The kids are alright but these potential superstars have the footballing world at their feet already.
Every club is desperate to find the next big thing and every year a new wonderkid bursts onto the scene.
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Leny Yoro has completed his huge £52million move to Old Trafford and is one of the most valuable teenagersCredit: Getty
They may be young now but all of them have the potential to become monumental superstars.
The era of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi seems to be waning, though the latter did just pick up a new trophy, and it’s down to the new wave to pick up where those superstars left off.
Manchester City have already called dibs on one talent in Cavan Sullivan, who is making a name for himself in MLS, breaking a 20-year record to become the youngest player to take part in a professional game.
Barcelona have one of the best academies on the planet and regularly churn out elite players and that is proven by the fact they have the two most valuable teenagers in football right now, according to Transfermarkt.
Manchester United and Brighton are the only two Premier League clubs represented in the top 10, including new signing Leny Yoro, while Real Madrid also have two players, bought for big fees.
Paris Saint-Germain’s own academy has produced possibly one of the best players of the generation and they could be about to partner him with another one that is also on the list.
So, who are the most valuable teenagers in world football?
1. Lamine Yamal, 17, Barcelona, £101m
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Yamal showed Europe why he is the best teenager in world football right nowCredit: Getty
The youngest on the list and the most valuable – by a long way. Yamal has been nothing short of sensational over the past 12 months.
After breaking into the Barcelona side last season, Yamal has near enough been the first-choice option on the right-hand flank – at the age of 16.
Having just turned 17 during the European Championship, the teenager went on to lead Spain to glory with four assists – more than any other player – including laying off Nico Williams for his opening strike against England in the final.
Yamal landed the Young Player of the Tournament with little competition, after breaking several records, and Barcelona might have another Messi on their hands, even giving him his old number.
2. Gavi, 19, Barcelona, £75.7m
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Gavi looks set for the very top
Gavi broke onto the scene so long ago now at Barcelona that he almost feels like a veteran but it is easy to forget that he is still just 19.
The Spaniard made his debut for Barca and Spain in 2021 at the age of 16 and joins Yamal in the top two to hail from the famous La Masia academy.
In 2022, Gavi won the Golden Boy award as well as the Kopa Trophy, given during the Ballon d’Or ceremony which goes to the best up-and-coming star.
Injuries have plagued the midfielder in recent times and he managed just 12 appearances in LaLiga last season after two breakthrough campaigns where he played 96 times.
3. Endrick, 18, Real Madrid, £50.5m
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The wonderkid looks set to be the future of Brazilian footballCredit: Getty
Real Madrid have had great success plundering Brazil for their top talents in the past with Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo Goes and Marcelo as recent examples.
In 2022, it was announced that Los Blancos had clinched a deal for Endrick when he was just 16 – to make the move to the Bernabeu when he turned 18.
This summer, the Brazilian, who has been tipped as the ‘new Ronaldo’, will finally join up with his new Madrid teammates, including Kylian Mbappe, who has signed from PSG on a free transfer.
And his trophy cabinet is already bulging before he has even got to Real, proving the Spanish giants might have got themselves another winner.
4. Warren Zaire-Emery, 18, PSG, £50.5m
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Zaire-Emery is already a key player at PSGCredit: Getty
Another starlet who broke onto the scene at a young age, he became PSG’s youngest-ever player when he made his debut in August 2022 at 16 years and 151 days.
He has since become a regular in the squad and can play a number of roles in midfield.
What has impressed coaches and pundits alike is his remarkable physique despite his young age, coupled with a stunning range of technical abilities.
He can read play beyond his years, win the ball graciously and provides balance to midfield and Zaire-Emery has been tipped for a huge future in the game.
5. Kobbie Mainoo, 19, Manchester United, £46.3m
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Mainoo has had an astronomical rise in 12 months for United and EnglandCredit: Getty
United and England’s breakout star over the last 12 months, Mainoo’s rise has been nothing short of superb and completely deserved.
The teenager forced his way into Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad this summer but that was not enough, eventually even getting into the starting XI over Trent Alexander-Arnold and Conor Gallagher.
