Top young athletes to watch in 2025

As the sporting world charges into 2025, a new wave of young athletes is rewriting what we thought was possible. From football prodigies dazzling global audiences to rising stars in basketball, tennis, track, and beyond, these talents aren’t just promising — they’re already delivering. This year, they stand poised to take over headlines, break records, and redefine their respective sports. Top young athletes to watch in 2025

Football’s Next Generation of Superstars

Football has always been fertile ground for prodigious talent, but 2025 is shaping up to be a special moment in the sport’s history. Several players under 21 are already commanding key roles at the highest level, both for club and country.

Lamine Yamal – FC Barcelona & Spain

At just 17, Lamine Yamal is more than a promising winger — he’s the creative heartbeat of Barcelona’s attack. Combining blistering pace, intelligent dribbling, and a fearless mindset, Yamal has already proven himself against Europe’s best defenders. With Spain eyeing continental and global glory, his role will only expand in 2025.

Pau Cubarsí – FC Barcelona & Spain

Barcelona’s defense has a new general in Pau Cubarsí. Mature beyond his years, the 18-year-old center-back blends composure on the ball with sharp reading of the game. He’s become a fixture in both La Liga and Champions League fixtures, and his partnership with veteran defenders has been key to Barcelona’s resurgence.

Jude Bellingham – Real Madrid & England

Already a superstar at 21, Bellingham continues to evolve into one of the most complete midfielders of his generation. His intelligence, timing, and scoring ability have made him indispensable for Real Madrid, while England counts on him as the centerpiece of their Euro 2024 and 2026 World Cup ambitions.

Endrick – Real Madrid & Brazil

Brazil’s latest attacking sensation will officially join Real Madrid in 2024, but 2025 is expected to be his breakout year. Endrick’s blend of power, agility, and finishing instincts makes him a nightmare for defenders, and many see him as the next great Brazilian No. 9.

Basketball’s Rising Elite

Basketball’s youth movement is equally thrilling, with teenage and early-20s players already showing leadership in major leagues.

Victor Wembanyama – San Antonio Spurs & France

Towering at 7’4” with the agility of a guard, Wembanyama is changing how basketball is played. His rookie season in the NBA stunned fans, but 2025 could be the year he dominates outright. Defensively, his wingspan is unmatched, and offensively, he’s developing a deadly three-point shot.

Scoot Henderson – Portland Trail Blazers & USA

Henderson’s explosive speed and court vision have already made him one of the most exciting point guards to watch. As he continues to adapt to the NBA, 2025 could see him take the leap from promising rookie to franchise leader.

Nikola Topić – Serbia

A floor general with elite passing ability, Topić has been lighting up the EuroLeague and attracting NBA scouts. His poise under pressure and high basketball IQ make him a likely star on the global stage.

Tennis’s New Wave

In tennis, the new generation is fearless, taking on legends without hesitation.

Carlos Alcaraz – Spain

Already a multiple Grand Slam champion at just 22, Alcaraz is not slowing down. His mix of explosive baseline play and all-court versatility makes him the favorite to dominate the men’s tour through the rest of the decade.

Holger Rune – Denmark

Rune’s aggressive style and mental toughness have earned him wins over top-ranked opponents. In 2025, many expect him to be in the hunt for multiple Slams.

Jannik Sinner – Italy

With one of the most lethal forehands in tennis, Sinner’s steady climb up the rankings continues. His consistency and work ethic have made him a fan favorite and a serious title contender.

Athletics and Olympic Sports

Track and field is seeing its own infusion of youthful brilliance ahead of major competitions.

Erriyon Knighton – USA

Knighton has been dubbed the next Usain Bolt for good reason. The 200m specialist has already broken multiple junior records and is closing in on senior ones.

Letsile Tebogo – Botswana

Tebogo’s sprinting prowess is putting Botswana firmly on the athletics map. His fearless running style has made him a regular podium finisher on the Diamond League circuit.

Armand Duplantis – Sweden

Though he’s already an Olympic champion, Duplantis is still young and continuing to raise the pole vault world record — sometimes by centimeters, sometimes by leaps.

Combat Sports’ Next Icons

Mixed martial arts and boxing are never short of talent, but a few fighters are standing out for their rapid rise.

Shavkat Rakhmonov – Kazakhstan (MMA)

Undefeated and dominant in the UFC’s welterweight division, Rakhmonov combines striking power with elite grappling. At 29, he’s entering his prime and could hold the belt by year’s end.

Jared Anderson – USA (Boxing)

Known as “Big Baby,” Anderson is being groomed as America’s next heavyweight champion. His knockout power and quick combinations make him a must-watch.

