Last Updated on March 29, 2024 by Avik Das
With the Messi-Ronaldo era slowly fading away, it is time to welcome new generation footballers who are likely to dominate the football world in the next decade. From strikers, defenders to wingers, there are plenty of talented footballers in the world, who have the potential to dominate the football world in the next decade.
While many talents are in their mid-20s, there are numerous incredible players, who are in their early 20s or yet to touch the mark. From the league cup to Champions League, those promising stars are doing well to be called the next big stars. Needless to say, a couple of such current stars could be future Ballon d’Or winners.
Without further adieu, let’s take a look at five such best footballers of the current generation, who are under 23 years old.
#5 Mason Greenwood (Manchester United, 19 Years Old)
Mason Greenwood has been simply impressive ever since getting promoted to the first team of Manchester United by Ole Gunner Solskjaer. Born in 2001, the Manchester United starlet is only 19 years old, and his best years are yet to come on the field. This season, he has become a regular member of the first team of Red Devils, having regularly featured in both league games and European matches.The English international has played 56 matches for Red Devils so far, and he has scored over 20 goals for the club. He is proficient with both feet, so he is capable of finding nets with both feet. As Greenwood is expected to only improve in later years, he could certainly win a Ballon d’Or award in the future.
#4 Trent Alexander Arnold ( Liverpool, 22 Years Old)
Born in 1998, Trent Alexander Arnold is only twenty-two years old right, but his achievements at such a young age are incredible, especially while playing for his club, Liverpool. The right-back has become an essential part of the Premier League champions not only for his defensive skills but also for his ability to attack through the right flank. He has a serious pace, which certainly helps the team to make a quick counterattack. Although Liverpool are struggling to keep their place in the top half of the Premier League table this season, he has been instrumental to their success in the league as well as in Europe since getting promoted to the first team. He featured in all EPL matches last season, which proved his importance in the team. With his development in recent years, Trent has already captured the title of one of the best right-backs in the world, if not the best.
#3 Jadon Sancho ( Borussia Dortmund, 20 Years Old)
It might be unfathomable seeing another English young player on this list, but England has been producing remarkable talents over the past few years, and Jadon Sancho is certainly one of them. The English winger, who plays for Borussia Dortmund, is one of the best young players at the moment, and if he can keep improving then he should be a contender to win the Ballon d’Or award in near future.
Sancho’s lightning-fast pace and dribbling skills have garnered the attention of many top clubs of Europe, including Manchester United, who have been chasing him from the last window. Besides being a regular for his club, Sancho has also made eighteen appearances for the national team at the age of 20.
#2 Kylian Mbappe ( Paris Saint Germain, 22 Years)
Even though Kylian Mbappe is just 22 years old, he has accolades that many elite footballers can only dream of. Whether playing for the club or country, the Frenchman has won many major titles in his already illustrious career. Gifted with impressive pace, Mbappe is one of the fastest footballers in world football today. Other than his pace, Mbappe’s ball control, and positioning are widely praised. In fact, many people compare him to legendary Thierry Henry due to a similar movement. The star forward started featuring in starting eleven of both club and the national team from the age of 18. While he won many domestic cups with PSG, including three league cups, he ended up being runner-up of UEFA Champions League season 2019-20. Playing for France, Mbape won the FIFA World Cup 2018 when he was just 19 years old.
#1 Erling Haaland (Borussia Dortmund, 20 Year’s Old)
Erling Haaland, the Borussia Dortmund striker, has been in sublime form this season, becoming one of the top five goals scorers with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. He has been finding nets while playing in domestic matches or European matches. Given his red hot form, it wouldn’t be surprising if he ends up being among the top three goal scorers of the 2020-21 season. Representing Norway, he has already scored 6 goals in 7 matches for the national team. Since signing for the German club, Haaland has been unstoppable, scoring nearly 50 goals. If he keeps up his great goal-scoring form in his senior years, a future Ballon d’Or for him is certainly inevitable.
Avik Das is the founder of Sportsheed. He is a sports lover with broad knowledge of Professional Wrestling, MMA, Football, and Cricket. He has an English major and has previously written articles for various sports and entertainment websites
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