Next Gen Football Superstars: Rising Icons You Should Know in 2025
Football’s future is burning bright. From blistering pace to visionary passing, a new wave of talent is redefining the game — and these players are already earning legendary status before their prime.
Here are the top next-gen footballers in 2025 who deserve your attention and a spot in your collectibles cabinet.
1. Jude Bellingham – The Complete Midfielder
(England, Real Madrid)
Why He’s Special:
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Mature beyond his years, Bellingham has become Real Madrid’s midfield maestro at just 21.
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Combines power, creativity, and leadership — with a knack for late-game goals.
Achievements:
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La Liga Player of the Month (multiple times in his debut season)
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Regular starter for England at major tournaments
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Set to be a future Ballon d’Or contender
Lesser-Known Facts:
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Became Birmingham City's youngest-ever player at 16
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Wears #22 because his coach said he could play as a 4, 8, and 10 all in one
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Idolized Steven Gerrard
Top Collectible: Minix Bellingham figure in Real Madrid white — perfect for futureproofing your shelf.
2. Gavi – Barça’s Midfield Dynamo
(Spain, FC Barcelona)
Why He’s Special:
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An intense ball-winner with an old-school edge and creative flair.
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Gavi plays with relentless energy and elegance — a future captain in the making.
Achievements:
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Youngest player to represent Spain since 1936
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Kopa Trophy winner (Best U21 player)
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UEFA Nations League champion
Lesser-Known Facts:
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Grew up idolizing Iniesta and Xavi — and now plays in their old roles
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Known for his physical playing style despite being only 5’8”
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Still wears his junior shin guards
Top Collectible: Barcelona-themed Gavi figurine in the classic blaugrana strip.
3. Jamal Musiala – The German Magician
(Germany, Bayern Munich)
Why He’s Special:
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Glides past defenders with a Messi-like dribbling style
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One of Bayern Munich’s most exciting attacking midfielders in years
Achievements:
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Youngest Bayern player to appear in the Bundesliga
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Voted Germany’s Player of the Year (2023)
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Key contributor for both club and country at just 21
Lesser-Known Facts:
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Eligible to play for England, Nigeria, and Germany
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Trained at Chelsea’s academy before choosing Bayern
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Nicknamed “Bambi” for his smooth, slippery movement
Top Collectible: Minix Musiala figure with his signature open-armed celebration.
4. Pedri – The Brain of Barcelona
(Spain, FC Barcelona)
Why He’s Special:
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Controls the tempo of games like a veteran
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Has a football IQ well beyond his age
Achievements:
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Euro 2020 Young Player of the Tournament
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Olympic silver medalist with Spain
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Over 100 Barça appearances by age 20
Lesser-Known Facts:
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Played more matches in 2020–21 than any other top-level player in Europe
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Wears #8 — the same number once worn by Andrés Iniesta
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Shy and introverted off the pitch, but pure confidence on it
Top Collectible: Pedri figure in Barcelona's alternate gold kit or Spain's national red.
5. Rasmus Højlund – The Viking Striker
(Denmark, Manchester United)
Why He’s Special:
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Powerful, clinical, and rapidly improving
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Combines Erling Haaland-esque physicality with sharp technical ability
Achievements:
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Leading scorer for Denmark in Euro 2024 qualifying
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Fastest Man Utd player to score five Champions League goals
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Part of Man United’s rebuilding era under Ten Hag
Lesser-Known Facts:
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Twin younger brothers also play professionally in Denmark
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Grew up idolizing Zlatan Ibrahimović
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Considered a late bloomer until his Atalanta breakout in 2022
Top Collectible: Red-hot Minix Højlund figure in Manchester United’s 2024 third kit.
Futureproof Your Collection
Today’s rookies are tomorrow’s GOATs — and collectibles of rising stars can become rare gems. Whether you’re building a serious football memorabilia collection or looking for the next breakout icon, these names deserve your spotlight.
👉 Shop the Next Gen Stars Collection
👉 Explore more Minix Football Stars
The future of football is already here. Own a piece of it.