Why 2025 Feels Like a Turning Point

From the pitches of Europe to the hardwood courts of the NBA and the tracks of the Diamond League, 2025 is a rare convergence of young talent across every major sport. Many of these athletes aren’t just “the future” — they’re shaping the present.

In football, the mix of attacking flair from Yamal and defensive steel from Cubarsí could define Barcelona’s decade. In basketball, Wembanyama’s uniqueness might push the sport into a new era of positionless play. In tennis, the Alcaraz–Rune–Sinner rivalry could mirror the Federer–Nadal–Djokovic golden age.

The common thread? An unwavering confidence. These athletes don’t wait for the spotlight — they take it.

Swimming’s Young Wave of Champions

Swimming often sees dominant figures emerge early, and 2025 has a fresh set of prodigies making waves — literally.

David Popovici – Romania

At just 20 years old, Popovici has already rewritten freestyle records in the 100m and 200m events. His flawless technique, smooth pacing, and sprinting kick have made him one of the fastest men in water history. With the Paris 2024 Olympics behind him, 2025 could see more record-breaking swims.

Leon Marchand – France

Marchand isn’t just a star — he’s a swimming phenomenon. The Frenchman has shattered world records in medley events and is poised to dominate across multiple disciplines. His versatility makes him nearly unbeatable in the pool.

Pan Zhanle – China

China’s newest sprint freestyle talent, Pan, is turning heads with his rapid improvement and ability to perform under pressure. Many see him as Asia’s next swimming superstar.

Esports’ New Era of Superstars

Esports isn’t just for teenagers anymore — but in 2025, it’s still the young guns who dominate the big stages.

Ilya “m0NESY” Osipov – CS GO / CS2 (Russia)

At only 19, m0NESY is already one of Counter-Strike’s deadliest AWPers. His mechanical precision, aggressive playstyle, and ability to thrive in clutch moments have cemented him as a fan favorite.

Kyle “Bugha” Giersdorf – Fortnite (USA)

The 2019 Fortnite World Cup champion continues to compete at the highest level. Even in a constantly evolving meta, Bugha’s adaptability and competitive consistency keep him in the spotlight.

Faker’s Heirs – League of Legends

With legendary mid-laner Faker entering his veteran years, a new generation of League stars — like Zeka and Scout — are rising to take the mantle in the global esports scene.

Rugby’s Next Global Icons

Rugby’s youth movement is fierce, with talent emerging in both union and sevens formats.

Rieko Ioane – New Zealand

While already an established All Black, Ioane is still young enough to dominate the next decade. His pace, footwork, and versatility in both wing and center roles make him a nightmare for defenses.

Marcus Smith – England

Known for his creative playmaking and daring runs, Smith has injected fresh excitement into English rugby. His tactical vision could define the team’s attack in coming years.

Ange Capuozzo – Italy

One of the most electrifying players in European rugby, Capuozzo’s lightning acceleration and elusive sidestep have made him a standout in Six Nations competition.

Cricket’s Young Kings

In cricket, the next generation is already making their mark across formats.

Shubman Gill – India

Elegant and technically sound, Gill is the poster boy for India’s batting future. Whether in Test matches or T20s, his calmness under pressure sets him apart.

Harry Brook – England

Brook’s aggressive style has made him one of the most feared batters in modern cricket. His ability to switch gears between formats makes him invaluable.

Naseem Shah – Pakistan

The young pace bowler has been clocking serious speeds while also showing improved control and swing, making him a vital weapon for Pakistan’s attack.

Motorsport’s Speed Generation

Whether on two wheels or four, the new crop of drivers and riders are redefining racing.

Lando Norris – Formula 1 (UK)

Still one of the youngest drivers on the F1 grid, Norris has matured into a consistent podium contender. With the right machinery, 2025 could be his championship year.

Oscar Piastri – Formula 1 (Australia)

Piastri’s debut seasons showed calm precision and racecraft far beyond his years. Many in the paddock believe he’s a future world champion.

Pedro Acosta – MotoGP (Spain)

Dubbed “The Shark of Mazarrón,” Acosta has been dominating every class he’s raced in. His fearlessness on a bike is reminiscent of MotoGP legends.

The Common Thread Across All Sports

Whether it’s the sharp turns of a MotoGP track, the green pitches of cricket, the roaring rugby stadiums, or the digital arenas of esports, one thing is clear 2025 belongs to the fearless.

These athletes aren’t content with learning from veterans — they’re pushing past them. The blend of youthful hunger, technological advancements in training, and global exposure has accelerated their rise like never before.

If the last decade belonged to legends like Lionel Messi, Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams, and Lewis Hamilton, the next could very well be dominated by Yamal, Wembanyama, Alcaraz, Popovici, and countless others who are just getting started.

And for fans? That means we’re entering one of the most exciting eras in sports history and Top young athletes to watch in 2025.