The 2007-born talents set to dominate world soccer
The first stars of the 2007 generation are taking their first steps in professional soccer, from names that are already heard everywhere to others who will soon become known worldwide. Some of these players are already emerging in the major European leagues, while others are closely followed by important clubs. Many of them are already making their debuts with the senior national teams of their countries, while others will do so soon.
If you want to know about the best players of this generation, in this article we will talk about some of them.
Franco Mastantuono (River Plate)
The new pearl of River Plate and Argentina is already on everyone's lips. Having played only 9 games as a professional and already scoring his first goal, Franco has attracted interest from major European teams. The young Argentine took his first steps in sports playing tennis. While juggling tennis and soccer, he received an offer from River Plate to play with them, but he rejected it to continue in tennis. In 2019, after receiving another offer, he decided to accept and start his soccer career at River. His good performances in the club's youth categories led to his call-up to the Argentine U-20 national team.
Franco plays as an attacking midfielder and stands out for his playmaking ability and striking prowess. His great performances have sparked interest from the two major Spanish clubs, who want to sign the young Argentine. However, due to FIFA's new regulations, the player cannot move continents until he turns 18.
Pau Cubarsí (FC Barcelona)
The FC Barcelona defender is impressing everyone. In a defense with players of great level, Cubarsí stands out the most. The young Catalan player began training with the first team of Barca in April 2023 after Xavi Hernández called him up for training. That same summer, the blaugrana team decided to sign his first professional contract. He started the 23-24 preseason with the first team, although he did not get minutes in the first team during the first half of the season. He played in the RFEF First Division with Barça's second team.
In 2024, Cubarsí has broken through and become a regular for Xavi. He made his debut with the first team on January 18 in the Copa del Rey against Unionistas de Salamanca. Three days later, he made his league debut against Betis. Since then, he has become a regular in the blaugrana starting eleven. Additionally, in the last Champions League match against Napoli, Pau Cubarsí became the MVP of the match.
Don't miss our video on Cubarsí
Messinho (Estêvão Willian) (Palmeiras)
Estêvão Willian, better known as Messinho, is one of the names being talked about in Brazilian soccer. This young right winger has already attracted interest from various European clubs. Estêvão began his soccer career in the youth categories of Cruzeiro, where he was nicknamed Messinho for his style of play. At just 10 years old, Nike offered him his first contract, becoming the youngest Brazilian player to sign with them.
In 2021, he joined the youth categories of Palmeiras, winning numerous championships with them. In the recent Copinha with Palmeiras U-20, he scored 4 goals and provided 2 assists in 5 matches. His great performances have already attracted interest from top clubs, especially Barcelona and PSG, who have made offers for the player.
Don't miss our video on Messinho
Kendry Páez (Independiente del Valle)
The new Ecuadorian star is already one of the most promising young players in the world according to a study by the International Center for Sports Studies. In a list where names like Jude Bellingham or Florian Wirtz can be found, Kendry Páez is already being compared to them. The Ecuadorian player began standing out in the youth categories of Independiente del Valle from a young age. In international tournaments, he showcased his high level, attracting interest from European clubs like Borussia Dortmund and Manchester United, the latter making an offer in 2022 which the player rejected. But last summer, Chelsea managed to sign the player for the year 2025.
His great level has made Kendry, at just 16 years old, an undisputed starter for Independiente del Valle. Additionally, he has become a regular in the Ecuadorian senior national team, starting in most games and leading the team to a high level, competing to qualify for the next World Cup and possibly being one of the surprises of the next Copa America.
Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal)
The next hope of English soccer is the youngest player in history to debut in the Premier League. Ethan arrived at Arsenal at just nine years old. At 14, thanks to his great level, he was already playing for the club's U-18 team. The young Englishman usually plays as an attacking midfielder, although he is a very versatile player and can also play anywhere in the forward line, and he is a good dribbler. On September 18, 2022, he made his debut for Arsenal in a Premier League match against Brentford, in which the Gunners won 3-0 and Ethan became the youngest player to play in the Premier League at 15 years and 181 days old.
This season, Ethan is playing for Arsenal U-21, having an outstanding campaign. In 15 games, he has scored a total of 14 goals and provided 3 assists, practically unbeatable numbers. This same season, in a FA Youth Cup match, the English player scored five goals in a match against Crewe Alexandra.
Lamine Yamal (FC Barcelona)
