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Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are undoubtedly football's biggest modern-era superstars. Both Messi and Cristiano have dominated the world stage for more than a decade while winning numerous trophies, individual honors and accolades.
The two superstars have shared the Ballon d'Or more than ten times in their glorious career. But with both these extra-terrestrial footballers in their 30s, it is expected that their age will catch up one day or the other.
Several young players are willing to take up their mantle, with the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland already proving their worth. Mbappe and Haaland are already superstars, both attracting a lot of buzz in recent times due to their awe-inspiring caliber.
There is no shortage of talented young players in football. Europe's top five leagues are a talent hub and are pretty much overflowing with youth prodigies. These wonderkids know how to pull the crowd and have every hallmark of a potential superstar.
On that note, let us take a look at five young players who can become superstars in a few years.
#5 Jamal Musiala
Bayern Munich's teenage prodigy Jamal Musiala has continued to make headlines with his tremendous potential. He joined the Bavarians from Chelsea at the age of 16. Musiala has since gone on to become the youngest debutant and youngest scorer for Bayern in the Bundesliga.
Musiala has played in over 50 matches for the Bundesliga giants so far, racking up 11 goals and five assists. In addition to his exploits for Bayern, the wunderkind has also become the youngest player to appear for Germany in a major tournament. He came on as a substitute in the EURO 2020 against Hungary at the age of 18 years and 117 days.
Despite his tender age, Musiala has shown maturity on the ball and possesses quick feet which helps him beat defenders with ease. If he keeps on improving, the 18-year-old will surely be a superstar one day.
#4 Jude Bellingham
Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham is already regarded as a superstar even though he is still a teenager. Blessed with tactical intelligence and technical proficiency on the ball, Bellingham's talent belies his age. At just 18, he has already proven himself to be an asset to Dortmund and England.
Following his departure from Birmingham City in 2020, Bellingham has continued his meteoric rise in the Bundesliga. He is a brilliant midfielder who has shown tremendous ability to read the game and dictate the tempo of the match.
Bellingham's performances in the UEFA Champions League and the EURO 2020 show he can also step up in the biggest stages of football. It makes one wonder just how good the teenager could become in the coming years.
#3 Mason Greenwood
Manchester United sharpshooter Mason Greenwood is another superstar in the making as he continues to grab eyeballs with his efficiency in front of goal. He has risen up from United's famous youth academy. The English wonderkid is making a name for himself due to his world class finishing abilities at such a young age.
Blessed with dazzling pace and an eye for goal, Greenwood is already turning out to be a prolific goalscorer. He is two-footed and capable of finding the net even from tight angles, which is a bonus for him. For the Red Devils, the 20-year-old has already racked up 33 goals and 11 assists in just over 100 appearances.
Greenwood has shown immense potential, scoring 19 goals in all competitions during the 2019-20 campaign. He has already racked up four goals and an assist this campaign, proving his proficiency up front. Undoubtedly, Greenwood has all the potential to become a world beater and a superstar in the future.
#2 Vinicius Junior
While Vinicius Jr. is another top name on the list, some might argue he is already a superstar. He arrived at Real Madrid from Flamengo in 2018 for reportedly €46 million. Vinicius has since continued his sensational rise to fame with his persona on and off the pitch, making him a fan favorite.
Operating on the left-flank, Vinicius has all the potential to change the game in the blink of an eye. He has become a brilliant ball carrier with his bag full of tricks. He beats defenders with effortless ease and leaves them catching shadows all evening.
Vinicius has enjoyed a terrific campaign so far, racking up nine goals and seven assists for Los Blancos. He has even restricted Eden Hazard to the bench with his impactful performances. If he keeps on performing the way he is, he will be the undisputed superstar in the world.
#1 Ansu Fati
Ansu Fati is at the top of a crop of extremely talented youngsters coming through Barcelona's youth academy. The La Masia product has risen to become a talisman for the Catalan side. This is why he is touted to be a successor to Lionel Messi. As for his exploits, Fati is now donning the famous #10 shirt of Barcelona.
Fati has been applauded by fans and critics alike due to his calmness and composure in front of goal. The youngster is fast, good at beating defenders and decisive in front of goal. While niggling injuries are a concern for Fati, he is a nightmare for defenders.
It goes without saying that Fati has all the traits to become a superstar and take on Messi's mantle at Barcelona.
