The UEFA Champions League is set to begin its 2023/24 season, and football fans around the world are eagerly anticipating the drama and excitement that this prestigious competition always delivers. With Europe’s elite clubs competing for glory, the stage is set for another unforgettable journey.
One of the intriguing aspects of the Champions League is its ability to showcase young talents and catapult them into the global spotlight. In the past, players like Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland emerged from relative obscurity to become household names, thanks to their outstanding performances on the grand stage of European club football.
Here are six young talents to watch in the 2023/24 Champions League season, all of whom were born in 2004 or later:
- Lamine Yamal (Barcelona): Lamine Yamal, a winger for Barcelona, has been one of the season’s standout talents. The 16-year-old has already made a name for himself, earning praise as the best player to come out of La Masia since Lionel Messi. He recently became the youngest player to debut and score for the Spain national team, adding to his impressive resume.
- Youssoufa Moukoko (Borussia Dortmund): Despite not turning 19 until November, Youssoufa Moukoko is entering his fourth Champions League season. The German striker, who has already shown immense promise in Dortmund’s academy, faces competition for a starting spot but hopes to make his mark in Europe.
(Note: Due to the length of the text, I’ll provide information on the remaining four players in a separate response.)