10 Teenagers to Watch in the UCL This Season

The UEFA Champions League is back, and with it comes a new wave of young talent ready to steal the spotlight. 

Last season, Paris Saint-Germain’s Désiré Doué was instrumental in delivering the club’s historic first Champions League trophy, while Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal not only dazzled fans but also earned a spot in the competition’s Team of the Season.

As the 2025/2026 campaign kicks off, the excitement isn’t only about the big-name stars, it’s also about the teenagers looking to make their mark on Europe’s biggest stage. Here are the youngsters worth keeping an eye on this season:

Vasilije Adzic (Juventus)

Montenegro’s brightest prospect, Vasilije Adzic, has already etched his name into Juventus history as their first Montenegrin player since Mirko Vucinic. At just 19, the midfielder has league titles in his homeland, a Champions League appearance, and an international goal on his debut. With his creativity and maturity, he could play a bigger role for the Old Lady this season.

Jobe Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund)

Following in the footsteps of his brother Jude, Jobe Bellingham has taken his talents to Borussia Dortmund. The 19-year-old showed glimpses of brilliance at the Club World Cup, where he became the only teenager to both score and assist. Comfortable as a box-to-box midfielder but versatile enough to play further forward, Jobe is shaping up to be another Bellingham star at Dortmund.

Jorrel Hato (Chelsea)

Chelsea’s teenage signing Jorrel Hato is already incredibly experienced for a 19-year-old defender. Having captained Ajax at just 17 and made more than 120 senior appearances, the Dutch international brings composure and leadership beyond his years. Whether at left-back or in central defence, he will be eager to show why Chelsea spent £37m to secure his services.

Geovany Quenda (Sporting CP)

At 18, Geovany Quenda has already written his name into Portuguese football history as Sporting’s youngest Champions League starter. The versatile winger impressed last season during Sporting’s double-winning campaign and shone at the U21 Euros. With a big-money move to Chelsea already agreed for next summer, this will be his farewell tour in Lisbon and he’ll want to leave with fireworks.

George Ilenikhena (Monaco)

Nigerian-French striker George Ilenikhena has been breaking records since he was 17, becoming one of the youngest goalscorers in Champions League history. Now 19, the powerful forward continues to build his reputation after stints with Antwerp and Monaco. With pace, strength, and a knack for big goals. He has already scored against Barcelona twice in Europe, he could be Monaco’s breakout star this season.

Franco Mastantuono (Real Madrid)

When Real Madrid paid £39m for Franco Mastantuono, many saw it as a statement of intent. The Argentine midfielder is only 18 but already carries the weight of huge expectations. Having debuted for Argentina at 17 and now part of Madrid’s first team, he has the potential to follow in the footsteps of legends like Lionel Messi, especially with a Champions League stage awaiting him.

Senny Mayulu (Paris Saint-Germain)

Few teenagers can say they’ve scored in a Champions League final. PSG’s Senny Mayulu did just that at 19, coming off the bench to seal their triumph against Inter Milan. With two Ligue 1 titles already to his name, Mayulu has had limited starts but is proving to be a game-changer whenever called upon. This season could be his moment to secure a bigger role in Luis Enrique’s squad.

Rio Ngumoha (Liverpool)

Liverpool’s Rio Ngumoha has already made history as the club’s youngest-ever goalscorer, finding the net against Newcastle just days before turning 17. The winger, formerly of Chelsea’s academy, is direct, skillful, and electric with the ball at his feet. At only 17, he could bring a fresh spark to Jurgen Klopp’s side in the Champions League.

Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal)

Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri has been making headlines since he debuted in the Premier League at just 15. Now 18, the attacking midfielder is beginning to fulfill his promise, scoring eight goals for the Gunners before turning 18, only Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen managed more. With Champions League experience under his belt and a European Under-21 title with England, this season feels like a breakout year.

Claudio Echeverri (Bayer Leverkusen, on loan from Manchester City)

Nicknamed “El Diablito,” Argentine talent Claudio Echeverri is one of the most exciting young playmakers around. The 19-year-old caught global attention with a stunning free-kick for Manchester City at the Club World Cup before moving on loan to Bayer Leverkusen. Quick, technical, and fearless, Echeverri will be tested in the Bundesliga and Champions League but his flair makes him one to watch closely.