Emerging Talents in European Football: Top Young Players Outside the Major Leagues
Making an impact in one of Europe's biggest leagues is a surefire way for young talents to gain recognition, but there are also many exciting players emerging from less prominent leagues.
The CIES Football Observatory, a research organization, has analyzed data to compile a list of the highest-ranked players born in 2006 or later who play outside of Europe's established top five leagues: the Premier League, Bundesliga, La Liga, Ligue 1, and Serie A.
Their methodology considered various metrics, including aerial play, recovery, distribution, dribbling (defined as advancing the ball at least eight meters towards the opponent's goal), chance creation, and finishing.
Here are the top 10 players evaluated by these criteria—prospects who could become household names by 2026.
Givairo Read - Right-back, Feyenoord
The 19-year-old Netherlands Under-21 international has been a consistent performer for Feyenoord over the last two seasons. He is recognized for his impressive technical and physical skills, drawing comparisons to modern wing-backs like Jeremie Frimpong and Jurrien Timber.
Geovany Quenda - Right Winger, Sporting
At just 18, Quenda is approaching 50 league appearances for Sporting, and his potential has attracted the attention of Chelsea, who have agreed to sign him next summer. Comfortable in both wing-back and winger roles, the teenager is distinguished by his speed and dribbling prowess.
Caleb Yirenkyi - Midfielder, FC Nordsjaelland
Yirenkyi, only 19, has already earned nine caps for Ghana, showcasing his promise. He has made 17 appearances in the Danish top flight this season and is known for his versatility, having played right-back for his national team.
Rodrigo Mora - Midfielder/Winger, FC Porto
The 18-year-old Portuguese midfielder has made a significant impact over the past year, scoring and assisting in his first start for Porto. He also became the youngest European goalscorer in Club World Cup history last summer with a goal against Al-Ahly.
Kees Smit - Midfielder, AZ Alkmaar
This 19-year-old Dutch midfielder has reportedly piqued the interest of Chelsea, Manchester United, and Real Madrid after being named the player of the tournament at the European Under-19 Championship in Romania last June.
Pedro Henrique - Forward, FK Zenit
Known as Pedrinho or Pedro, the 19-year-old forward possesses remarkable close-control skills and confidence, leading many to speculate that he could be the next Brazilian superstar.
Rayan Vitor - Forward, Vasco da Gama
This exciting 19-year-old Brazilian forward, simply known as Rayan, recently played a pivotal role in his country's victory at the South American Under-20 Championship. He was also named the best newcomer in the 2025 Campeonato Brasileiro and finished as the top scorer in the 2025 Copa do Brasil with five goals.
Jorge Salinas - Defender, Racing Santander
The 18-year-old Spanish defender Salinas has shown versatility by playing both center-back and left-back. He made his first-team debut for Racing Santander in December 2024 and has since made 13 appearances in La Liga this season.
Joane Gadou - Defender, RB Salzburg
At just 18, Gadou is already an imposing center-back, standing at 6 feet 5 inches tall. The France-born teenager developed through the youth system at Paris Saint-Germain before joining RB Salzburg in September 2024. He has been a regular in both the Austrian top flight and the Europa League this season.
Alvaro Montoro - Midfielder, Botafogo
The 18-year-old Argentine midfielder Montoro has been generating excitement in South America. He excels in tight spaces and possesses exceptional passing skills.