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Cristiano Ronaldo can hit nearly one goal per game for Manchester United at age 36. Zlatan Ibrahimovic might be averaging a goal every two games at age 40. Lionel Messi could still bring his playmaking prowess to the French capital this season, and he's already 34.
But the football legends of the last decade are slowly edging towards their retirement dates. The football world is already looking at its newest set of stars, many of whom are already making a name for themselves.
Two football legends have won the most coveted individual award in football over the course of the last decade. But with their powers diminishing with age, younger blood might take up the mantle before long.
Upstarts have showcased their prowess in recent seasons, and the world has taken notice. Kylian Mbappe has been entering the Golden Boot discussions each season and Trent Alexander-Arnold has helped Liverpool to a Champions League title. The time to crown successors to the Messi-Ronaldo hegemony of the Ballon d'Or is drawing ever closer.
But even Mbappe and Alexander-Arnold would have to look over their shoulders at the youngsters who are making their marks on the world's largest stage. Sooner rather than later, the Ballon d'Or crown will look for the head that fits, and that king might just be leaving their teenage years!
Without further ado, let's take a look at:
10 of the best players under the age of 21 in world football
#10 Jadon Sancho | 21 y.o, Manchester United
It has been a very difficult season for the young star, who has been unable to find a goal since his big-money move to Manchester United. There are many plausible reasons for Jadon Sancho's drought in front of goal. But more was expected after his three brilliant seasons at Borussia Dortmund, where the star put up double digits in goals and assists.
Some will argue that competing with Cristiano Ronaldo should be the boost the England international needs to start scoring. But others believe that this only adds pressure on the youngster's shoulders.
However, Jadon Sancho has shown his capacity and marksmanship during his time at Borussia Dortmund. Hence, Manchester United fans will be expecting him to flourish soon enough. The versatile star can play in nearly any position in the middle and final third and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be waiting for his goalscoring potential to show.
#9 Vinicius Jr | 20 y.o, Real Madrid
He's currently seen as one of the players with the highest potential in Real Madrid's ranks. But Vinicius Junior still has a long way to go before reaching the heights of the great Madrid Galacticos who graced the Santiago Bernabeu before he was born. Joining Los Blancos from Flamengo in 2018, the young star has struggled to impress in terms of finishing. He finished with only six goal contributions in 22 La Liga starts last season.
This season, however, has seen things bode well for the Brazilian international. In eight La Liga games, he has scored five goals, which is already higher than his numbers from previous seasons.
Clearly beginning to flourish for Madrid, Vinicius will need to maintain these improved levels of finishing before he can seriously compete at the highest levels. His powerful pace, movement on the ball, and skill in the dribble already offer him a head start. If he can add 'clinical finishing' to the list, he'll become a world star before long.
#8 Pedri | 18 y.o, Barcelona
Pedri is known for his passing range, accurate touches and vision at Barcelona. He can potentially become the most significant player within the ranks of the Catalan giants in future. Although he isn't a graduate of La Masia, his technical prowess at such a young age almost makes him look as though he has been at the club since childhood.
His high work rate and serene composure when dictating the midfield in Barcelona's possession-based football have been lauded by both fans and critics.
However, the young star has had a rough start to the season, struggling to flourish in his last four games for the club. In Pedri's defense, the entire Barca squad seem unable to find themselves right now. Perhaps when their brilliance comes to the fore, Pedri's beautiful playmaking will find roots again.
#7 Jude Bellingham | 18 y.o, Borussia Dortmund
Clearly set in stone as part of a new generation of world-class English players, Jude Bellingham is having the time of his life. With Borussia Dortmund, the star has found a home where his work in midfield doesn't go unnoticed.
At just 16, the star was helping Birmingham through a rough relegation battle. But only two years later, he's a consistent figure in the final stages of the Champions League.
There is little else Bellingham can actively do to improve at his current age. His work rate is brilliant and his varied passing range is accurate. His team work is also flawless and his technique on the ball can match any other midfielder's.
His complete prowess in midfield has already seen the star provide three assists and score two goals this season. The sky, at this point, is his limit.
