Lamine Yamal, Talal Haji, and other young football talents are expected to dominate the 2034 FIFA World Cup, which Saudi Arabia is bidding to host

As Saudi Arabia pushes to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, excitement is building not just for the tournament but for the young stars who are poised to light up the world stage. Many of these emerging talents are already making waves in top leagues across Europe and beyond, and by the time 2034 rolls around, they will be at the peak of their powers. Here’s a look at 20 of the brightest prospects from around the globe who could define the next generation of football.

Leading the charge is Lamine Yamal, the 17-year-old Barcelona sensation. Despite his youth, Yamal has already captured the attention of football fans with his stunning performances for both club and country. Following his star turn in Euro 2024, where he helped Spain claim glory, Yamal is widely regarded as the heir to Lionel Messi’s throne. His flair, creativity, and goal-scoring ability make him a player to watch at 26 when the 2034 World Cup begins.

France is well-represented with Warren Zaire-Emery, a versatile midfielder playing for PSG. At 18, Zaire-Emery has already earned comparisons to football greats for his ability to control games from deep and contribute offensively. Similarly, Kobbie Mainoo, Manchester United’s promising midfielder, has become a key figure for both club and country. At Euro 2024, Mainoo shined for England, guiding them to the finals, and showcasing his composure and technical prowess on the big stage.

Turkish talent Arda Güler, currently with Real Madrid, has drawn comparisons to Mesut Ozil for his dribbling and vision. Having emerged as a teenage sensation at Fenerbahce, Güler’s journey to the top has only just begun. Meanwhile, France’s Leny Yoro, despite battling injuries, remains a defensive marvel at Manchester United and will likely be one of the world’s top defenders by 2034.

Pau Cubarsi, another emerging Barcelona talent, has impressed fans and teammates alike. At just 17, Cubarsi’s defensive skills and maturity have already earned him comparisons to legendary defenders. Francesco Camarda, AC Milan’s young striker, has also been turning heads. As Milan’s youngest-ever player, Camarda has quickly established himself as a prolific goal scorer in Serie A.

France continues to produce top talent, with Desire Doue and Mathys Tel emerging as future stars. Doue has impressed for Rennes and PSG, while Tel, who already boasts a European championship win with France’s U17 team, has drawn comparisons to Kylian Mbappe.

England’s Mikey Moore, currently with Tottenham, is another player to watch. Moore’s combination of skill, pace, and versatility has seen him already make his first-team debut at Spurs. Across the globe, Endrick, Real Madrid’s Brazilian wonderkid, has also captured international attention with his goal-scoring exploits for Palmeiras.

Argentina’s Claudio Echeverri, another player burdened with the ‘next Messi’ tag, looks set to meet those expectations after his move to Manchester City. Meanwhile, Brazil’s Estevao Willian and Kendry Paez from Ecuador, both at Chelsea, have shown immense promise in their youth careers and will likely become key players for their national teams.

Among other future stars are Franco Mastantuono, Cavan Sullivan, and Amara Diouf from Argentina, the USA, and Senegal, respectively. Each player has made a significant impact in their domestic leagues, with Sullivan even securing a future move to Manchester City.

Karim Konate from the Ivory Coast is another striker tipped for greatness, having already notched 20 goals in Austria’s Bundesliga. Finally, Talal Haji, Saudi Arabia’s youngest-ever player and goal scorer, has shown immense potential under the guidance of Karim Benzema at Al-Ittihad. His rapid rise suggests he could be a pivotal figure for Saudi Arabia in 2034 if they succeed in hosting the World Cup.

Analysis

Political: The prospect of Saudi Arabia hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup has significant geopolitical implications. The Middle East’s growing presence on the global football stage is part of a broader strategy of economic diversification, as outlined in the Saudi Vision 2030 plan. Saudi Arabia’s bid is also seen as an effort to strengthen its soft power by using football as a platform to elevate its international standing. For players like Talal Haji, who represents the future of Saudi football, the World Cup on home soil would be a defining moment for the nation’s sports ambitions.

Social: The inclusion of players from diverse backgrounds, such as Amara Diouf from Senegal and Endrick from Brazil, highlights the global appeal and inclusivity of football. The 2034 World Cup could serve as a platform to celebrate the game’s universal nature, fostering greater unity and understanding between different cultures and nations. The impact of these young players also extends to the communities they represent, inspiring millions of aspiring footballers in their home countries.

Economic: Economically, the success of these young players at the 2034 World Cup would likely drive up their market value, as top clubs across Europe and beyond continue to scout for the next big talent. For host nation Saudi Arabia, the tournament would provide a massive boost to its economy, with significant investments in infrastructure, tourism, and commercial partnerships. Players like Lamine Yamal and Kobbie Mainoo could become global marketing icons, attracting sponsorship deals and further commercializing the sport.

Gender: While the focus of this article is on male players, it’s worth noting that the development of women’s football has been accelerating globally. The success of these young men could inspire similar growth in the women’s game, encouraging greater investment and recognition of female athletes. In countries like Saudi Arabia, where women’s football is still developing, the potential of hosting the World Cup could help drive gender equality in sports.

Racial: The diversity of talent on this list—from Franco Mastantuono in Argentina to Kendry Paez in Ecuador—shows the increasing racial and ethnic diversity in football. Players from Africa, Latin America, and Asia are breaking through in European leagues, highlighting football’s role in transcending racial and national boundaries. This global representation in the 2034 World Cup could serve as a powerful statement against racism, promoting a sport that celebrates diversity and unity.