Ranking the 5 best U-23 players in the world in 2021

#3 Vinicius Junior

Arguably the most in-form U-23 star in Europe right now

Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior is without doubt one of the best U-23 players in world football right now. The Brazilian was a joy to watch in La Liga last season. With his electrifying skills, tricks and dribbling, he kept opposition defenders on guard in the Spanish top flight.

Vinicius ended the campaign with six goals and seven assists in 49 matches across all competitions. However, he's improved his efforts significantly in front of goal since the 2021-22 campaign kicked off.

In fact, it wouldn't be far-fetched to say he's been one of the best Real Madrid players this season. The 21-year-old has bagged 12 goals and nine assists for Los Blancos in 25 games across all competitions so far. Only time will tell how many goals he'll end up scoring come the end of the term.

#2 Erling Haaland

The Borussia Dortmund striker has been one of the best U-23 stars in Europe over the last few years

Erling Haaland has already established himself as among the most prolific attackers in the football world, despite being a U-23 player. The Borussia Dortmund striker has been scoring goals for fun over the last couple of years.

Haaland finished as the top scorer in the Champions League last season with 10 goals to his name in just eight games. He ended the campaign with an impressive tally of 41 goals and 12 assists in 41 appearances for the BVB in all competitions.

The Norwegian continues firing on all cylinders this season. So far, he's found the back of the net an incredible 19 times in 16 games across all fronts.

#1 Kylian Mbappe

The most valuable U-23 star in world football

It is quite unbelievable what Kylian Mbappe has achieved in his career as a U-23 superstar. The French winger already has the World Cup in his cabinet as well as the UEFA Nations League. He has also won the Ligue 1 title and every domestic cup in France with Paris Saint-Germain.

Mbappe undoubtedly belongs in an exclusive class when it comes to rating the best U-23 players in world football in 2021. The 22-year-old had a brilliant outing last season, scoring 42 times and assisting another 11 in 47 games for PSG in all competitions.

He's been by far the standout performer for the Parisians so far this season. He has scored 15 goals and 15 assists in 24 games across all fronts. It is worth noting that the attacker recently inspired France to claim the UEFA Nations League contributing four goals and two assists.