Football is the global game, the sport that brings together fans of all backgrounds. In such a world-renowned sport, the focal point becomes the star players. There are established legends that everyone knows now, but looking to the future is just as important.
The good news is that the sport has a ton of young talent that will carry the torch in the near future. Some of the best players in the world are barely young enough to have a drink.
These players – all 21 years of age or younger – are either dominating the world stage or are about to.
Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
Real Madrid is one of the most popular clubs in the world. Checkout online betting with 1xbet.ie and you will find odds for virtually all of their matches. Part of that has to do with the prestige of the club, but a lot of it has to do with the play of young superstar-in-the-making Bellingham.
Called by some ‘the jewel in English football’s crown,’ Bellingham is what is known as a Rolls Royce footballer. He moves effortlessly through midfield, cutting through the defence in no time.
What makes Bellingham special is that he does the dirty work while also scoring goals. He will be a force for the next decade or more.
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
Some are calling Yamal the most exciting La Masia talent since Lionel Messi. Yamal is already a force to be reckoned with for both his club and country, a marathon man with cardio for days. Of all the most exciting young players in the world, Yamal may very well be the most talented player on the planet.
He can set the pace with blazing speed or bust out incredible ball tricks in tights paces. Already one of the main stars for Barcelona and Spain’s Euro 2024 winner, the sky is the limit for Yamal. What he manages to do will be watched by fans from around the world.
Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich)
After winning the Golden Boot at Euro 2024, Musiala’s stock has been on the rise. He also was named to the Team of the Tournament, even with Germany falling short of the final in front of its home country.
There are few attacking midfielders more dangerous than he is. He’s already coming up on 200 appearances, still showing the ability to break the lines and a knack for finding the back of the goal like so few others in Bayern Munich history.
Pedri (Barcelona)
Pedri feels like he should be much older than 21 given that he won the Kopa Trophy and Golden Boy back in 2021. The scary part for opponents is that he should be dominating at a high level for at least another decade to come.
One of the most intelligent midfielders in the world, Pedri puts in the work from sunrise to sunset. Though he is still in the early stages of his career, he is already earning comparisons to some of the greatest Barca players ever.
Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid)
Camavinga is easily the most versatile name on this list. He has proven himself to be a strong midfielder but his ability to play any number of positions is what sets him apart from the rest of the names on the list.
Camavinga is a major force in the engine room, comfortable dribbling and possessing the ball. He already has two Champions League and La Liga titles to his name and should continue adding to his resume before long. Real Madrid’s future is secure with Camavinga in the midfield.
There is nothing like connecting with strangers and feeling united, if only for one game at a time. Building connections and relationships is something that happens through sports all the time. It is one of the most unique aspects of sports that other hobbies can’t match.
A Perfect Conversation Starter
Whether out in public, at the office, or any of a million situations, it can be tough to break the ice with someone that you aren’t terribly familiar with. That awkwardness is the kind of thing that many would love to avoid, but it ends up being part of life.
The cool thing about sports is that it can act as a natural icebreaker. Asking whether someone watches sports, who they cheer for, how long they’ve been a fan, etc. can be a great way to erase that uneasy feeling.
It is a perfect option for getting to know new people, making new friends, and getting into situations that would have otherwise been uncomfortable in the first place.
If you have been trying to make new friends but aren’t quite sure where to begin, watch sports in a public place.
The game itself is a natural conversation starter, allowing you to meet new people and create new friendships on one of the strongest bonds you will find.