The FIFA Club World Cup is on the horizon and we have picked out some of the best young players to keep an eye on at the tournament.
This summer provides football fans with an added treat as 32 of the game’s best club sides compete in the new FIFA Club World Cup format between June 14 and July 13.
The tournament could provide a glimpse into the future as while the teams are competing for global glory, there will also be some serious scouting taking place, with most of the world’s biggest clubs at the FIFA Club World Cup and several top talents set to make a splash.
With some of football’s brightest rising stars ready to shine in the new-look format in the USA, here’s a rundown of seven prodigies to look out for, and make sure to also check our our list of the best players at the Club World Cup.
Estevao (Palmeiras)
Estevao’s talent is such that Chelsea have already snapped him up after breaking onto the scene for Palmeiras as a 16-year-old.
Often compared to Neymar, the now 18-year-old plays on the other side to his compatriot and his talent for cutting in from the right with his left foot has seen him compared to another former Barcelona ace.
He even originally used the nickname Messinho and has already won four caps for Brazil.
Chelsea have reportedly paid Palmeiras an initial €34 million, plus €23 million in add-ons to acquire him, and that might prove to be a bargain if he shines for Verdao against Group A rivals Porto, Al Ahly and Messi’s Inter Miami.
Rodrigo Mora (Porto)
Group A is a good place to look for young talents, with Rodrigo Mora looking like the latest mercurial midfielder off the Porto production line.
Another technically gifted left-footed playmaker, the 18-year-old has become a key part of Martin Anselmi’s 3-4-3 formation, whether in his preferred attacking midfield role or as a left-wing-back.
Linked with Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain, Mora may be on the move in the coming months and a strong summer in the USA will only boost his potential transfer value.
Desire Doue (PSG)
Mora may fit in well at the Parc des Princes, with PSG’s success this season – they won the treble and are the FIFA Club World Cup betting favourites – down to ignoring superstar signings and refreshing their squad with young players over the last two summers.
Among the 2024 arrivals was Desire Doue, with Les Parisiens confident enough to spend €50 million, plus add-ons, to bring him in from Rennes.
It was a considerable outlay for someone who doesn’t turn 20 until June 3, but Doue means “gifted” in French and nominative determinism appears to be at play.
Capable of featuring in midfield and anywhere across the front line, he stands out among Luis Enrique’s crop of youngsters alongside Bradley Barcola, Warren Zaire-Emery and Joao Neves.
Igor Jesus (Botafogo)
Group B also features Atletico Madrid, Seattle Sounders and Botafogo, whose attack includes Igor Jesus.
The oldest player on this list, the 24-year-old came through at Coritiba but then spent four seasons in the UAE with Shabab Al Ahli.
That move derailed his momentum but he has looked excellent since returning to Brazil on a free transfer with Botafogo last July.
Quick, strong and skilful, Arsenal are believed to be one of the teams reportedly looking to ensure O Glorioso make a massive profit on this late bloomer.
Abdramane Konate (Esperance)
Tunisian champions Esperance signed teenage midfielder Abdramane Konate for just £500,000 from Ivorian outfit San Pedro last summer and might well be about to make a profit.
The 18-year-old has quickly established himself in the Blood and Gold’s starting line-up and is sure to feature in Group D against Flamengo, Chelsea and either Los Angeles AFC or Club America.
A diminutive yet combative midfielder, Konate’s stature has led to comparisons with France World Cup winner N’Golo Kante.
Konate missed the final weeks of his team’s title win with a muscular injury and should be fresh for this summer.
Franco Mastantuono (River Plate)
River Plate always have one standout youngster, and Franco Mastantuono could be the next cab off the rank.
At 17, it would be easy to compare the left-footed playmaker to fellow Argentine Messi, but his unhurried, elegant style is more akin to Zinedine Zidane.
Marcelo Gallardo is keen to ease the teenager in and help him develop alongside the more experienced Facundo Colidio and Manuel Lanzini. Still, Mastantuono showed his leadership by stepping up to successfully take his team’s first penalty in a recent shootout against Platense.
All of Europe’s top sides are keen, and he may get to showcase his talent against one, with River facing potential European champions Inter Milan, Urawa Red Diamonds and Monterrey in Group E.
Elias Montiel (Pachuca)
Finally, to Group H, where Elias Montiel could set the tempo for Pachuca against Real Madrid, Al Hilal and Red Bull Salzburg.
Guillermo Almada’s side won last year’s Concacaf Champions League before losing to Real in the final of the 2024 Intercontinental Cup.
Montiel won the Bronze Ball behind Vinicius Junior and Federico Valverde for his performances in the UAE. Both could be teammates by the end of the summer, with Los Blancos among the teams believed to be keen on his signature.
The 19-year-old will lead his team’s midfield press and in Almada’s swansong before moving on, his homegrown tyro could help Tuzos shock a few people in the familiar North American conditions.
