Wonderkids to look out for at the 2025 Club World Cup

The revamped 32-team 2025 Club World Cup will be like any other major summer tournament.

Among the participating teams will be the game’s most illustrious footballers, including record eight-time Ballon d’Or recipient Lionel Messi, as well as some notable goalscorers from Harry Kane to Kylian Mbappe, plus a host of household names.

However, what truly captivates scouts, enthusiasts, and casual viewers alike is the potential emergence of future stars, who could be strutting their stuff across the United States.

Below are just a couple of promising wonderkids, some of whom you may have already heard a lot about, that you will want to keep an eye on.

Amanallah Memmiche

• Age: 21
• Team: Esperance de Tunis
• Position: Goalkeeper

Memmiche played a key role in Espérance’s journey to the 2023-24 CAF Champions League final. The Tunisian goalkeeper displayed exceptional form throughout the tournament, achieving an impressive record of 11 clean sheets in 13 matches. Having turned 21 in April 2025, Memmiche is a commanding presence in goal. He confidently manages his penalty area and excels at making remarkable saves due to his outstanding athleticism. In June 2024, he received his first call-up to the senior national team and has since earned five caps with the Eagles of Carthage, including a clean sheet on his debut against Madagascar.

Desire Doue

• Age: 19
• Team: Paris Saint-Germain
• Position: Winger

A graduate of Rennes’ impressive youth setup, it was inevitable that Desire Doue was set up for grander things following an impressive showcase in his first two seasons as a professional footballer. Paris Saint-Germain, known for snapping up France’s rising stars, became his home in the summer of 2024, and Doué hasn’t let the bright Parisian lights affect him. The sensation from Angers played a crucial role in PSG’s journey to a second-ever Champions League final.

While his natural position is attacking midfielder, his vast array of attributes suggests he could also thrive deeper in midfield, on either wing, or as a forward, depending on Luis Enrique’s formation. A versatile box-to-box playmaker known for his keen goal-scoring instincts. His remarkable agility, quick acceleration, and impressive speed make him stand out from the crowd. Coupled with his outstanding dribbling, shooting, and passing skills, he poses a significant offensive threat in various scenarios.

Gifted by name, gifted by nature. https://t.co/Dm0JK3zQJW pic.twitter.com/JkVz1eKT9y

— Squawka (@Squawka) April 9, 2025

Estevao

• Age: 18
• Team: Palmeiras
• Position: Winger

No sooner had Endrick, the Real Madrid forward, been hailed as the latest Brazilian wonderkid—unfortunately, he will miss the upcoming United States showpiece event due to injury—than another promising star emerged from Brazil’s talent factory. The upcoming Club World Cup will be Palmeiras forward Estevao’s final matches with the club before moving to Chelsea next season. This presents an excellent opportunity for him to showcase his skills to Blues supporters and the broader Premier League fanbase. Having turned 18 this past April, Estevao has already scored 26 goals in 77 appearances for his boyhood club across all competitions and has also earned four caps with the senior Brazil national team.

Fidel Ambriz

• Age: 22
• Team: Monterrey
• Position: Midfielder

Ambriz joined Monterrey from Club Leon in August 2024, participating in the summer tournament while his former team are banned from the competition due to a multi-club ownership issue. At only 22 years old, he has emerged as one of the most well-rounded midfielders in Mexican football. He played a pivotal role in Leon’s triumph in the 2022/23 Concacaf Champions League, where he was honoured as the tournament’s Best Young Player. Known for his diverse passing abilities, Ambriz excels at breaking up opposing attacks with precise tackles and interceptions. While he does not score frequently, he possesses the capability to deliver stunning long-range goals. He’s also represented Mexico at the senior international level, making one appearance to date—a 64-minute outing against Bolivia in June 2024.

Franco Mastantuono

• Age: 17
• Team: River Plate
• Position: Midfielder

Franco Mastantuono, the youngest player on our list, will turn 18 shortly after the Club World Cup concludes. Already integrated into the first team at River Plate, he is seen as Argentina’s promising future star. This exceptionally gifted teenager has made a remarkable impact, highlighted by a free kick against Sarmiento at just 16 years old. His goal against Excursionistas established him as River’s youngest-ever goalscorer, surpassing the record previously held by club legend Javier Saviola. A skilled midfielder with over 50 appearances for Los Millonarios, Mastantuono combines power and precision in his shooting and possesses impressive physical attributes for his age. Additionally, he was a standout tennis player in his youth. Now recognised as one of his nation’s most exciting emerging football talents, he has already played for the U-20 national team, and a senior debut for the Albiceleste seems imminent.

