The FIFA Club World Cup is set to kick off this week, marking an exciting moment in the football calendar. As the tournament expands to make its debut in the United States, fans around the globe are buzzing with anticipation. With the influx of new teams and top-tier talent, many are eager to see how this revamped competition will unfold. Among the most intriguing elements of this year’s tournament are the young, rising stars ready to make a significant impact on the global stage.
This year, we have identified five exciting young talents to watch during the Club World Cup, each poised to showcase their abilities and possibly turn heads in the world of football.
Estevao Willian – Palmeiras
Among the standout young players, Estevao Willian is one to keep an eye on closely. The 18-year-old winger from Palmeiras has already made waves in South America, earning a transfer agreement with Chelsea set to take effect after the tournament. Estevao’s roots in success can be traced back to his critical role in helping Palmeiras clinch the Serie A league title in 2023. His impressive performances earned him accolades as the league’s best player in 2024.
Earlier this month, Estevao made his debut under Brazil’s new head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, earning five senior caps to date. With such achievements at such a young age, expectations for Estevao are sky-high. The Club World Cup presents him with the perfect opportunity to cap off his time with Palmeiras on a high note and increase his profile ahead of his move to Europe.
Rodrigo Mora – Porto
Next up is Rodrigo Mora, an emerging star at Porto. The transition from youth football to the first team has been seamless for this talented midfielder. In the 2023/24 season, Rodrigo was the top scorer in the UEFA Youth League and also shone during the under-17 European Championship, leading the tournament in goals. His seamless integration into Porto’s senior squad has resulted in a remarkable tally of 10 goals and four assists in the Primeira Liga, even with only 16 starts.
As Rodrigo takes the stage at the Club World Cup, plenty of eyes will be on him. With his talent and potential, it seems inevitable that he is on the path to becoming one of Europe’s most sought-after players in the near future.
Wesley – Flamengo
Flamengo’s Wesley is another young talent drawing attention ahead of the tournament. At 21, he’s already accumulated an impressive 130 senior appearances for his club and made his debut for Brazil earlier this year. In a football landscape that continually values attacking full-backs, Wesley epitomizes that traditional Brazilian flair—his eagerness to join the attack and contribute offensively has set him apart.
His performance in 2024 earned him a spot on the Team of the Year for both the Brasileirão and the Copa do Brasil, solidifying his status as a player to watch. A standout performance at the Club World Cup could further enhance Wesley’s profile and potentially lead to opportunities in Europe.
Franco Mastantuono – River Plate
Franco Mastantuono of River Plate is another young talent who is beginning to attract international attention. Recently, Real Madrid clinched a transfer deal after a tug-of-war with Paris Saint-Germain, marking another significant move in South America’s football landscape. At just 17, Mastantuono has already made his mark on the River Plate first team, scoring seven goals in 20 appearances this season and notably netting a stunning free-kick in a Superclásico against Boca Juniors.
His performance in that match made him the youngest River player ever to score in this iconic fixture, a milestone that speaks volumes about his potential. As he prepares for the Club World Cup, expectations are high for him to bring that form into a global setting.
Kenan Yildiz – Juventus
Last but not least is Kenan Yildiz, a name that has started to become synonymous with rising talent at Juventus. The young Turk signed with Juventus and faced considerable pressure, but he has not shied away from the spotlight. During an inconsistent season for the club, Kenan stood out by scoring seven goals, playing a pivotal role in helping Juventus secure Champions League qualification.
His impressive form led to his inclusion in the Serie A Team of the Season, an accolade that speaks to his abilities. As he dons the iconic number 10 shirt for his club, the world will be watching to see if he can live up to the expectations that come with this prestigious number, making his mark at the Club World Cup.
In conclusion, the FIFA Club World Cup presents a golden opportunity for these young talents to shine on a global stage. As fans gear up for the tournament, many will be eager to see how these players perform and whether they can ignite their teams to success. As football continues to evolve, the importance of developing young talent remains crucial, and this year’s tournament will undoubtedly provide a glimpse into the future of the sport. Keep an eye on these names, as they could very well be the stars of tomorrow.
