Shortlist
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The 2025 U20 World Cup kicks off in Chile this weekend, when Japan take on Egypt and Ukraine face off with South Korea. While the tournament is somewhat wedged in between the European domestic calendar, it still promises to showcase some of the most exciting young talents from around the World. Whether it be Erling Haaland, Sergio Aguero or even Lionel Messi, some of the sport’s most decorated stars first cut their teeth at this tournament. So who are the most exciting players to keep an eye on over the course of the next three weeks? Based on Transfermarkt’s market values, we have a top 10 for every football fan to consider.
The top 10 most valuable players at the U20 World Cup
10. Luighi – Brazil
Kicking off the list is Palmeiras striker Luighi, who could prove to be an excellent goalscorer at this tournament. The 19-year-old talent bagged 21 goals and assists in 32 games for Palmeiras’ U20 side, before earning a promotion to the senior team. Since then he’s picked up two goals and one assist in 22 mostly substitute appearances. In five games for Brazil’s U17 side Luighi has two goals and will be hoping to add to that at this tournament.
9. Elías Montiel – Mexico
Despite only being 19 years of age, Elías Montiel is a bit of an old head in the Mexico team simply due to how much he’s already achieved in his career. The defensive midfielder has already played more than 5000 minutes in the Mexican top flight for Pachuca and was linked with moves to Ajax and Braga in the summer. There will undoubtedly be a number of European scouts watching him in this tournament
8. Deivid Washington – Brazil
At no.8 we have a player that some Premier League fans may notice. Signed from Santos in 2023 for €16m, Deivid Washington made the move to Chelsea with bags of potential. After a brief stint in the club’s U21 side – where he bagged 15 goals and assists in 22 games – the striker was then sent back to Santos on loan where he’s been plying his trade for much of 2025. As such, this tournament should come at a perfect time for him to showcase his talents to an international audience.
7. Obed Vargas – Mexico
Born and raised in Alaska but opting to represent Mexico, Obed Vargas will represent his country at the U20 World Cup as one of the most exciting prospects of MLS. In the last market value update, the 20-year-old central midfielder was one of the biggest winners, with his market value rising to €8m. Vargas has thrived at Seattle Sounders and should be one of the most impressive players at this year’s tournament.
6. Jon Martín – Spain
Featured in Transfermarkt’s Talent Calendar in 2023, Jon Martín remains one of Spain’s most exciting defensive talents. After working his way through Real Sociedad’s youth teams, the central defender broke into the LaLiga team’s first team this season and is now an established starter in Sergio Franciso’s team. And now arrives at the U20 World Cup as one of the most talented defenders at the tournament.
5. Álvaro Montoro – Argentina
Argentina always perform well at youth level and one player that could breakthrough at this tournament is none other than attacking midfielder Álvaro Montoro. After starring for his hometown club of Vélez Sarsfield for two seasons, Montoro was then bought by Brazilian giants Botafogo for €7.9m this summer. But if he does well for his nation at the World Cup, that fee may quickly look like a real bargain.
4. Julio Soler – Argentina
Unlike Montoro, Julio Soler is an Argentinian talent that most fans in Europe will know all about. Signed from Lanús in January of this year for €8m, Soler is just the latest in a long list of youthful talents snapped up by Bournemouth on their way to becoming top talents. Having already played for the senior national team five times, Soler will undoubtedly be one of Argentina’s key leaders in a tournament they’ll have high hopes of winning.
3. Gianluca Prestianni – Argentina
Another exciting Argentine talent that should take this tournament by storm is Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni, who arrives at this year’s U20 World Cup as a senior player for Benfica. Since joining the Portuguese side for €9m last January, Prestianni has made 24 appearances and bagged four goals and assists. He also has an impressive record of three goals and two assists in eight games for Argentina’s U20 side, which he’ll be hoping to add to in the coming weeks.
2. Maher Carrizo – Argentina
Another young talent that started his career at Vélez Sarsfield is right winger Maher Carrizo. The 19-year-old talent has been in fantastic form for his club side, bagging 10 goals and one assist in 31 games in 2025 and earned an impressive €4m market value rise in Transermarkt’s latest market value update of the Torneo Clausura. As such, he’s the second most valuable player at this year’s competition and unquestionably one of the most talented.
1. Pedro – Brazil
Despite a strong showing from Argentina in the top 10 list, the top spot actually goes to Brazilian winger Pedro. Prior to making a €9m move to Zenit St. Petersburg, Pedro broke through at Corinthians, where he quickly established himself as a goal-scoring wide forward. Since moving to Russia, the 19-year-old talent has bagged eight goals and nine assists in 66 mostly substitute appearances. But what’s most impressive about Pedro is his record for Brazil’s U20 side: four goals and eight assists in 18 games. And there’s little doubt that he’ll be adding to that tally at this competition.