The 2025 Club World Cup is fast approaching and will be hosted in the United States. While football legends like Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, and Lionel Messi will grab most of the headlines, the tournament will also showcase some of the Best Young NXGN Stars to Watch at the 2025 Club World Cup. These young talents, born in 2006 or later, have the potential to shine on this prestigious global stage and establish themselves among football’s future stars. The Club World Cup may not have the same magnitude as the FIFA World Cup for national teams, but it attracts significant attention, especially to emerging players.
List of 5 Best Young NXGN Stars to Watch at the 2025 Club World Cup
5. Estevao Willian – Palmeiras
One of the most exciting young talents in this tournament is Estevao Willian, a dynamic forward from Brazil known for his speed and dribbling skills. Among the Best Young NXGN Stars to Watch at the 2025 Club World Cup, Estevao has earned the nickname ‘Messinho’ for his playing style, often compared to Lionel Messi. While his highlights have recently captured attention across South America and beyond, this tournament will be his first chance to showcase his talent in full matches on a global platform.
Estevao Willian is already on the radar of top European clubs, having agreed to join Chelsea for a substantial £56 million ($71 million) this summer. The Club World Cup will be his farewell performance for Palmeiras, where he has scored an impressive 26 goals in 78 appearances. Facing tough opponents, including Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami, Estevao will aim to prove why he is among the Best Young NXGN Stars to Watch at the 2025 Club World Cup and justify Chelsea’s big investment.
| Goals for Palmeiras | 26 |
| Appearances for Palmeiras | 78 |
| Transfer Fee to Chelsea | £56 million |
ALSO READ: Top 5 Highest Goal Scorers in the Nations League 2025
4. Franco Mastantuono – River Plate
Franco Mastantuono is one of the most promising young midfielders in South America and is ranked among the Best Young NXGN Stars to Watch at the 2025 Club World Cup. The 17-year-old Argentine has already made history by becoming the youngest player to score for River Plate and the youngest to play a competitive match for Argentina’s national team. His maturity and skill have impressed many, and his free-kick goal against Boca Juniors showed his confidence on the biggest occasions.
Mastantuono is about to take a big step in his career with a planned move to Real Madrid for around €40 million (£33 million/$45 million). The Club World Cup will be his last chance to perform for River Plate before moving to Europe. Among the Best Young NXGN Stars to Watch at the 2025 Club World Cup, Mastantuono is expected to make a lasting impression with his creativity and technical skills in midfield.
| Youngest goal scorer for River | Yes |
| Youngest competitive debut for Argentina | Yes |
| Transfer Fee to Real Madrid | €40 million |
3. Ian Subiabre – River Plate
Another exciting talent from River Plate, Ian Subiabre, is ranked among the Best Young NXGN Stars to Watch at the 2025 Club World Cup. At 18 years old, Ian has already begun establishing himself as a first-team regular at the Argentine club. He is versatile, capable of playing both as a winger and as a striker, which adds to his value. His pace, skill, and goal-scoring ability have attracted attention from some of Europe’s biggest clubs including Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester United.
River Plate’s academy has produced stars like Julian Alvarez and Enzo Fernandez, so Ian Subiabre has a strong foundation to follow in their footsteps. The 2025 Club World Cup is a prime opportunity for him to raise his profile further and show why he is one of the Best Young NXGN Stars to Watch at the 2025 Club World Cup in world football.
| Age | 18 |
| Playing Positions | Winger, Striker |
| Linked Clubs | Chelsea, Arsenal, Man United |
2. Alvaro Montoro – Botafogo
Alvaro Montoro is an 18-year-old attacking midfielder who has quickly made his mark since joining Brazilian champions Botafogo from Velez Sarsfield in Argentina. He is widely compared to Andres Iniesta because of his intelligent play and vision on the field. Montoro has already scored 3 goals in 5 Copa Libertadores matches this season, proving he can perform under pressure.
Among the Best Young NXGN Stars to Watch at the 2025 Club World Cup, Montoro is ready to make a big impression despite being relatively new to Botafogo. Before signing for Botafogo, Borussia Dortmund expressed strong interest in acquiring him. This tournament will be a key moment for Montoro to prove his talent to fans and scouts around the world.
| Goals in Copa Libertadores | 3 in 5 matches |
| Current Club | Botafogo |
| Borussia Dortmund Interest | Yes |
1. Rodrigo Mora – Porto
At the top of the list of Best Young NXGN Stars to Watch at the 2025 Club World Cup is Rodrigo Mora, a Portuguese attacking midfielder just 18 years old. Mora was the top scorer at the 2024 Under-17 European Championship and broke into Porto’s first team in the 2023-24 season. He scored 10 goals and made 4 assists in 23 league appearances, quickly becoming a key player for Porto.
Rodrigo Mora has been called up to Portugal’s senior team squad but has not yet made his debut. His talent has drawn interest from elite clubs such as Manchester United and PSG, but he chose to sign a new five-year contract with Porto. This deal includes a hefty €70 million (£59 million/$80 million) release clause, highlighting his value. The 2025 Club World Cup will give Mora a platform to showcase why he is considered one of the Best Young NXGN Stars to Watch at the 2025 Club World Cup and a future star of European football.
| Goals in League | 10 in 23 matches |
| Assists in League | 4 in 23 matches |
| Release Clause | €70 million |
| Top Scorer at U17 Euros | Yes |
READ MORE: Top 10 Players With the Most Champions League Titles