NXGN 2024: The 50 best wonderkids in football! Part 1

The annual NXGN lists have returned for another year, spotlighting 50 exceptional talents born after January 1, 2005, in both men's and women's football. GOAL has curated this prestigious list, honoring young players who exhibit immense potential akin to past winners such as Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo, Jadon Sancho, and Lena Oberdorf.

Spanning across all continents and representing 17 diverse countries, the 2024 NXGN list boasts a global array of talent. It includes established senior internationals, champions, and rising stars poised to shine in upcoming major tournaments this summer.

The 50 best wonderkids in football

Now, let's delve into the 2024 NXGN list, ranking the top 50 young talents born on or after January 1, 2005.

50. Jobe Bellingham (Sunderland)

The pressure is certainly on for Jobe Bellingham, who is not only the younger sibling of Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham but also harbors aspirations of reaching a similar stature to his renowned brother. At just 18 years old, Jobe has already embarked on a promising career trajectory, following in Jude's footsteps by making his debut for Birmingham City at the age of 16.

However, Jobe took a surprising turn in his career by departing his childhood club to join Sunderland in the summer of 2023. Despite the move, he has showcased his versatility on the field, adeptly playing as a central striker or a box-to-box midfielder. While his goal-scoring prowess hasn't fully blossomed yet, with over 30 starts in the Championship since his transfer to the Stadium of Light, Jobe has attracted attention from some of Europe's top clubs.

Although he hasn't yet reached the dazzling heights of his brother, Jobe's potential has not gone unnoticed, and he remains a coveted prospect for clubs across the continent.

49. Nestory Irankunda (Adelaide United)

Since the retirement of Tim Cahill, Australian soccer enthusiasts have been longing for a true global sensation to celebrate, and Nestory Irankunda might just be the answer to their prayers. The young forward has already made waves by securing a deal to join Bayern Munich in the upcoming summer of 2024, commanding a transfer fee that dwarfs any previous sale by an A-League club.

Irankunda's potent left foot has been a major asset, propelling him to double-digit goals in the top flight even before his 18th birthday. His remarkable dead-ball skills, combined with his ability to excel on either flank, have caught the attention of major clubs, including Chelsea, who expressed interest in acquiring his services before Bayern made their move. With his promising talent and burgeoning international career, Irankunda stands poised to make a significant impact on the world stage.

48. Benjamin Cremaschi (Inter Miami)

For many young players, the opportunity to train alongside Lionel Messi on a daily basis is nothing short of a dream come true. Benjamin Cremaschi, at just 19 years old, found himself in precisely that scenario when the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner joined Inter Miami last summer.
Prior to Messi's arrival, Cremaschi had already made a name for himself in the Miami midfield.

However, his game underwent a remarkable transformation during the latter half of the 2023 MLS season, as he forged a strong on-field connection with Messi. This bond has not only elevated Cremaschi's performance but also opened up the possibility of continuing their partnership at the international level.

While Cremaschi is eligible to represent Argentina, his birth country, his late 2023 call-up to the United States squad suggests he may opt to represent the nation of his upbringing. Regardless of his decision, Cremaschi's experience training alongside Messi has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on his burgeoning career.

47. Sverre Nypan (Rosenborg)

Rosenborg, once a prominent figure in European competitions, has faced challenges in recent years. However, they seem to have unearthed a promising talent in Sverre Nypan, offering a glimmer of hope for the future.

At just 17 years old, Nypan has made a significant impact as a midfielder for Rosenborg. He's drawn comparisons to fellow Norwegian Martin Odegaard due to his adeptness with both feet and his impressive passing abilities. Nypan made history by becoming Rosenborg's youngest-ever debutant in 2022 and has since become a regular fixture in the first team.

The teenager's potential hasn't gone unnoticed, with clubs like Manchester United closely monitoring his progress. Nypan has already enlisted the services of renowned agent Rafaela Pimenta to handle negotiations for his next career move.

46. Agustin Ruberto (River Plate)

If Claudio Echeverri, bound for Manchester City, is likened to the Batman of River Plate and Argentina's youth talent, then Agustin Ruberto is considered his Robin. While not possessing the same technical finesse as his compatriot, Ruberto stands out as a natural goalscorer, catching the attention of numerous European clubs.

At just 18 years old, Ruberto claimed the Golden Boot at the 2023 Under-17 World Cup, netting eight goals as Argentina made it to the semi-finals. His standout performances in Indonesia earned him a chance to experience senior football with River Plate, where he is anticipated to gradually earn more playing time throughout 2024. Should he continue to impress, his €30m (£25.5m/$33m) release clause is likely to be activated sooner rather than later.

45. Julian Rijkhoff (Ajax)

Ajax is renowned for nurturing technically-gifted midfielders and wide players, but their track record in developing prolific goal scorers upfront is less recognized. However, Julian Rijkhoff seems poised to change that narrative in Amsterdam, with some assistance from Borussia Dortmund.

Despite Ajax's tendency to focus on midfield and wide players, Rijkhoff stood out as a promising striker, prompting his move to Borussia Dortmund in January 2021. Even while competing against older opponents in the Netherlands, Rijkhoff impressed with his goal-scoring prowess. His transition to Germany was seamless, as he continued to find the back of the net consistently, tallying an impressive 65 goals in 79 appearances for Dortmund's youth teams. However, he struggled to break into the senior squad, leading to his return to Ajax in early 2024.

Since rejoining his boyhood club, the 19-year-old Rijkhoff has flourished, finding more opportunities in the first team. His return to Ajax has proven to be a fruitful decision, as he looks set to make a significant impact as a goal-scoring threat for the club.

This article will come in different parts as all the details cannot be compressed as one. The part 1 as you can see carries the bottom 6 which is from 50-45. The rest will be completed in due time. so follow up.