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News
- 58 minutes ago
The five best Under-21 players of the season in Europe
Cameron Smith
- 29 May 2025 16:30 BST
- 4 min read
Analysis
The 2024-25 campaign has seen a plethora of elite youngsters establish themselves as some of the best players in world football.
Lamine Yamal is, of course, the shining light in this regard, however several other wonderkids have also come to the fore this year.
Below, FootballTransfers runs through the five best Under-21 players of the season in Europe.
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
Lamine Yamal established himself as one of the world’s best players during the 2024-25 campaign at the tender age of just 17.
The Spain international registered 18 goals and 23 assists in 55 appearances across all competitions for Barcelona and he is currently a leading contender to win the Ballon d’Or later this year.
Yamal proved he was a special talent last season, but he is now the leader of Barcelona’s attack and he could be set to dominate world football for years to come.
Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona)
Yamal’s Barcelona team-mate Pau Cubarsi also enjoyed a spectacular season under Hansi Flick.
Central defenders usually take longer to break into senior football, due to the demands of the position, however Cubarsi is an exception to the rule and he played a crucial role in Barcelona’s route to La Liga glory.
The 18-year-old made a whopping 56 first-team appearances during the season and he has further enhanced his reputation as one of the world’s most promising teenagers.
Joao Neves (PSG)
Joao Neves snubbed significant interest from the Premier League in order to join Paris Saint-Germain last summer, and that decision looks like an excellent one in hindsight.
The Portugal international has slotted in excellently alongside Fabian Ruiz and compatriot Vitinha, and their midfield chemistry is a key reason why PSG are in the Champions League final.
In total, Neves has racked up five goals, nine assists and two trophies so far this season, while he could add to this tally against Inter Milan.
Desire Doue (PSG)
In addition to Neves, PSG also signed Desire Doue during the 2024 summer transfer window and his debut season has been similarly impressive.
The Frenchman, who earned his first senior international call-up in March, arrived as a highly-talented teenager from Stade Rennais, but Luis Enrique has moulded him into one of the most eye-catching wingers in Europe.
Doue has 13 goals and 13 assists in all competitions for PSG this term, and his electric form in the Champions League has certainly caught the eye.
Current ETV
Désiré Doué
F (R), M (C)
PSG
Désiré Doué
F (R), M (C)
PSG
ETV Range
€57.4M - €95.7M
Rayan Cherki (Lyon)
Rayan Cherki produced the best season of his career in 2024-25 as he finally added end product to his immense skill set.
The 21-year-old notched 12 goals and 20 assists for Lyon, and his form is set to earn him a move to an elite European club this summer, with multiple top teams in the Premier League interested in completing a deal.
He also won the Europa League’s Young Player of the Year award, while he was named as the inaugural winner of Ligue 1’s Best Dribbler of the Year prize.
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