Football’s newest wonders – the best young talents outside the top five leagues

Impressing in one of Europe’s biggest leagues is a solid way to make a name for yourself as a promising youngster – but there are plenty of exciting players coming through in lesser-known leagues too.

The CIES Football Observatory, a research group, analyzed the data to compile the list , externalOf the top-ranked players born in 2006 or later who play outside Europe’s top five leagues (English Premier League, Bundesliga, Spanish League, Ligue 1 and Serie A).

Its methodology, external He got data on aerial play, recovery, distribution, catching – which means dribbling the ball at least eight meters towards the opponent’s goal – creating chances and finishing.

Here are the top 10 players judged by these metrics – potential players who could become even more famous names in 2026.

The 19-year-old Dutch Under-21 international has been a regular for Dutch side Feyenoord for the past two seasons. Possessing impressive technical and physical abilities, he is viewed as a modern, exciting wing-back in the same vein as Jeremy Frimpong and Jorian Temper.

Kwenda is only 18 years old, but he is already approaching 50 league appearances for Sporting and his potential has caught the attention of Chelsea, who have agreed to sign him next summer. The teenager is comfortable in the role of full-back or winger, and is distinguished by his speed and dribbling ability.

Yerenke is only 19 years old, but he has already featured nine times for Ghana, and that is his promise. The midfielder has made 17 Danish league appearances so far this season. He is known for his versatility, having played as a right-back for his national team.

The 18-year-old Portuguese midfielder has impressed over the past year. He scored and got an assist in his first match for Porto, and in the Club World Cup last summer he became the youngest European scorer ever in the tournament’s history when he found the net against Al Ahly.

Dutch midfielder Smit, 19, is said to have attracted interest from Chelsea, Manchester United and Real Madrid after being named player of the year at the European Under-19 Championship in Romania in June.

The 19-year-old striker, also known as Pedrinho or Pedro, has exciting ball control skills and exceptional confidence that has seen many observers suggest he could be Brazil’s next superstar.

Another exciting Brazilian teenager, the 19-year-old striker, also known as Ryan, recently helped his country win the South American Under-20 Championship. He was also named the 2025 Brazilian Cup Best Newcomer and was named the 2025 Brazilian Cup top scorer with five goals.

Able to play as a centre-back or left-back, 18-year-old Spanish defender Salinas joined Racing Santander’s first team in December 2024. He has made 13 appearances in Spain’s second division so far this season.

Jado may only be 18 years old, but he is already an imposing presence at centre-back as he stands 6ft 5ins tall. The French-born teenager came through Paris Saint-Germain’s youth system before joining Red Bull Salzburg in September 2024. He has played regularly in the Austrian top flight and Europa League this season.

The 18-year-old Argentine midfielder is another player who has generated a lot of excitement in South America. Montoro is able to work well in tight spaces and possesses excellent passing skills.