Rising stars to watch

With data at the heart of decision-making in football, TransferRoom’s insights help clubs identify not just today’s stars but tomorrow’s game-changers.

TransferRoom's Potential Rating shows us who is on their way to becoming a top player, and we can reveal the 10 teenagers by their Potential Rating  at the 2026 FIFA World Cup this summer.

These 10 talents may not yet be household names, but our data suggests they’re on a steep upward trajectory - combining rapid development, increasing minutes, and high-impact performances.

Top 10 teenagers revealed

10. Bara Sapoko Ndiaye (18, Bayern Munich, Senegal)
TR Potential | 83
xTV | €4.1M

Sapoko Ndiaye is a versatile, central and attacking midfielder, known for his creativity. After his loan move to Bayern Munich from Gambinos Stars, he continues to demonstrate why he’s regarded as one of Africa's most exciting young talents.

9. Rayan Elloumi (18, Vancouver Whitecaps, Tunisia)
TR Potential | 83.7
xTV | €4.9M

A young striker who graduated through Vancouver Whitecaps' academy caught the eye of the world when he scored his first MLS goal aged just 17 last September. The Canada-born forward will be hopeful of having an impact for Tunisia in a difficult group alongside Netherlands, Japan and Sweden.

8. Kendry Páez (19, River Plate, Ecuador)
TR Potential | 85.5
xTV | €18.8M

A dynamic winger, Páez - on loan from Chelsea - combines flair with end product. At River Plate, he’s hoping his development will shine at this World Cup, representing Ecuador - a nation where he has already been capped 26 times.

7. Gilberto Mora (17, Club Tijuana, Mexico)
TR Potential | 87.3
xTV | €17.2M

At 17, Mora is the youngest player selected at this summer's World Cup and if he features for Mexico, he will become the 6th youngest in the tournament's history. One of the most talked about talents in the world, Mora has already featured over 50 times for Club Tijuana and will be hoping to showcase his attacking capabilities on the global stage. 

6. Lucas Herrington (18, Colorado Rapids, Australia)
TR Potential | 88.0
xTV | €11.5M

A modern, ball-playing centre-back, Herrington has impressed since his arrival to MLS side Colorado Rapids earlier this year. The former Brisbane Roar defender has already caught the eye in his four caps with Australia and will be looking to do the same at this World Cup.

5. Ayyoub Bouaddi (18, Lille, Morocco)
TR Potential | 90.2
xTV | €60.2M

Dubbed as one of the finest talents in Ligue 1, Bouaddi switched international allegiance from France to Morocco to help the African side become a potential dark-horse for the tournament. A deep-lying playmaker, Bouaddi has already been linked with some of the world's biggest sides and is certainly one to watch.

4. Rayan (19, AFC Bournemouth, Brazil)
TR Potential | 91.7
xTV | €63.3M

A tricky, fast winger, Rayan certainly caught the eye when he moved to Premier League side AFC Bournemouth from Vasco da Gama in January. The 19-year-old scored five goals towards the end of the Cherries campaign which helped contribute to qualification for the UEFA Europa League. 

3. Ibrahim Mbaye (18, PSG, Senegal)
TR Potential | 92.0
xTV | €73.0M

An electrifying winger with pace and creativity, Mbaye is another PSG star on the rise. The 18 year-old played a part in PSG's successful UEFA Champions League campaign and is set to be a key player for Senegal this summer.

2. Yan Diomande (19, RB Leipzig, Ivory Coast)
TR Potential | 93.6
xTV | €97.4M

Regarded as one of the world's most exciting talents, Diomande enjoyed a breakthrough season for RB Leipzig, contributing with 13 goals for the Bundesliga side. A quick and direct winger, capable of a goal from range, Diomande will be hoping to be a crucial part of Ivory Coast's squad this summer.

1. Endrick (19, Real Madrid, Brazil)
TR Potential | 95.9
xTV | €78.8M

As a striker who has been part of Brazil's main squad for three years already, Endrick will be hoping to use the 2026 FIFA World Cup to remind the world of his talents. The Real Madrid starlet, who spent six months on loan at Ligue 1 side Lyon this year, has 16 caps to his name and will be keen to add to his tally of 3 goals this summer.

From elite academies to smart scouting in emerging markets, these top 10 players represent the future of football — and clubs that are staying ahead of the curve. The blend of youth, positional diversity and rising market value is no coincidence. It’s data-driven insight in action.

TransferRoom’s Potential Rating is designed to surface these trends, cutting through the noise to highlight who’s on the path to greatness, even before the spotlight finds them.

Want to understand how Potential Rating works?

Find out more here: TransferRoom's Potential Rating — Explained

The Breakthrough Players to watch

While Potential Rating tells us who’s on their way to becoming a top player, Expected Transfer Value (xTV) shows us who’s already made a major impact this season.

Over the last 12 months, a number of emerging talents have transformed their standing in the global market with rapid rises in Expected Transfer Value (xTV).

This ranking highlights the 10 biggest percentage increases in xTV among players set to feature at the upcoming FIFA World Cup, showcasing the breakout stars who have accelerated their market value faster than anyone else over the past year.

Leading the list is Strasbourg and Morocco midfielder Samir El Mourabet, whose xTV has surged by an extraordinary +20,350%, underlining just how quickly performances, opportunity and exposure can reshape a player’s market trajectory.

The question now is: which of these rising stars could see their value climb even higher on football’s biggest stage?

👉 Want to understand how Expected Transfer Value (xTV) works?

Check out our explainer here: TransferRoom's xTV — Explained

The Fastest Players set to feature

Speed remains one of football’s most decisive weapons - and with the upcoming FIFA World Cup approaching in unpredictable weather conditions, pace could be a vital option for teams in the tournament.

Using average Max Speed data provided by Gradient Sports, this ranking highlights the 10 fastest players set to feature at the tournament, showcasing the athletes capable of changing matches in a matter of seconds.

Topping the list is new FC Barcelona signing Anthony Gordon, who will be hoping to showcase his pace on England's left flank.

While in second place, Iraq and Nashville SC winger Ahmed Qasem will be making his first appearance in a FIFA World Cup and will be hoping his pace could prove useful on the counter-attack.

Here's the top 10 in full, which also features two of the world's best players in Erling Haaland and 2022 Golden Boot winner Kylian Mbappé.

👉 Want to understand how Gradient Sport data works?

Check out our explainer here: Gradient Sports - Explained