Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, Jadon Sancho, Vinicius Junior, Joao Felix... These young stars are demonstrating their ability and are becoming household names.
All born this century, all under 20 years old, here are 20 of the most promising players in the world, all of whom are either making an impact at first-team level or will be given plenty of first-team opportunities this season.
Alphonso Davies (19, Bayern Munich)
From his birth in a refugee camp in Liberia to becoming a European champion, Davies' story is worthy of a film. Since making the switch from being a winger to a left-back, the Canadian international has established himself as one of the best in the world in his position. Last season he played 43 games, helping Bayern win everything on offer, breaking the Bundesliga speed record and winning rookie of the year in the process.
Sergino Dest (19, Barcelona)
The USA international played just 39 games for Ajax after graduating from their academy before joining Barcelona this summer, making his debut for the Blaugrana just before the international break. He is a technical, attack-minded right-back with a high ceiling.
Rodrygo Goes (19, Real Madrid)
A skilful winger with an eye for goal, Rodrygo played 29 times for Real Madrid last season, while he also earned his first Brazil cap. Now in his second year in Europe, it remains to be seen what role he will have in Zinedine Zidane's squad this season, having featured in two of their four games so far.
Takefusa Kubo (19, Villarreal, on loan from Real Madrid)
Kubo, who spent time at La Masia as a youth player, is a unique talent. Last season, on loan at Real Mallorca, the Japanese international proved he has the quality to play in LaLiga Santander and, although he's not had many minutes yet this season, he will surely go on to show that talent for the Yellow Submarine...and Real Madrid.
Kang-in Lee (19, Valencia)
The South Korean playmaker offers Javi Gracia something different in Valencia's squad and after their summer exodus, he should be a key player this season. It will be a great boost for Valencia if Kang-in can show the quality that earned him the Player of the Tournament award at the Under-20 World Cup.
Mason Greenwood (19, Manchester United)
Lethal in front of goal, his 19 strikes last season helped Manchester United return to the Champions League. The Old Trafford academy graduate made his England debut in September but was sent home after breaking quarantine rules, showing he still has much to learn.
Eric Garcia (19, Manchester City)
The former La Masia player made 20 appearances for Pep Guardiola's team last season and has already been called up to Luis Enrique's Spain squad on two occasions. Standing out not for his physical attributes but his intelligence and ball-playing ability, he is the future of Spain's defence.
Bukayo Saka (19, Arsenal)
A product of Arsenal's academy, Saka has developed well under Mikel Arteta, who has deployed him in a number of positions. Possessing great pace and the ability to make a difference, he recently made his full England debut.
Benoit Badiashile (19, Monaco)
Another top centre-back prospect from France, he has already been linked with clubs such as Real Madrid and Valencia but is indispensable to Monaco boss Niko Kovac. He has already scored two goals this season and shows bravery and leadership beyond his years.
Reinier Jesus (18, Borussia Dortmund, on loan from Real Madrid)
The attacking midfielder didn't play much for Flamengo's first team, but he still did enough to win the Brasileirao and the Copa Libertadores while attracting attention in Europe. Real Madrid paid close to 30 million euros for him and after half a season at Castilla, he will spend the next two years at Borussia Dortmund, the ideal place to continue his development.
Ryan Gravenberch (18, Ajax)
A central midfielder with a good physical presence, he became Ajax's youngest-ever player when he made his debut at just 16 years and 130 days in September 2018. Now, following Donny van de Beek's departure, he has established himself as a regular for Erik ten Hag, and in the summer he extended his Ajax contract until 2023.
Mohammed Ihatteren (18, PSV)
A creative player who enjoys running with the ball, Ihattaren comes in from wide positions to devastating effect, scoring nine and assisting nine last season for PSV. Already capped seven times by the Netherlands, it won't be long before we see him displaying his talents in one of Europe's bigger leagues.
Gabriel Veron (18, Palmeiras)
Named after Juan Sebastian Veron, the talented forward is one of the most sought-after prospects in Brazil. Last year he helped Brazil win the Under-17 World Cup and was named Player of the Tournament.
Fabio Silva (18, Wolverhampton Wanderers)
Porto's youngest-ever debutant and goalscorer, the Portuguese striker is also Wolves' most expensive ever signing after joining this summer for 40 million euros. An impressive fee after recording just three goals and two assists for the Dragons.
Giovanni Reyna (18, Borussia Dortmund)
Son of USA legend Claudio Reyna, Giovanni is already lighting up this season with two goals and four assists in five starts. Christian Pulisic may have left last year, but the Signal Iduna Park still has a Captain America.
Rayan Cherki (17, Lyon)
Another top prospect from Lyon's famed academy, Cherki announced himself in last season's Coupe de France, scoring two and assisting another in under half an hour in a 4-3 victory against Nantes. Despite his youth, the playmaker already commands respect and demands the ball from his team-mates.
Pedri (17, Barcelona)
The Canary Island-born magician has outgrown LaLiga SmartBank and is already getting minutes in Ronald Koeman's first-team squad in LaLiga Santander. On the pitch, the midfielder shows his quality, playing with a natural ease, and is considered an important part of the Spanish national team's future.
Jude Bellingham (17, Borussia Dortmund)
Despite his youth, former team Birmingham City have already retired his shirt number. After becoming the club's youngest debutant and goalscorer, he joined Dortmund for 23 million euros and has already played five games, scoring once.
Eduardo Camavinga (17, Rennes)
A midfielder with all the attributes to dominate the modern game: physicality, intelligence, creativity and much more. In September he became France's youngest player since 1945 and recently also became their youngest scorer for more than a century. All of Europe's top clubs will be keeping tabs on Camavinga.
Ansu Fati (17, Barcelona)
The La Masia graduate is taking world football by storm, becoming the youngest goalscorer in the history of the Champions League, Barcelona and the Spanish national team. Luis Enrique has appealed for calm "to allow him to grow as a person and a player", but expectations are already through the roof.
Source: m.allfootballapp.com