Rising Stars at the 2025 U-17 World Cup: Could a New Ronaldinho Spark the Ballon d'Or?
16 November 2025
The 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar features 48 teams for the first time and showcases a wave of rising talents. Could any of these youngsters echo Ronaldinho's journey and win football's ultimate prize, the Ballon d'Or?
New faces, old dreams
Since its inception, the tournament has served as a launchpad for legends, with the event historically birthing stars who later shone on the world stage. This edition in Qatar continues that tradition, presenting a platform where young players blend skill, speed, and a hunger to leave a mark before turning 18.
As in previous decades, the U-17 World Cup has announced future icons. Names like Iker Casillas, Cesc Fàbregas, Gianluigi Buffon, Francesco Totti, Xavi, Samuel Kuffour, James Rodríguez, and Toni Kroos rose from these ranks, while Ronaldinho’s breakout at the 1997 tournament in Egypt culminated in Ballon d'Or glory and global acclaim. The current edition keeps that legacy alive by producing new talents who could rewrite football’s near future.
Promising talents to watch
Across the group stage, several players have stepped into the spotlight and turned heads with their performances, prompting clubs to monitor them closely as the knockout rounds approach. Here are five standouts who have drawn particular attention.
1- Anisio Cabral (Portugal)
A Benfica forward who has emerged as the tournament's top scorer, Cabral leads with five goals and has become a focal point in the box, where he combines instinct with a striking nose for goal. His momentum has tongues wagging about a future transfer windfall for his club.
2- Z Lucas (Brazil)
Midfield enforcer Z Lucas has attracted interest from Barcelona after dazzling in midfield with composure and creative flair. Rumors float that a deal could hinge on securing services from Recife’s rising star before other European clubs get involved.
3- Regan Heskey (England)
The left winger of the England age-group side is making the kind of early impact that makes scouts grin. Heskey has already bagged several goals and is praised for blending pace with mature decision-making beyond his years, hinting at a potential climb to the first team atmosphere soon.
4- Samuele Inacio (Italy)
Before this tournament, Inacio was nudging Borussia Dortmund’s radar as a promising striker. He has delivered four goals so far and demonstrates a sharp eye for goal and intelligent movement in the box, suggesting a bright professional horizon.
5- Abdullah Wazan (Morocco)
Wazan has impressed with his attacking instincts and versatility in the final third. His three goals helped Morocco reach the knockout stage, and his performances have made Real Madrid and several other European heavyweights take note for the long term.
With these names and more, the competition remains a fertile ground for discovery. If history is a guide, one of these youngsters could someday lift the Ballon d’Or, while the road from youth tournament to golden trophy still offers plenty of twists, turns, and sheer goal celebrations.
Punchline 1: If these kids keep scoring like this, the Ballon d'Or might need a bigger trophy cabinet—or at least a sturdier sofa for the celebrations.
Punchline 2: And if talent keeps pouring out of the U-17s, we’ll start charging admission to the living room—because watching the future of football could become the family sport.
