The best wonderkids outside big five leagues

Impressing in one in every of Europe’s greatest leagues is a robust solution to make a reputation for your self as a promising teenager – however there are many thrilling gamers coming via within the much less heralded leagues too.

The CIES Football Observatory, a analysis group, has analysed the data to compile a list of the highest-ranked gamers born in 2006 or later who play outside of Europe’s established high five leagues (Premier League, Bundesliga, La Liga, Ligue 1 and Serie A).

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Its methodology took in knowledge for aerial play, restoration, distribution, tackle – which implies dribbling the ball at the least eight metres in direction of the opponents’ aim – probability creation and ending.

Here are the highest 10 gamers judged by these metrics – prospects who might effectively turn into extra recognisable names in 2026.

Givairo Read – right-back, Feyenoord

The Netherlands Under-21 worldwide, aged 19, has been an everyday for Dutch aspect Feyenoord over the previous two seasons. Possessing spectacular technical and bodily skill, he’s seen as an thrilling fashionable wing-back within the Jeremie Frimpong and Jurrien Timber mould.

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Geovany Quenda – proper winger, Sporting

Quenda is barely 18 however is already closing in on 50 league appearances for Sporting and his potential has caught the attention of Chelsea, who’ve agreed to signal him subsequent summer time. Comfortable in both the wing-back or winger function, {the teenager} stands out for his tempo and dribbling skill.

Caleb Yirenkyi – midfielder, FC Nordsjaelland

Yirenkyi is simply 19 however has already been capped 9 instances by Ghana, such is his promise. The midfielder has made 17 appearances within the Danish high flight up to now this season. He is thought for his versatility, having performed at right-back for his nationwide workforce.

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Rodrigo Mora – midfielder/winger, FC Porto

The 18-year-old Portuguese midfielder has impressed over the previous 12 months. He scored and received an help on his first begin for Porto and ultimately summer time’s Club World Cup he grew to become the youngest-ever European goalscorer within the historical past of the event when he discovered the online towards Al-Ahly.

Kees Smit – midfielder, AZ Alkmaar

Dutch midfielder Smit, 19, has reportedly attracted curiosity from Chelsea, Manchester United and Real Madrid after he was named participant of the event on the European Under-19 Championship in Romania in June.

Pedro Henrique – ahead, FK Zenit

Also often known as Pedrinho or Pedro, the 19-year-old ahead possesses thrilling close-control expertise and distinctive confidence that has had many observers suggesting he could possibly be the subsequent Brazilian celebrity.

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Rayan Vitor – ahead, Vasco da Gama

Another thrilling Brazilian teenager, the 19-year-old ahead, often known as simply Rayan, not too long ago helped his nation win the South American Under-20 Championship. He was additionally named the 2025 Campeonato Brasileiro’s best newcomer and completed as high scorer within the 2025 Copa do Brasil with five targets.

Jorge Salinas – defender, Racing Santander

Capable of taking part in both at centre-back or left-back, 18-year-old Spanish defender Salinas broke into the Racing Santander first workforce in December 2024. He has made 13 appearances in Spain’s second tier up to now this season.

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Joane Gadou – defender, RB Salzburg

Gadou could solely be 18 however is already an imposing presence at centre-back as he stands at 6ft 5in tall. The France-born teenager got here via the youth system at Paris St-Germain earlier than becoming a member of RB Salzburg in September 2024. He has performed repeatedly each within the Austrian high flight and Europa League this season.

Alvaro Montoro – midfielder, Botafogo

The 18-year-old midfielder from Argentina is one other participant that has been inflicting loads of pleasure in South America. Montoro is ready to function effectively in tight areas and possesses glorious passing expertise.