10 Wonderkids to Watch at The 2025 Club World Cup

All right, football fans, get ready, because the 2025 Club World Cup is shaping up to be epic. We're not just talking about the big-name stars. This tournament is going to be the perfect stage for some of the most exciting young talents to announce themselves to the world. From wonder kids who are already making waves at the top level, to hidden gems who might just steal the spotlight, these are the future superstars you'll want to keep an eye on. So let's dive into 10 wonder kids who could light up the Club World Cup. Number 10, Kutulwano Letlaku, Mamelodi Sundowns. When we talk about wonder kids at the Club World Cup, the focus usually goes straight to Europe or South America. But trust me, there are hidden gems elsewhere, and Kutulwano Letlaku is definitely one to keep an eye on. The 19-year-old forward is already making waves at Mamelodi Sundowns, having smoothly stepped up from youth star to someone the first team can really rely on. He's fresh off helping South Africa lift the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, so you know his confidence is sky-high heading into this tournament. Plus, with European clubs already sniffing around, this could be the perfect stage for him to show what he's all about. Don't be surprised if he catches a few big clubs' attention in the US. Number 9, Nico O'Reilly, Manchester City. Pep's young all-rounder is one to watch at this Club World Cup. Nico O'Reilly, 19, has been turning heads all season after bursting onto the scene for Manchester City. He's made nine Premier League appearances, scoring twice, plus a couple in cup competitions. His first senior goal came in an 8-0 FA Cup win over Salford, and he even grabbed a brace against Plymouth Argyle to swing a tough FA Cup tie in City's favour. What's wild is his versatility. Guardiola has tried him in midfield, number 10, and even as an emergency left back, and he's caught real attention. Pep saw something big and reportedly blocked Chelsea's bid this winter, wanting to avoid another Cole Palmer situation. Number 8, Ian Subiabre, River Plate. River Plate just keep on churning out top young talent, don't they? After giving the world players like Julian Alvarez, Enzo Fernandez, and Claudio Echeverry, they've got another gem on their hands. Say hello to Ian Subiabre. This 18-year-old is starting to make waves at the Monumental, and it's easy to see why. Whether he's out wide on the wing or leading the line as a striker, Subiabre's already grabbing chances with River's first team. And of course, the big boys are circling. Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester United are all sniffing around, hoping to snap him up. If the recent River graduates are anything to go by, don't be surprised if Subiabre becomes a name everyone knows real soon. Number 7, Alvaro Montoro, Botafogo. While River might be stealing the spotlight when it comes to Argentine academies, don't sleep on the work Vélez Sarsfield has been doing. They've quietly been producing some serious talent over the past decade. Just look at World Cup winner Thiago Almada, and now it's Alvaro Montoro who's turning heads. The 18-year-old was even compared to Andrés Iniesta while coming through the Vélez ranks, and it's easy to see why. He lit up the Copa Libertadores this season with three goals in just five games before Botafogo swooped in and signed him ahead of Club World Cup. Since he's still settling in at his new club, Montoro might have to wait for his chance in the tournament. But when that moment comes, expect him to remind everyone why clubs like Borussia Dortmund were so desperate to bring him to Europe before Botafogo got their first. Number 6, Esteval Willian, Palmeiras. If you've been anywhere near football Twitter or TikTok lately, you've probably seen clips of Esteval Willian absolutely cooking defenders for Palmeiras. He's the most exciting Brazilian talent since Neymar. Chelsea have already snapped him up for around £56 million, but before he heads to London, Esteval's using this tournament as his big farewell with Palmeiras. The 18-year-old's already banged in 26 goals in 78 games for his boyhood club. Nicknamed Messinho thanks to his Messi-like dribbling and flair, he's set to face Messi himself and into Miami in the group stage. How's that for a full circle moment? Number 5, Franco Mastantuono, River Plate. Real Madrid fans will be seriously excited to get a glimpse of their latest teenage wonderkid from South America at this tournament. Franco Mastantuono has been making waves for over a year with River Plate, and the Club World Cup will be his big farewell before he heads to the Bernabeu. Madrid has agreed to pay €40 million