#6 Anssumane Fati | 18 y.o, Barcelona
Seen as the heir to Lionel Messi's glorious throne at Camp Nou, Ansu Fati has not struggled to play up to the expectations of Blaugrana in recent seasons. Bursting into the first team two years ago, the La Masia graduate took the headlines by storm with seven goals in 11 La Liga starts for Barcelona.
With Fati and Messi playing on the same team, opponents had good reason to worry, but things have changed for Barcelona's fortunes in recent weeks.
While Lionel Messi left for Paris Saint-Germain, Ansu Fati had to deal with a serious injury that put him on the sidelines for six months.
However, the youngster is back on the field and has already scored his first La Liga goal this season in just two appearances. If Ansu Fati exceeds expectations and lives up to his massive potential, it might be as though Messi never left Camp Nou.
#5 Mason Greenwood | 20 y.o, Manchester United
Where Jadon Sancho has flopped for the Red Devils, Mason Greenwood has picked up the slack and further cemented his position under Solskjaer's management at Manchester United. Surrounded by world-class strikers like Edinson Cavani and Cristiano Ronaldo, Greenwood has all the potential to become the Red Devils' next Wayne Rooney.
His breakthrough season at Old Trafford in 2020-21 saw the English international pick up 15 goals in the Premier League and Europa League. While later seasons have dwindled slightly in goalscoring numbers, Greenwood has continued to develop at a good pace. He improved on the physical aspects of his game and built a great work-rate for Solskjaer's side.
#4 Bukayo Saka | 20 y.o, Arsenal
Making a name for himself as one of the most versatile youngsters in the modern game, Bukayo Saka is a prodigy for Gooners to swoon on. His consistency on the field has been vital for Mikel Arteta. But the moments of brilliance he has produced have occasionally meant the world to Arsenal fans, who are upset to see the club dwindling in mid-table obscurity.
However, if anyone can revitalize the club's standing in the Premier League, it would be Bukayo Saka. Hs incisiveness and creativity has made Saka the youngest utility player England has seen since the turn of the decade.
Whether he's cutting in from the right-wing or flinging in pin-point crosses from the left, the star has all it takes to be on the biggest stage in world football.
#3 Phil Foden | 21 y.o, Manchester City
It might not have La Masia's notable reputation, but Manchester City's academy has churned out a brilliant player in Phil Foden. His rise to Pep Guardiola's starting XI has been nothing short of astronomical. Although he came to the fore as a young teenager, the star has impressed season after season. He has set up his place as a key figure for the Cityzens in their plans for football domination.
Last season, Foden showcased his best numbers yet, directly contributing to 20 goals in the Premier League and Champions League. He already has two goals and two assists from just three games this season as well. If he continues at this break-neck pace, there's little holding Foden back from singlehandedly winning every award football has to offer.
#2 Alphonso Davies | 20 y.o, Bayern Munich
Taking over David Alaba's left-back mantle in Bavaria is difficult. Doing it before turning 19 is nearly impossible. But that's exactly what Alphonso Davies has done.
The youngster provided MLS side Vancouver Whitecaps FC with a stunning display, scoring eight goals and assisting nine. His performances were enough for Bayern Munich, who picked the youngster up and threw him right into the first-team.
Within two seasons, Alphonso Davies had gone from teenage prodigy to Champions League winner. His exuberance and effortless marauding down the left-flank was a show of full force in Bayern's 8-2 win against Barcelona. He has remained vital for the Bavarians in the attack.
As long as he keeps up his tremendous pace and high work rate during defending spells as well, the world of football may bow to the youngster soon enough.
#1 Erling Haaland | 21 y.o, Borussia Dortmund
If the towering Norwegian didn't make this list, no one else would. Showcasing his talent, pace and clinical finishing from his teenage years, Erling Haaland quickly became the most sought-after youngster in the world.
Ever since he made the move to Borussia Dortmund, the star has gone from strength to strength. He has powered the team ahead with amazing goals and brilliant all-round performances.
Erling Haaland is Zlatan Ibrahimovic reborn: physically imposing, tactically aware, consistent all season long, and absolutely ruthless in front of goal.
However, one might argue that Haaland is even better than the Swede was at age 21. After all, 27 goals in 28 appearances was something Ibrahimovic only pulled off in his prime. Haaland is just getting started, and it's scary to imagine just how potent the star striker can get by age 27.
