Exciting Prospects for Footballers in 2026
Footballers around the world are looking forward to a promising year ahead for various reasons.
These reasons range from impressing new clubs and pursuing transfers to realizing World Cup dreams and overcoming injury setbacks, all while striving for their first trophy.
BBC Sport highlights several players from leagues in Britain and abroad who are eager to make 2026 a memorable year.
Antoine Semenyo
Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo is on the verge of joining Manchester City after the club activated a £65 million release clause in his contract.
The 25-year-old is expected to finalize the move following his last appearance for the Cherries against title rivals Arsenal this Saturday.
Premier League's top spending clubs had shown interest in the Ghana international after his standout performance in the 2025-26 season.
Semenyo currently ranks as the league's third top scorer with nine goals and three assists, and he now has the chance to compete in Europe and the Champions League.
The pressing question for Semenyo is how quickly he can secure a spot in the City starting eleven amid fierce competition for attacking positions.
Troy Parrott
AZ Alkmaar striker Troy Parrott aims to continue his international success in 2026.
His five goals in four days against Portugal and Hungary propelled the Republic of Ireland into March's World Cup play-offs.
At the club level, the 23-year-old former Tottenham player is having a significant year, having scored 16 goals in 22 matches for AZ this season, leading to speculation about a return to one of Europe's top leagues.
Nico O'Reilly
Manchester City's Nico O'Reilly, primarily an attacking midfielder, may have to play at left-back to enhance his chances of being selected for England's World Cup squad.
The 20-year-old made his first two international appearances in left-back during the final two World Cup qualifiers, having filled in for Rayan Ait-Nouri at City.
With Ait-Nouri returning from injury and now participating in the Africa Cup of Nations, O'Reilly has an opportunity to solidify his position.
Eli Junior Kroupi
French teenager Eli Junior Kroupi is eager to build on his impressive start in the Premier League.
He recorded his initial four Premier League goals at an average of just 64 minutes per goal, outpacing even Erling Haaland during that phase.
Although his scoring pace has slowed, the 19-year-old has netted five goals in the first half of his debut Premier League season, and maintaining this form could attract significant attention.
Harvey Elliott
Harvey Elliott is in urgent need of game time.
The 22-year-old recently moved from Liverpool to Aston Villa on loan, with an obligation to buy if he plays in 10 Premier League matches. However, this seems unlikely, as he has not played since October 2, nearly three months ago.
Unfortunately for Elliott, he cannot transfer to another team in January due to having played for Liverpool in August, leaving him with the choice to break into the Villa squad or return to Anfield.
Yoane Wissa
It may seem unusual to include a striker who cost £55 million last summer on this list, but Yoane Wissa is in need of a significant 2026.
After suffering an injury while on international duty with DR Congo, Wissa made his Newcastle debut on December 6.
The 29-year-old is quickly making up for lost time, having scored in his first two starts for the club.
This season marks Wissa's first experience in European competition, and he is eager to prove himself at the highest level now that he has returned.
Igor Thiago
Brentford striker Igor Thiago has the potential to secure a spot in Brazil's World Cup squad.
At 24 years old, he has yet to earn a cap at any level, nor has he been included in a senior squad, but he has netted 11 goals in the Premier League, trailing only Erling Haaland.
If he reaches 20 goals, could Carlo Ancelotti overlook him? And will Brentford be able to retain him?
Claudio Braga
Uncapped Portuguese forward Claudio Braga has emerged as a key attacking player in Hearts' impressive challenge for the Scottish Premiership title.
The 26-year-old, who joined from the Norwegian second-tier side Aalesunds, has scored eight league goals this season.
Having never played in a top flight before, could he help Hearts achieve the seemingly impossible goal of winning the Scottish title?