for the 17-year-old midfielder, beating out PSG to snap him up. The youngest goalscorer in River's history, Mastantuono has hit new heights in 2025. Just look at that insane free-kick goal he's smashed in during the Super Classico against Boca Juniors. He's also just made history by becoming the youngest player ever to debut for Argentina in a competitive match. All eyes will be on him this summer as he looks to show exactly why people are calling him one of the best teenage talents on the planet. Number 4, Rodrigo Moura Porto, crossing back into Europe. One of the most exciting young talents heading to the US for the Club World Cup this summer is Porto's attacking midfielder, Rodrigo Moura. This kid's been lighting it up at youth level. He finished as the top scorer at the 2024 Under-17 European Championship, and he's kept that momentum going ever since stepping up to senior football in Portugal. Moura only made his Porto first-team debut in September, but he wasted no time making an impact, racking up 10 goals and 4 assists in just 23 league appearances. And we're not talking tap-ins. He's already scored some ridiculous solo goals that had everyone talking. His form even earned him a senior Portugal call-up in June. He didn't get on the pitch, but just being around the Nations League-winning squad is bound to help him grow. There were plenty of rumors about a summer move, with Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain reportedly sniffing around. But Moura ended up signing a new five-year deal in May. That contract includes a €70 million release clause, and you can bet if he lights up the Club World Cup, one of Europe's big boys might just cough up the cash. Marc Guglielmo's arrival at Chelsea has been one of the most exciting youth stories in recent memory. The 18-year-old Spanish striker signed a five-year deal for around £5 million. Guglielmo exploded onto the scene in the Conference League, scoring six goals in six games. He was the top scorer in the group stage and even hit a first-half hat-trick against Shamrock Rovers, including that nerveless header to complete it. His teammates noticed too. Dewsbury Hall said, Chelsea clearly believes he's won for the long haul, and after that breakthrough, he's well and truly staking his claim. One thing's for sure, if he finds the net again at the Club World Cup, we'll all be marking the rise of Marc Guglielmo. Jude's younger brother has arrived, and he's ready to carve out his own story. 19-year-old Jobe just wrapped a season at Sunderland with four goals and three assists in 43 championship appearances, helping the club secure promotion and earning Championship Young Player of the Year. This summer, he made the big move to Dortmund in a club-record £28 million deal, making him their second most expensive signing ever, and signed a five-year contract running until 2013. Bellingham was originally named in England's U21 squad for the Euro finals in Slovakia, but right before the tournament kicked off, he withdrew in order to join Borussia Dortmund's for the Club World Cup in the US. Will he shine and prove he's more than just Jude's brother? Keep your eyes peeled, he's got a real chance to show he's here on his own terms. PSG head into the Club World Cup as favourites after finally cracking the code and winning the Champions League following years of painful near-misses. Most of their players don't have much left to prove this summer, but Warren Zaire Emery might be the exception. The 19-year-old saw his minutes dip after Joan Neves arrived, with Luis Enrique preferring other options in midfield during the big games as PSG chased their treble. Zaire Emery mostly had to settle for sub appearances, but with rumours swirling about Saudi interest in Fabian Ruiz, a spot in that star-studded midfield could be up for grabs again soon. With over 120 first-team appearances already under his belt, while still a teenager, Zaire Emery is the obvious contender to step up. One of the best passers of his generation, he'll be hungry to remind everyone just how good he is when he hits the pitch in the US. And there you have it, some of the most exciting young talents to keep an eye on at the 2025 Club World Cup. From future Galacticos to hidden gems ready to break through on the big stage, these wonder kids are set to light up the tournament and maybe even steal the spotlight from the established stars. Which of these youngsters are you most hyped to watch? Do you have your eye on someone we didn't mention? Drop your thoughts in the comments, give the video a like if you're as excited for the Club World Cup as we are, and don't forget to subscribe for more football stories and future stars to watch. Discounts await!