From Madrid’s new Ronaldo to Flamengo’s latest gem, these rising talents lit up the global stage and may soon dominate world football.
The FIFA Club World Cup has often struggled for mainstream popularity, but every edition gives us glimpses of future superstars. In 2025, the expanded tournament format gave young talents more minutes to shine—and some took full advantage. Here are 10 breakout young stars who left a lasting impression on the world stage.
1. Gonzalo Garcia (Real Madrid)
📍 Real Madrid official website
At 21, Gonzalo Garcia finally got his chance—and grabbed it with both hands. The Real Madrid academy graduate, who idolized Cristiano Ronaldo, netted three goals in four games, helping the Spanish giants reach the quarter-finals. With comparisons already being made to club legends like Raul and Ronaldo, Garcia might just block Endrick’s path to the starting XI in 2025/26.
2. Claudio Echeverri (Manchester City)
📍 Manchester City official website
Dubbed the “next Messi” in Argentina’s youth ranks, Claudio Echeverri showed flashes of brilliance for Manchester City during the tournament. His stunning free-kick against Al Ain turned heads, and though injury cut his tournament short, fans are now eager to see more of him in the Premier League.
3. Senny Mayulu (Paris Saint-Germain)
📍 Paris Saint-Germain official website
Fresh off PSG’s Champions League triumph, 18-year-old Senny Mayulu became one of the youngest scorers in Club World Cup history. With Desire Doue already shining in Paris, Mayulu’s emergence only adds to the club’s growing arsenal of young French talent. The Lamine Yamal comparisons are just getting started.
4. Tyrique George (Chelsea)
📍 Chelsea FC official website
Nicknamed “Evil Saka” for his resemblance to Arsenal’s star man, Tyrique George took his moment to shine. With a crowded Chelsea attack featuring Madueke, Neto, and Palmer, George’s standout performances give hope he won’t just be another name on the loan list.
5. Lennart Karl (Bayern Munich)
📍 Bayern Munich official website
Unknown to most fans, 17-year-old Lennart Karl made his debut against Auckland City, instantly impressing with his midfield presence. A 91% pass accuracy, six successful duels, and five shots in that match had Bayern fans buzzing. Could he be the heir to Thomas Müller’s throne?
6. Wallace Yan (Flamengo)
📍 Flamengo official website
Before the Club World Cup, Wallace Yan had just 15 senior appearances. Now, the 20-year-old striker is on the radar of Wolverhampton Wanderers after scoring against Chelsea and LAFC. Flamengo knew he was special after his U-20 Copa Libertadores heroics, and now the world knows too.
7. Estêvão Willian (Palmeiras → Chelsea)
Just 18 years old, Estêvão Willian was one of the brightest stars of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. The Palmeiras winger won multiple Man of the Match awards, dazzled with his dribbling, and scored a stunning goal against his future club, Chelsea, in the quarter-finals. Nicknamed “Messinho” for his style and flair, he’s already seen as Brazil’s next big thing. Chelsea secured his transfer for around €57 million, and he’ll officially join the Blues after the tournament. With his pace, technique, and confidence, Estêvão looks destined for global superstardom.
8. Igor Jesus (Botafogo)
📍 Botafogo official website
Nicknamed “The Little Frog” for his leaping ability, 24-year-old Igor Jesus may be slightly older than others on this list, but his breakout came on the global stage in 2025. After helping Botafogo win the Brazilian league and Copa Libertadores, he’s now headed to the Premier League with Nottingham Forest.
9. Obed Vargas (Seattle Sounders)
📍 Seattle Sounders official website
Though Seattle Sounders had a rough tournament, 19-year-old Obed Vargas stood tall in a group that included PSG, Atlético Madrid, and Botafogo. His creativity and composure have drawn interest from La Liga and Serie A sides—and rightly so.
10. Oscar Gloukh (Red Bull Salzburg)
📍 Red Bull Salzburg official website
Oscar Gloukh has long been seen as a gem for Red Bull Salzburg, and the Club World Cup confirmed it. His goal against Pachuca reminded fans of past Salzburg alumni like Erling Haaland and Dominik Szoboszlai. A big move to a top European club seems inevitable.
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