NXGN 2024: The 50 best wonderkids in football! Part 3

33. Eliesse Ben Seghir (Monaco)

Up until recently, Eliesse Ben Seghir labeled himself as "an artist" on his Instagram bio, and it's a fitting description given his graceful movement with the ball at his feet. Had it not been for injuries, his exceptional talent might have gained widespread recognition by now.

The 19-year-old made an impressive Ligue 1 debut in December 2022, scoring two remarkable goals against Auxerre. Throughout the season, he consistently contributed with goals and assists. However, his progress was hampered by fitness issues in the 2023-24 season. Nonetheless, whenever he graced the pitch, Ben Seghir demonstrated why he's considered one of the most promising talents in French football.

32. Simone Pafundi (Udinese - loan at Lausanne)

In November 2022, Simone Pafundi's potential caught the eye of then-Italy manager Roberto Mancini, leading him to become the youngest player in over a century to represent the Azzurri. Despite his promising talent, Pafundi has had to leave Italy to kickstart his senior career.
Struggling to secure regular playing time at Udinese in the past year, the 18-year-old opted for a loan move to Lausanne, owned by INEOS, in January. Pafundi, known for his skillful left foot, can operate as either a No.10 or a right-sided forward. His stint in Switzerland has begun positively, culminating in his first senior goal, as he aims to solidify his place among Europe's elite talents.

31. Jack Hinshelwood (Brighton)

Brighton has gained recognition for their astute ability to identify and nurture potential stars, often selling them for significant profits. However, it's their homegrown talent, Jack Hinshelwood, who has particularly stood out in the 2023-24 season.

Coming from a footballing family background, the 18-year-old has impressed in Roberto De Zerbi's midfield in the Premier League. He has also showcased his versatility by occasionally filling in at right-back. Hinshelwood has a knack for scoring crucial goals and if he maintains his current trajectory, he appears destined for an England call-up in the future.

30. Eli Junior Kroupi (Lorient)

Tiemoue Bakayoko, having witnessed Kylian Mbappe's rise at Monaco, has a keen eye for talent. Therefore, his assertion that his Lorient teammate Eli Junior Kroupi could be the next Mbappe holds considerable weight.

At just 17 years old, Kroupi has already shown promise in living up to such a significant comparison. He holds the record as the youngest player and goalscorer in Lorient's history. Despite his team's struggles to avoid relegation, Kroupi is nearing double-digit contributions in goals and assists in Ligue 1 this season. It's no surprise that both Barcelona and Real Madrid are reportedly monitoring the versatile forward closely.

29. Dean Huijsen (Juventus - loan at Roma)

Roma's interim manager, Daniele De Rossi, has praised Dean Huijsen, a loanee from Juventus, stating that Huijsen possesses a remarkable level of knowledge, reading of the game, and maturity beyond his years, making him akin to a seasoned 30-year-old player.

Huijsen, long touted as a future mainstay in Juventus' defense, has seamlessly transitioned into regular Serie A action since joining Roma on loan in January. His ability to carry the ball into midfield and contribute to attacking moves has been particularly noteworthy.
In recent weeks, Huijsen has made a significant decision regarding his international future, opting to represent Spain instead of his birth country, the Netherlands, where he spent a significant portion of his childhood.

28. Francesco Camarda (AC Milan)

Francesco Camarda made history by surpassing Paolo Maldini as AC Milan's youngest-ever player when he debuted for the Rossoneri in November 2023. He also became Serie A's youngest-ever player that night against Fiorentina, confirming his status as a highly anticipated talent at San Siro.

Known for his prolific goal-scoring abilities at youth level, Camarda has reportedly scored over 500 goals for Milan's academy teams, often competing against older opponents. As a lifelong Milan supporter who looks up to legends like Ronaldo and Marco van Basten, there's concern that the 16-year-old might consider leaving the club if terms for his first professional contract cannot be agreed upon. PSG and Arsenal are monitoring the situation closely, ready to swoop in if negotiations falter.

27. Gianluca Prestianni (Benfica)

In Argentina, being dubbed 'Pulga' (meaning 'Flea') carries significant weight, considering it was the same nickname given to Lionel Messi during his early career. Gianluca Prestianni faces high expectations as he follows in Messi's footsteps, but initial signs indicate promising potential.

Having impressed at his childhood club Velez Sarsfield with his fearless dribbling and precise ball control, Prestianni garnered attention from top clubs, including Real Madrid. However, it was Benfica who secured the 18-year-old winger's signature, paying an initial €9 million (£7.5 million/$10 million) to bring him to Europe in January. It will be intriguing to monitor his development in Lisbon in the coming months.

26. Valentin Carboni (Inter - loan at Monza)

In June 2023, during a gala event marking the start of the summer transfer window, Inter CEO Beppe Marotta suggested to the press to consider selecting Valentin Carboni for their fantasy football teams. While Carboni didn't deliver exceptional statistics during his loan spell at Monza, the Inter attacking midfielder has proven his capability to perform at a high level.

At just 19 years old, Carboni has swiftly cemented his place in Serie A, demonstrating his versatility by playing as a No.10, wide forward, or even as a false nine when needed. Although he represented Italy in his youth career, he has since chosen to play for Argentina and has become a regular member of the Albiceleste squad following their 2022 World Cup victory.

25. Amara Diouf (Generation Foot)

Amara Diouf is a remarkable talent who has already made his debut for the Senegal national team at just 15 years old, becoming the youngest player in the country's history. His international debut followed his outstanding performance at the U17 Africa Cup of Nations in 2023, where he surpassed Victor Osimhen's record for the most goals scored.

Currently honing his skills at Senegal's renowned Generation Foot academy, Diouf has drawn comparisons to former graduate Sadio Mane due to his speed, goal-scoring prowess, and ability to dribble at pace, whether he's deployed on the wing or as a central striker. Following in Mane's footsteps, Diouf is set to join Metz in 2026, fending off interest from European giants like Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester City, and Arsenal.

24. Assan Ouedraogo (Schalke)

Despite Schalke's recent struggles, the emergence of Assan Ouedraogo has brought joy to the club's fans. Despite his young age, Ouedraogo stands tall at 6'3'' (191cm), and he has already demonstrated his ability to utilize his physical attributes effectively.

As a box-to-box midfielder, the 17-year-old has proven that he is a cut above the competition in the German second division early in his career. Although sidelined for the past four months due to an ankle injury, Ouedraogo is poised to make a comeback for the crucial phase of the season.

Interest from clubs across Europe, including Liverpool, Bayern Munich, and RB Leipzig, indicates the widespread recognition of Ouedraogo's talent, and his future is one to watch closely.