Yamal, Doue, and Cherki are among some of the best U21 players in football this season, but who else makes the list?
Football always produces some talented players every season, and it gets more exciting when youngsters get their breakthrough year. The 2024/25 football season was one to remember.
A couple of clubs broke their trophy droughts, but what was more interesting was witnessing the magic that a couple of U21 players could do with their feet.
Football is breeding a new generation of players, and this season, we saw a few more players join an elite class of talented youngsters. So, who are the best players under 21? Here are the best 5.
Andrey Santos
Chelsea’s loanee Andrey Santos has taken the Ligue 1 by storm since joining Strasbourg. He was struggling for playing time in Nottingham Forest, but Chelsea called him back, and at the start of the 2024/25 season, he joined Strasbourg.
He found new life in the Ligue 1, scoring 10 goals and providing 3 assists in 32 games. He is due to join Chelsea ahead of the new season, but with a few clubs interested in the Brazilian midfielder, his future could lie elsewhere next season.
Rayan Cherki
Rayan Cherki is the young maestro orchestrating Lyon’s creative attacks. Cherki has shown that he’s not just some prodigy; he’s writing his own story, bringing creativity and flair to the pitch.
He’s demonstrated insane vision and skill, deciding games with his exceptional playmaking abilities.
This season, Cherki scored 8 goals and provided 11 assists in Ligue 1, also topping the charts as the Ligue 1 top assist provider.
In the UEFA Europa League, he excelled, earning the Young Player of the Season award and leading the competition in assists. His impressive performances earned him a spot in the UEFA Europa League Team of the Season and the Ligue 1 Team of the Year.
Cherki’s talent has caught the attention of top clubs, with Manchester City reportedly close to signing him.
With his contract extending until 2027, Cherki’s future looks bright. At just 21 years old, he’s already a fixture in Lyon’s first team and a key player for France’s U21 squad. His potential is undeniable, making him one of the most exciting young players in world football today.
João Neves
In an interview, Neves said his job is to bring the feeling of taking the ball of the attacker. This season, he has taken the ball off players in situations that feel unreal.
His tackle against Merino in the Arsenal game isn’t talked about enough. He’s the one person on the list where it’s not about goals or assists, you just have to watch him.
Neves has had a good season, winning the quadruple with PSG and performing consistently when called upon. He has had a season that cannot be overlooked. Right now, he’s one of the best midfielders in the game.
Desire Doue
He needs no introduction. PSG’s new star boy is here to stay. Doue has shown that he isn’t just some Neymar regen, he is writing his own story, bringing joga bonito back to life.
He’s shown that he has insane trickery and flair in his locker. He can also decide games just like he did in the Champions League final becoming the youngest player to score two goals and provide an assist in a Champions League final.
This season, he scored 15 goals and provided 9 assists across all competitions. He is also on course to win the golden boy award.
Lamine Yamal
He is the best player to watch right now and he’s just 17. Words can’t even describe him.
At his age, he seems like a solid contender for the Ballon d’Or. This just shows you how brilliantly he has performed this season.
The game against Inter Milan won’t be forgotten in a hurry. He was all over Dimarco just like he’d been all over the defenders that came his way.
He isn’t scared to go 1v1 and he always comes out on top. Yamal has 18 goals and 25 assists this season while winning the Spanish La Liga, Copa del Rey and the Supercopa de Espana.
He is the best youngster in the game right now.