Mainoo’s emergence also might have saved Erik ten Hag’s bacon, who was struggling for midfield options last season with Mason Mount injured and Christian Eriksen and Casemiro out of form.
The United academy talent was brought into the fold and instantly made such an impact that he went on to make 32 appearances in all competitions, scoring vital goals like his last-gasp strike against Wolves and City in the FA Cup final.
6. Joao Neves, 19, Benfica, £46.3m
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Neves could be Portugal’s next big starCredit: Getty
Neves has become one of the hottest properties on the transfer market this summer and is yet another product of Benfica’s incredible academy.
The Portugal international looks set to follow in the footsteps of other former Benfica aces like Ruben Dias, Joao Felix and Renato Sanches.
PSG are the strongest to be linked with Neves, who could partner fellow teenager Zaire-Emery in midfield to provide a combination that could hold down the fort for years in Paris.
Neves has been famed for his reading of play and ability to dictate the game from deep and, like Zaire-Emery, has astonished coaches for his mental attributes beyond his play.
7. Leny Yoro, 18, Manchester United, £42m
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Yoro is Ten Hag’s second signing of the summer so farCredit: Getty
The big signing at Old Trafford, United had been desperate to bring Yoro to the club this summer and forked out an initial £52m for the defender.
That might be more than his market value but the youngster has huge potential and that fee could end up looking a bargain – and also solves a problematic position for Ten Hag, where he contended with several injuries.
Real Madrid were also interested in the Frenchman, who made his debut for Lille in May 2022 at the age of 16 years six months and one day of age.
Now aged 18, Yoro has been praised for his ability on the ball, remarkable speed and defensive prowess and could prove to be a huge asset in the Premier League.
8. Evan Ferguson, 19, Brighton, £42m
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Brighton have a history of unearthing young starsCredit: Getty
Brighton get plenty right in the transfer market and Ferguson is no different, joining the Seagulls from Irish outfit Bohemians in 2021 after just three first-team appearances.
Now still just 19, Ferguson has been tipped as one of the best up-and-coming strikers in the Premier League and already has 12 goals in 47 appearances.
There have been links with other clubs and Brighton’s policy has always been to buy youngsters to sell on for big profits.
And there have been reports that the south-coast club could demand in excess of £100m for the Republic of Ireland international with talkSPORT understanding that Chelsea are interested.
9. Arda Guler, 19, Real Madrid, £37.9m
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Guler stunned Europe with his incredible performances for TurkeyCredit: Getty
Despite a tough debut season at Real Madrid, Guler proved why he has been branded ‘the Turkish Messi’ during Euro 2024 after some sensational performances for his country.
As well as providing two assists, his jaw-dropping strike against Georgia helped Turkey win 3-1 and Madrid might have another gem to bolster an already frightening frontline.
Jude Bellingham, Mbappe, Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr with Endrick and Guler providing back-up is an attack that could lead the way in Europe for years to come.
The 19-year-old made just 12 appearances for Los Blancos last season, though, with injuries halting his progress – but he still managed to score six times.
10. Mathys Tel, 19, Bayern Munich, £33.7m
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Bayern have found a star in TelCredit: Getty
Eyebrows were raised when Bayern signed Tel in the summer of 2022 from Rennes for a fee more than Sadio Mane, who had just joined from Liverpool.
But the forward has proved plenty of doubters wrong, being praised for his ability to finish and his physique.
His versatility has also been a huge asset for Bayern Munich, where he has played across the frontline on either flank and up front.
Recently, the Frenchman has been known for his ability off the bench with Harry Kane starting ahead of him up front but the youngster has big ambitions to land a starting role in Munich.
Most valuable teenagers, according to Transfermarkt
Lamine Yamal, 17, Barcelona, £101mGavi, 19, Barcelona, £75.7mEndrick, 18, Real Madrid, £50.5mWarren Zaire-Emery, 18, PSG, £50.5mKobbie Mainoo, 19, Manchester United, £46.3mJoao Neves, 19, Benfica, £46.3mLeny Yoro, 18, Manchester United, £42mEvan Ferguson, 19, Brighton, £42mArda Guler, 19, Real Madrid, £37.9mMathys Tel, 19, Bayern Munich, £33.7m
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