Evan Ferguson's blend of power, finesse, and agility sets him apart as one of the Premier League's brightest prospects. With an adeptness for handling the physical demands of English football, Ferguson's reputation continues to grow. His pace and intelligent movement off the ball provide a constant threat to opposing defenses, with his potential for further growth evident. Despite occasional inconsistencies, Ferguson's journey promises continued success and excitement for fans of Brighton & Hove Albion.
9. Arda Guler
Age: 18
Club: Real Madrid
Nationality: Turkey
Signing a two and a two-and-a-half-year-long professional contract with Fenerbahce, he was considered a wonder kid. In his first Super lig match, he provided an assist that let Miha Zajc score. Arda Guler's journey to Real Madrid was quite awe. Entering a six-year contract from 2023, he had a series of injuries that made his debut on January 6th, 2024. Despite the challenges faced, he won his first trophy in the Supercopa de Espana final where Real Madrid defeated Barcelona. He scored his first goal for Real Madrid five minutes after he was substituted. With a promising future ahead, Guler's debut for Real Madrid promises excitement and potential for further development.
10. Rasmus Hojlund
Age: 20
Club: Manchester United
Nationality: Denmark
After graduating from Copenhagen Youth acadeRasmus made his first team debut for the club. After scoring five goals in thirty - two appearances rejoined the Austrian club Suram Graz, where he scored a total of twelve goals fore he later moved to Atalanta in 2022 and was signed by Manchester United in July 2023 he made his debut on September 3 replacing Anthony Martial. Rasmus Hojlund's start to life at Manchester United has been met with both challenges and promise. Despite his side's early Champions League exit, Hojlund's goal-scoring record and potential have not gone unnoticed. Aside from other wins, he won the Premier League Player of the Month. Alongside fellow promising talents, Hojlund's journey at Manchester United promises growth and the potential to emerge as a key player in the club's future.
11. Karim Konate
Age: 19
Club: Red Bull Salzburg
Nationality: Ivory Coast
Karim is a youth product of ASEC Mimosas who scored seven goals in eighteen matches in his debut season. He went to FC Red Bull Salzburg then he was loaned to FC Liefering. KKonate'sonate rising as a player in the Austrian Bundesliga has drawn attention both domestically and internationally for the Ivorian striker. As the top scorer in his league and a regular fixture in his national team, Konate's rise seems inevitable due to his talents. With the Africa Cup of Nations on the horizon, Konate's performance on the international stage will further cement his status as one of football's most promising young talents.
12. Ethan Mbappe
Age: 17
Club: Paris Saint-Germain
Nationality: France
As the younger brother of Paris Saint-Germain's iconic striker Kylian Mbappe, Ethan Mbappe carries the weight of his family name as people expect a lot from him because of his brother's fame. Making his Ligue 1 debut before his 17th birthday, Ethan has already captured the attention of fans and managers alike. Praised for his quality on the ball and backed by PSG manager Luis Enrique, as a technical left-footed midfielder Ethan plays in a different style from his brother, and among other wins, he got the runner-up for Championnat national U19.
13. Murillo Santos
Age: 21
Club: Nottingham Forest
Nationality: Brazil
Beginning his career with Sao Caetano. He joined Corinthians youth setup in 2019 and after playing for - 20 sides in the year’s Copa Sao Paulo de Futebol Junior, he was promoted to the first team. He quickly became a regular starter under head coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo where he attracted the interest of several European clubs. Murillo's arrival at Nottingham Forest in 2023 was a great move as he signed a five-year deal. Signed from Corinthians for a substantial fee, Murillo's physical traits and defensive prowess have quickly endeared him to fans. Despite his relative youth, Murillo's maturity on the pitch belies his age, showcasing a level of composure and skill beyond his years.
14. Vitor Roque
Age: 18
Club: Barcelona
Nationality: Brazil
Vitor Roque joined America Mineiro’a youth setup at the age of ten and by Jukg 2023 has signed a contract with Barcelona, where he was assigned the number nineteen jersey. With experience playing in high-stakes matches like the Copa Libertadores final, Roque brings a wealth of experience and skill to Barcelona's forward line. As the club passes through challenging times, Roque's goal-scoring ability and physical presence offer a glimmer of hope for the future.
15. Giorgio Scalvini
Age: 20
Club: Atalanta
Nationality: Italy
Giorgio Scalvini's move to importance at Atalanta highlights his versatility and experience beyond his years. Named Italy's best Under-21 player, Scalvini’s ability and defensive prowess have made him a key asset for his club and country. Despite his towering frame, Scalvini possesses surprising agility and finesse, prominent in Italian defensive legends. With experience at both the club and international levels, Salvini's journey promises further growth
16. Alex Scott
Age: 20
Club: Bournemouth
Nationality: England
Despite facing setbacks due to injury, Alex Scott's strength and determination have shone through. Known for his brilliance on the ball and ability to dictate play, Scott has quickly established himself as a key player for Bournemouth. Praised by manager Andoni Iraola for his maturity and understanding of the game, Scott's intelligence allows him to flourish in various roles on the pitch.
As the new season unfolds all these players are some that you should look out for as they make up part of the best teenage footballers.