Predicting which young players will "make it" has long been a challenging task in football. Talent is just one factor, as minutes, form, injuries, and even luck all play a role. However, patterns do emerge, and a successful loan, tactical shift, or long-term contract can signal a player's potential for success.

The list below highlights ten players under the age of 23 whose careers could take off in the coming months. Some are already established rising stars, while others are still breaking through. What they have in common is momentum - and the sense that, by next summer, we'll be talking about them differently.

Giacomo Faticanti | Lecce

Faticanti is a defensive player with the potential to become a midfield general. He reads the game with calm precision and has strong positional awareness. Adept at breaking up play through interceptions and aerial challenges, he's also comfortable threading passes from deep to pivot tempo.

At 6'1", Faticanti combines physicality with a steady work rate, even earning captaincy duties during his time with Roma's U19s. He now seeks a breakthrough in senior football.

Luka Topalovic | Inter

Topalovic is a 19-year-old Slovenian midfielder with the polish of a continental prospect. He's tall, athletic, and keen to contribute with both goals and assists. Equally at ease spraying passes as he is dribbling into tight spaces, Topalovic blends box-to-box energy with technical poise.

Having made his senior debut for Inter (a 10-minute cameo against Como), he still seems destined for deeper integration, potentially bridging from squad rotation to a more prominent role as the season unfolds.

Nestory Irankunda | Watford

Irankunda arrives at Watford with no shortage of promise, a fast, direct winger with tight control and a clear eye for goal. After spending a season between Bayern's reserves and a stint on loan in Switzerland, the 19-year-old now finds himself in the English Championship - a testing but fertile ground for his talents.

Should he settle quickly, a productive season is within reach, and with that, a compelling case for continued Socceroos selection ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Sael Kumbedi | Lyon

Kumbedi is a fleet-footed and combative 20-year-old full-back who has emerged as one of Ligue 1's most promising defenders. He brings defensive acumen and intensity to the right flank, generating solid numbers in tackles (2.78) and pass completion (84.1%) per 90 minutes.

Backed by a contract running until 2027, Kumbedi enters 2025/26 ready to translate youth promise into consistent first-team minutes and stronger statistical outputs up and down the pitch.

Simone Pafundi | Udinese

Pafundi is a diminutive but inventive playmaker capable of unlocking defences. He's known for his close control, vision, and burst of pace in the final third. Standing just 5'4", the left-footed attacking midfielder has generated considerable hype, with comparisons to Antonio Di Natale.

Despite limited Serie A exposure with Udinese and a loan spell in Switzerland last season, the 19-year-old remains a wildcard. A potential match-winner in tight moments, the season ahead could define whether he's a long-term asset at the top level.

Castello Lukeba | Leipzig

Lukeba is a 22-year-old French centre-back who has slotted seamlessly into Leipzig's defence since his signing from Lyon two years ago. He shines in one-on-one duels and at initiating play from deep, clocking in over 2,000 minutes across all competitions in 2024/25.

With a long-term contract that runs to 2029, he appears destined to be a staple in Leipzig's defence - and perhaps force his way into regular contention for France's senior team.

Carlos Baleba | Brighton

Baleba is a hard-working 21-year-old midfielder who thrives in the chaos of the press. Having emerged as a force in Brighton's midfield following his January 2023 arrival, he now has the platform to tighten his numbers - tackles, progressive passes, the lot.

This could see him further cement himself as the linchpin of Fabian Hürzeler's team or become the next high-yield export from Brighton's talent pipeline.

Eliesse Ben Seghir | Monaco

Ben Seghir is a tantalising blend of flair and productivity, with nine goals and four assists across all competitions in 2024/25. The right-footed, left-sided Morocco international thrives in tight spaces, combining intelligent movement with a willingness to press and carry.

Contracted until 2027, the 20-year-old winger has narrowed the gulf between potential and real-world impact; should he build on last season, he could emerge as one of Ligue 1's breakout stars in 2025/26.

Harvey Elliott | Liverpool

Elliott remains one of Liverpool's most artful midfielders, a player who has a deft first touch and a strong awareness between the lines. Buoyed by eye-catching cameos in Europe and sparkling form with England's U21s, the coming season could offer him a chance to re-establish himself as a regular at Anfield.

Wherever Elliott plies his trade in 2025/26, a steady stream of goal contributions may make the conversation around a senior England call-up too loud to ignore.

Alejandro Garnacho | Man Utd

Garnacho remains a box of fireworks waiting to ignite - all raw pace, confidence, and a strong output. Last season's haul of 11 goals and 10 assists in all competitions was proof of his threat, even if recent spells on the bench suggest momentum lost.

A change of scene, be it via a loan or permanent move away from Manchester United, might just provide the spark. Should he rediscover his form, a 15+ goal contribution campaign is well within reach.