Top U21 Rising Stars to Watch in the 2025 Champions League Season

Discover the top under-21 football talents set to shine in the 2025 Champions League season, featuring rising stars from Europe's elite clubs.

Vasilije Adzic, 19, AM, Juventus

Vasilije Adzic, the Montenegrin sensation, has already made waves with his stunning 30-yard strike in the Derby d'Italia. Known for his technical prowess and visionary passing, Adzic is poised to become one of Serie A's top attacking playmakers.

Jobe Bellingham, 19, CM, Borussia Dortmund

Following in his brother Jude's footsteps, Jobe Bellingham joined Dortmund for €30 million. With his physical presence and midfield composure, Bellingham is quickly adapting to the demands of Champions League football.

Marc Bernal, 18, DM, Barcelona

Marc Bernal, the heir apparent to Sergio Busquets, has returned from a long injury layoff. His composure on the ball and ability to dictate play from the No. 6 position make him a standout talent in Barcelona's La Masia academy.

Lucas Bergvall, 19, CM, Tottenham Hotspur

Lucas Bergvall has seamlessly transitioned into Tottenham's midfield. Known for his composure and line-breaking passes, Bergvall is set to make a significant impact in the Champions League this season.

Francesco Esposito, 20, ST, Inter Milan

Francesco Esposito, fresh from a prolific loan spell at Spezia, has returned to Inter with momentum. His technical foundation and powerful right foot make him a versatile threat in the attack.

Nnamdi Collins, 20, CB, Eintracht Frankfurt

Nnamdi Collins has rapidly ascended to become a key figure in Frankfurt's defense. Dominant in aerial duels and assertive in one-vs.-one situations, Collins is a rising star in German football.

Jorthy Mokio, 17, DM/CB, Ajax

Jorthy Mokio, the latest gem from Ajax's famed academy, displays composure and ball-playing class. His versatility and technical brilliance make him one to watch in the Champions League.

Gianluca Prestianni, 19, AM/FW, Benfica

Gianluca Prestianni has started the domestic campaign strongly after a €9 million move to Benfica. His rapid take-ons and incisive through balls make him a promising talent in European football.

Dastan Satpaev, 17, ST, Kairat Almaty

Dastan Satpaev, signed by Chelsea from Kazakhstan, offers a unique blend of pace and technical skills. His ability to roam and drift into threatening positions makes him a difficult player to pin down.

Paul Wanner, 19, AM, PSV Eindhoven

Paul Wanner, a Bayern Munich academy graduate, has joined PSV after an impressive loan spell at Heidenheim. His elegance on the ball and vision make him a promising young midfielder in the Champions League.

What to Read Next

Kylian Mbappé: The Fastest to 50 Goals at Real Madrid Since Ronaldo?
Football

Kylian Mbappé: The Fastest to 50 Goals at Real Madrid Since Ronaldo?

Kylian Mbappé reaches 50 goals for Real Madrid in just 64 games, yet he still trails behind some legendary players in the club's history.

Barcelona's Champions League Opener: Lamine Yamal Sidelined Against Newcastle
Football

Barcelona's Champions League Opener: Lamine Yamal Sidelined Against Newcastle

Barcelona faces Newcastle in the Champions League opener without Lamine Yamal, who is recovering from a groin injury. Discover the impact on the team and expected lineup.

Arsenal's Bench Strength Shines in Champions League Opener Against Athletic Club
Football

Arsenal's Bench Strength Shines in Champions League Opener Against Athletic Club

Arsenal's substitutes Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard led the team to a 2-0 victory over Athletic Club, showcasing their depth and potential to win the Champions League.

Champions League 2025: Can PSG and Barcelona Dominate the Field?
Football

Champions League 2025: Can PSG and Barcelona Dominate the Field?

A comprehensive analysis of the 2025 UEFA Champions League, focusing on the top contenders PSG and Barcelona, and their chances to dominate the tournament.

Carvajal vs. Alexander-Arnold: The Epic Right-Back Duel Fueling Real Madrid's Champions League Ambitions
Football

Carvajal vs. Alexander-Arnold: The Epic Right-Back Duel Fueling Real Madrid's Champions League Ambitions

Dani Carvajal and Trent Alexander-Arnold's fierce competition for the right-back spot at Real Madrid could be the key to their Champions League success.

Champions League 2025: Arsenal's Quest, PSG's Dominance, and Barca's Redemption
Football

Champions League 2025: Arsenal's Quest, PSG's Dominance, and Barca's Redemption

Explore the thrilling narratives of the 2025 Champions League, featuring Arsenal's potential triumph, PSG's dominance, and Barcelona's quest for redemption.

Revolutionizing Women's Football: Inside the New UEFA Women's Champions League Format
Football

Revolutionizing Women's Football: Inside the New UEFA Women's Champions League Format

Explore the exciting new format of the UEFA Women's Champions League, featuring an expanded league phase and a fresh knockout stage approach.

2025-26 Champions League Draw: Key Matchups, Favorites, and Dark Horses
Football

2025-26 Champions League Draw: Key Matchups, Favorites, and Dark Horses

Explore the key matchups, favorites, and dark horses from the 2025-26 Champions League draw. Discover the must-see games and potential upsets.

2025-26 UEFA Champions League Draw: Pots Finalized and Key Insights
Football

2025-26 UEFA Champions League Draw: Pots Finalized and Key Insights

The pots for the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League draw have been finalized. Discover key insights and match schedules for the upcoming league phase.

Top 10 European Football Storylines for the 2025-26 Season: Rebuilds, Rivalries, and Rising Stars
Football

Top 10 European Football Storylines for the 2025-26 Season: Rebuilds, Rivalries, and Rising Stars

Explore the top 10 must-follow storylines in European football for the 2025-26 season, featuring Liverpool and Manchester City's rebuilds, Barcelona's defense, and rising stars across the continent.

European Football 2025-26 Season Kickoff: Key Highlights and Insights
Football

European Football 2025-26 Season Kickoff: Key Highlights and Insights

Explore the exciting start to the 2025-26 European football season with key highlights from Premier League, LaLiga, and Bundesliga matches.

2025-26 European Soccer Season: Predictions, Surprises, and Bold Takes
Football

2025-26 European Soccer Season: Predictions, Surprises, and Bold Takes

Get the latest predictions for the 2025-26 European soccer season, including Premier League title race, Golden Boot contenders, and bold takes from ESPN's writers.

Liverpool Leads European Race for Rising Star Idrissa Gueye Amidst Summer Transfer Frenzy
Football

Liverpool Leads European Race for Rising Star Idrissa Gueye Amidst Summer Transfer Frenzy

Liverpool is at the forefront of the chase for Senegal's young striker Idrissa Gueye, as top European clubs vie for his signature in a bustling transfer season.

Top 25 Elite Soccer Teams of the 21st Century: A Definitive Ranking
Football

Top 25 Elite Soccer Teams of the 21st Century: A Definitive Ranking

Explore the definitive ranking of the top 25 soccer teams since 2000, featuring insights into their domestic and Champions League performances.

Mariona Caldentey: From Barcelona to Arsenal - A Journey of Triumph and Transformation
Football

Mariona Caldentey: From Barcelona to Arsenal - A Journey of Triumph and Transformation

Discover how Mariona Caldentey's bold move from Barcelona to Arsenal has transformed her career, leading to remarkable achievements and personal growth.

Load More

We use essential cookies to make our site work. With your consent, we may also use non-essential cookies to improve user experience and analyze website traffic. By clicking "Accept," you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy.