Arjun Menon
The Next Big Stars Beyond the Big Five
While Europe’s top five leagues often hog the spotlight, a new wave of young talent is making waves in less heralded competitions. The CIES Football Observatory has crunched the numbers to identify the most promising players born in 2006 or later who are plying their trade outside the Premier League, Bundesliga, La Liga, Ligue 1, and Serie A.
Their analysis focused on key metrics like aerial play, recovery, distribution, dribbling, chance creation, and finishing. Here are the top 10 prospects who could become household names by 2026.
1. Quilindschy Hartman (Feyenoord, Netherlands)
The 19-year-old Netherlands U21 international has been a mainstay for Feyenoord over the past two seasons. With impressive technical and physical attributes, he’s carved out a role as a modern wing-back, drawing comparisons to Jeremie Frimpong and Jurrien Timber.
2. Quenda (Sporting CP, Portugal)
At just 18, Quenda is nearing 50 league appearances for Sporting CP. His pace and dribbling have caught the eye of Chelsea, who’ve already agreed to sign him next summer. Versatile enough to play as a wing-back or winger, he’s a dynamic threat on the flank.
Read also: Sporting CP vs Rio Ave Prediction: 28.12.2025 Primeira Liga
3. Ernest Yirenkyi (FC Nordsjælland, Denmark)
Aged 19, Yirenkyi has already earned nine caps for Ghana. The midfielder has featured 17 times in the Danish top flight this season and has shown his adaptability by playing at right-back for his national team.
4. Gustavo Sá (Porto, Portugal)
The 18-year-old Portuguese midfielder has been turning heads for Porto. He marked his first start with a goal and an assist, and at the 2025 Club World Cup, he became the youngest European goalscorer in the tournament’s history with a strike against Al-Ahly.
5. Daan Smit (AZ Alkmaar, Netherlands)
Smit, 19, was named player of the tournament at the 2025 European U19 Championship. His performances have reportedly drawn interest from Chelsea, Manchester United, and Real Madrid.
6. Pedro (Flamengo, Brazil)
Known as Pedrinho or simply Pedro, this 19-year-old forward is being tipped as Brazil’s next superstar. His close control and confidence have set him apart, and he’s already making a name for himself in Brazilian football.
7. Rayan (Palmeiras, Brazil)
Another Brazilian gem, Rayan helped his country win the 2025 South American U20 Championship. He was also named the Campeonato Brasileiro‘s best newcomer and topped the scoring charts in the 2025 Copa do Brasil with five goals.
8. Javier Salinas (Racing Santander, Spain)
The 18-year-old defender broke into Racing Santander‘s first team in December 2024. Capable of playing at centre-back or left-back, he’s already made 13 appearances in La Liga this season.
9. Lenny Gadou (RB Salzburg, Austria)
Standing at 6ft 5in, the 18-year-old Gadou is a commanding presence at centre-back. The France-born defender came through Paris St-Germain‘s youth system before joining RB Salzburg in September 2024. He’s been a regular in both the Austrian league and the Europa League.
10. Thiago Montoro (River Plate, Argentina)
The 18-year-old Argentine midfielder has been causing excitement in South America. Montoro excels in tight spaces and boasts excellent passing skills, making him one to watch for the future.
These young talents are proving that the next generation of stars isn’t just emerging from Europe’s biggest leagues. Keep an eye on them they could be the next big thing.