Form is temporary, but class is shining through this summer as a handful of under‑21 wingers take centre stage across the globe.
From title-clinching performances to statement-making tournament displays, these five players haven’t just impressed – they’ve set the standard.
While the American roulette house edge stays fixed no matter how you spin it, these wingers have shifted the odds in their favour with every game, reshaping expectations and accelerating their rise on football’s biggest stages.
Estêvão Willian, Brazil & Chelsea, Age 18
A left-footed wizard from Franca, born in 2007, Estêvão lit up Palmeiras with 13 goals and nine assists in Série A 2024, becoming the first U-18 with double-digit outputs in goals this century.
He exploded in Brazil’s top flight – 13 goals and 10 assists in the 2024 Série A, becoming the first U-18 player this century to notch double digits in both goals and assists.
Adored back home as “Messinho” for his Messi-like dribbling and control, Palmeiras coach Abel Ferreira called him “different from anything I’ve ever seen.”
In June 2024, Chelsea paid around €34 million plus add-ons, locking in a seven-year deal, but he stays at Palmeiras through the 2025 Club World Cup, officially joining Chelsea afterwards.
He’s been electric in the CWC: named Superior Player of the Match in their game against FC Porto, making the football world anticipate a Premier League debut that’s already stirring serious buzz.
Ethan Nwaneri, England & Arsenal, Age 18
Ethan Nwaneri’s breakout during the 2024/25 season was explosive – nine goals and two assists in 37 first-team appearances, including 26 Premier League games, contributing four goals and two assists.
He stepped up in the wake of injuries to Arsenal’s senior wingers, earning 37 appearances across all competitions.
He set club records, like becoming Arsenal’s youngest player to score multiple Premier League goals before 18, and is now primed for a contract extension as Arsenal battle to keep him.
Rayan Cherki, France & Manchester City – Age 21
A Lyon academy graduate, Rayan Cherki emerged as Lyon’s creative engine long before turning 20.
He capped the 2024/25 season with an eye-catching 12 goals and 20 assists in 44 games – earning a spot in the Ligue 1 Team of the Season and clinching both the league’s top assist title and Dribbler of the Year.
He broke into France’s senior team in June 2025, scoring and assisting off the bench in a dramatic 5-4 Nations League semi-final loss to Spain, then started in the third-place playoff win vs Germany.
In June 2025, Manchester City closed around €36-40 million ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup, tying him down until 2030.
He debuted in their 2-0 Club World Cup opener, showing glimpses already.
Already turning heads at the Etihad, this isn’t just another winger pick – it’s a declaration that Manchester City are ready to weave a new brand of brilliance into their DNA.
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Désiré Doué, France & PSG – Age 19
Young, French, and fast as lightning – born June 3, 2005, Désiré Doué stormed into PSG in August 2024 for around €50 million.
He ended the 2024/25 season with 15 goals and 16 assists in 54 games, helping PSG clinch their first-ever treble (Ligue 1, Coupe de France, Champions League).
Doué exploded in Europe’s biggest match – two goals and an assist in a 5-0 Champions League final rout over Inter Milan, earning Man of the Match.
He became the first teenager ever to both score twice and assist in a UCL final, winning the UEFA Young Player of the Season award.
Domestically, the winger was crowned Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year, gripped key “Pépite du mois” honours, and forced his way into PSG’s starting XI post-December, where he’s stayed ever since.
Lamine Yamal, Spain & Barcelona – Age 17
Born 13 July 2007, this La Masia graduate is rewriting records faster than you can blink.
Debuting at just 15, Yamal now boasts 100+ senior appearances and has already racked up 25 goals and 34 assists for Barcelona.
The 2024/25 season was explosive: 18 goals, 25 assists in 55 matches, playing a key part in Barcelona’s domestic treble (La Liga, Copa del Rey, Supercopa).
He became the youngest scorer in El Clásico and later netted in a UCL semi as the youngest ever.
On the international stage, he starred at Euro 2024, becoming the youngest scorer, topping assist charts, and helping Spain lift the trophy.
Yamal isn’t just the best under-21 winger – he’s a generational talent already shaping Barcelona’s destiny and the future of world football.
It goes without saying that Lamine Yamal looks destined to become the best footballer in the world soon.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Pressinphoto
Recording Date: 18.05.2025