Messi Drops a Global Top 10: Madrid's Next-Gen Stars Lead the Line, Yamal Left Out
15 October 2025
Messi's Top 10 Youngsters List
Argentine legend Lionel Messi, now with Inter Miami, revealed a ranking of the world’s brightest young talents, notably omitting Barcelona's starlet Lamine Yamal from the list.
Messi’s selections, reported by outlets like Goal, mix European and Latin American prospects and even include two women players in the mix.
At the very top sits Nico Baz, formerly of Real Madrid and currently with Como in Italy, who has captured attention after a standout season.
Also named are Kendri Bayes from Chelsea, R. Ngumoha from Liverpool, Kader Meité from Rennes, and Bryan Groda from Brighton, along with Mika Goduts of Ajax, André Santos from Chelsea, Rodrigo Mora of Porto, and two female players Clara Serargordy (Barcelona) and Lily Johannes (Lyon).
Baz’s presence surprised many given Yamal’s status as Barcelona’s brightest young talent and one of the world’s most watched youngsters. Baz began at Real Madrid’s academy, moved to Como in 2024, and has since emerged as a key young figure in Italy, earning six caps for Argentina.
Real Madrid reportedly holds a buy-back option worth around €9 million in 2026 or €10 million in 2027, after previously selling half of Baz’s rights for €6 million in 2024. The club views Baz as a potential successor to midfield staples and a core piece for the future.
Madrid's Renewal Plan
The club’s strategy is a deliberate push to refresh the midfield by 2026, placing Baz and Chima Andres as two foundational pieces in the next generation, offering a more sustainable route than chasing established stars. The leadership views these two as “hidden gems” capable of reviving the team’s engine room without breaking the bank.
Youth-First Mentality at the Whites
Over recent years, Real Madrid has pivoted from the Galácticos era to a model focused on homegrown talent and smart development. The club has invested in prodigies and academy products, with senior stars like Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, Endrick, and France’s Camavinga and Chouaméni now forming the backbone of the first team. The goal is to balance excellence on the pitch with financial sustainability.
The club emphasizes mentorship from experienced players like Rudiger and Carvajal to ensure a smooth generational transition. Real Madrid aims not just to win now but to secure a successful future for at least one more decade, discovering and forging stars within the club's own walls.
