We all know the biggest stars who’ll shine at the World Cup this summer, but it’s equally valuable to highlight some of the young players who will assuredly shine on the planet’s biggest stage this summer.Â
Some of these names aren’t exactly coming out of nowhere, as they have played pivotal roles for their clubs this season. Some are even pushing for major silverware and perhaps a Ballon dOr nomination.
But others may be about to step into the limelight. The most notable takeaway is everyone here is younger than 25 years old, and aside from their audacious talent and impact, that also shows how the modern game â for better or worse â relies on young players more than ever before.Â
The lights will be bright at this summer’s 48-team tournament co-hosted by three countries. Its undoubtedly their time to shine.
Age: 24
Position: Right Winger/Attacking Midfielder
Club: Bayern Munich
How Bayern Munich only paid Crystal Palace a reported $60 million for the services of the talented winger back in the summer of 2024, Ill never know. It was an absolute steal. Olise has had a magnificent campaign with the Bavarians, who have already been crowned Bundesliga champions and just missed out on a Champions League final after losing to Paris Saint-Germain. But from an individual perspective, the England-born French attacker has been one of the most dominant forces in European soccer. Its been Ballon dOr worthy.Â
Olise has 22 goals and 26 assists in all competitions. A remarkable number, especially in a team that demands so much star attention. And thats why I, unsurprisingly, see Olise as one of the main stars for this summer.Â
He is the kind of player who shines in a sea of jewels for two-time World Cup champion France â one of the favorites to win the entire tournament â and he can be a pivotal factor on the right wing. And if he sees himself isolated against a defender? That deadly inverted curler will almost surely deliver, thanks to his lethal left foot.
Age: 23
Position: Attacking Midfielder/Left Winger
Club: Aston Villa
If you are aware of my work, then youll know this might appear as a biased decision based on my support for my lifelong club, Aston Villa. But anyone who follows the Premier League and the England national team can tell you that a confident, in-form Rogers is an extremely dangerous weapon and, on his day, unstoppable.Â
Its true that he has slowed down a little bit in the second stage of the season as his 21 goal contributions in all competitions are not as impressive as his 2024-25 campaign, when he won PFAs Young Player of the Year after 30 goal contributions.
But his presence and longevity for Unai Emerys side has been fundamental in order to hunt for a top-4 spot in the Premier League, and Villa’s first-ever Europa League final and first European final in 44 years. In fact, no one in the league has covered more ground than Rogers this season. Â
For England, Thomas Tuchel has a tactical dilemma about what to do with the No. 10 role: Use Rogers or his very good friend, Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham? Heres what I think: Rogers actually doesnt have a preferred position. He is a nomad of the pitch and loves to hover across the entire front line without restrictions, so Tuchel has a unique opportunity to allow Rogers to be himself and cover pockets that enable him to drive forward in the final third, from wide areas or centrally. This is a skill that exists only with very special players, and Rogers can be that for England.
Age: 23
Position: Attacking Midfielder/Central Midfielder
Club: FC Barcelona
Lamine Yamals hamstring injury has clearly prompted Spain manager Luis de la Fuente to tinker with the starting lineup. But heres the thing about La Roja: The creative quality of this nat