Jamie Gittens

• Age: 20
• Team: Borussia Dortmund
• Position: Winger

Borussia Dortmund has a strong tradition of nurturing young talent, and Jamie Gittens is one among several youngsters currently in their first team. A product of the Manchester City academy, the English winger moved to Dortmund in 2020—the same year fellow Englishman Jude Bellingham joined the Bundesliga club—and is now in his fourth season. Following the paths of Bellingham and Jadon Sancho, the 20-year-old has enjoyed his most successful season to date, scoring 12 goals and providing five assists in 48 matches, including a notable goal against Bellingham’s current club, Real Madrid. Although Gittens is a year younger than Bellingham and took some time to establish himself in Germany, he has increasingly showcased his impressive skill set over the past two seasons. Primarily playing on the left wing, his exceptional close control and ability to navigate tight spaces have been particularly eye-catching, and he now aims to impress Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel.

Jamie Gittens is the youngest Englishmen ever to score vs Real Madrid in the Champions League (20y 75d). 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 pic.twitter.com/67shEC1QDk

— Squawka (@Squawka) October 22, 2024

Kenan Yildiz

• Age: 20
• Team: Juventus
• Position: Winger

At just 20 years old, Kenan Yildiz has established himself as a prominent member of Juventus’ first team and deserves greater recognition for his remarkable achievements to date. He joined the club from Bayern Munich in 2022 and made his debut a year later, quickly establishing himself as a standout player. Yildiz not only became the youngest foreign goalscorer in Serie A but also set a record as Juventus’ youngest-ever goalscorer in the Champions League, surpassing the legendary Alessandro Del Piero. Since earning his first cap for the Turkish national team at the age of 18, he has made 48 appearances in the 2024–25 season, scoring nine goals and providing seven assists. He is expected to continue impressing as he competes in the United States.

Marc Guiu

• Age: 19
• Team: Chelsea
• Position: Striker

Chelsea leaned heavily on Nicolas Jackson as the central figure in their attack this season, but they may utilise the upcoming summer competition to highlight Marc Guiu’s skills. The young Spanish forward, acquired from Barcelona, has already proven his scoring prowess by netting six goals in seven matches during the Europa Conference League group stage. Unfortunately, a hamstring injury sidelined Guiu from February to May 2025, resulting in the loss of 20 matches and limiting his playing time and development. Despite the challenges ahead, the 19-year-old, who made a brief three-minute appearance in the 2025 Conference League final against Real Betis, where Chelsea secured a 4-1 victory, has the potential to rise to any occasion.

Nico O’Reilly

• Age: 20
• Team: Manchester City
• Position: Midfielder

A versatile midfielder from Manchester City’s esteemed youth setup, Nico O’Reilly made a notable impact despite a challenging season, during which he usually played as a left-back. He made his debut in the Community Shield and quickly became a key player in City’s FA Cup campaign. O’Reilly scored his first goal in an impressive 8-0 victory against Salford, followed by a brace against Championship side Plymouth, and proved crucial in the quarter-final win over Bournemouth, coming off the bench to create two goals as City overturned a 1-0 deficit. Earning Pep Guardiola’s trust is no small feat. As the City manager begins to incorporate more youth players into his lineup, O’Reilly is poised for increased playing time during the upcoming Club World Cup campaign.

Nico O'Reilly is the youngest Englishman to start an FA Cup final for Man City since 1981.

20 years and 57 days old. 💫#EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/GkBadqqXqu

— Squawka (@Squawka) May 17, 2025

Obed Vargas

• Age: 19
• Team: Seattle Sounders
• Position: Midfielder

Born in Alaska to Mexican parents, Obed Vargas initially represented the United States at the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup but has since switched his international allegiance to Mexico, making a brief seven-minute appearance in a match that ended in a 2-0 victory over his birth country. Currently playing for the Seattle Sounders, Vargas has gained recognition for his dynamic presence in central midfield, showcasing his ability to control the game’s tempo. He made his MLS debut at just 15 years old, making him one of the youngest players in league history. Despite facing setbacks, including a stress fracture in his back in 2022, Vargas has demonstrated impressive resilience, earning accolades from Sounders coach Brian Schmetzer, who highlights his significant potential for growth.

Rio Nitta

• Age: 22
• Team: Urawa Red Diamonds
• Position: Striker

Urawa Red Diamonds face a challenging task in qualifying from Group E, which includes River Plate, Inter Milan, and Monterrey. However, they may have a potential asset in Rio Nitta, a Japanese youth international who is earning acclaim for his tireless work ethic. His speed and direct approach elevate Urawa’s tempo, compelling defenders to stay alert to his aggressive pressing style. Nitta showcased his talent to Urawa Reds supporters during just his second competitive match, scoring a remarkable goal in a J1 League encounter against Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo. With prior experience at Sagan Tosu and Austrian clubs St. Pölten and Wacker Innsbruck, Nitta is poised to earn his first senior international cap in the near future.

Rodrigo Mora

• Age: 18
• Team: Porto
• Position: Midfielder

Porto has established itself as a nurturing ground for emerging talent in Portugal, and Rodrigo Mora is a standout among the continent’s most promising young players. At the age of 15, he made history by becoming the youngest player to debut professionally in Portuguese football, while playing for Porto’s B team. Since then, his ascent to the first team has been swift. Now 18, Mora has already made 32 appearances in all competitions, scoring 10 goals. It is anticipated that he will soon earn a call-up to the national team.

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