Emerging Football Talents Outside Europe’s Top Leagues

Making a mark in one of Europe’s premier leagues is an excellent way for young talents to establish their reputation. However, there are numerous exciting players emerging from lesser-known leagues who deserve recognition.

The CIES Football Observatory, a research organization, has conducted an analysis to curate a list of the highest-ranked players born in 2006 or later, currently playing outside of Europe’s traditional top five leagues: the Premier League, Bundesliga, La Liga, Ligue 1, and Serie A.

The methodology employed evaluated various metrics, including aerial play, recovery, distribution, dribbling (defined as advancing the ball at least eight meters toward the opponent’s goal), chance creation, and finishing.

Here are the top 10 players identified by these criteria – prospects who may well rise to prominence by 2026.

The 19-year-old Dutch Under-21 international has established himself as a regular at Feyenoord over the past two seasons. With remarkable technical skills and physical attributes, he is regarded as an exciting modern wing-back, akin to Jeremie Frimpong and Jurrien Timber.

At just 18 years old, Quenda is approaching 50 league appearances for Sporting, and his potential has caught Chelsea’s attention, leading to an agreement for his transfer next summer. Versatile in playing either as a wing-back or winger, he is particularly noted for his speed and dribbling prowess.

Yirenkyi, also 19, has already earned nine caps for Ghana, highlighting his promise. This season, he has made 17 appearances in the Danish top division and is recognized for his adaptability, having played as a right-back for his national team.

The 18-year-old Portuguese midfielder has gained recognition over the past year. He marked his first start for Porto with a goal and an assist, and at last summer’s Club World Cup, he became the youngest-ever European goalscorer in the tournament’s history by scoring against Al-Ahly.

Dutch midfielder Smit, 19, has attracted interest from clubs such as Chelsea, Manchester United, and Real Madrid after being named the player of the tournament at the European Under-19 Championship in Romania last June.

Known as Pedrinho or Pedro, the 19-year-old forward exhibits impressive close-control and exceptional confidence, leading many to speculate about his potential to become the next Brazilian football star.

Fellow Brazilian talent, the 19-year-old forward known simply as Rayan, played a pivotal role in his country’s triumph at the South American Under-20 Championship. He was also named the best newcomer of the 2025 Campeonato Brasileiro and finished as the top scorer in the 2025 Copa do Brasil with five goals.

18-year-old Spanish defender Salinas, capable of playing both centre-back and left-back, broke into Racing Santander’s first team in December 2024 and has made 13 appearances in Spain’s second division this season.

Gadou, only 18 but already an imposing figure at centre-back, stands at 6 feet 5 inches tall. The French teenager advanced through the youth ranks at Paris St-Germain before transferring to RB Salzburg in September 2024, where he has regularly competed in the Austrian top flight and the Europa League.

Finally, the 18-year-old Argentine midfielder Montoro is generating excitement in South America. Known for his ability to navigate tight spaces and his excellent passing skills, he stands out as another player to watch.