25 young players to watch in the UEFA Nations League
The UEFA Nations League is usually where football’s established stars dominate the headlines. But with a new international cycle beginning after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, there is also a huge opportunity for the next generation of stars to announce themselves.
From Germany’s extraordinary 44-man experiment to fresh faces in France, Italy, England, Scotland and Netherlands, here are 25 young stars worth keeping an eye on.
Felix Keidel, Germany
Keidel made the remarkable leap from promoted SV Elversberg to the Germany squad after only three Bundesliga appearances. The versatile 23 year-old midfielder can slot in anywhere across the backline or midfield and plays the type of high-intensity pressing game that is a hallmark of Jurgen Klopp teams.
Younes Ebnoutalib, Germany
Ebnoutalib's call-up to the national team is the latest chapter in a remarkable rise that has seen the 23 year-old go from the sixth tier of German football to the Bundesliga in the space of four years. After scoring 12 times for Elversberg last season, Ebnoutalib moved to Eintracht Frankfurt and announced his arrival with a hat-trick in the opening in his club's opening Bundesliga game.
Lennart Karl, Germany
He is only 18, but Karl already looks like one of the most exciting creative talents in Germany. The Bayern Munich midfielder has already made three senior appearances and now finds himself in Klopp’s bumper, two-squadded selection. The Nations League could offer an early glimpse of Germany’s next attacking prodigy.
Kevin Schade, Germany
Strong in the air, the Brentford star also combines has pace, power and directness. He's rippled the net three times in five Premier League games for the Bees this season and will be desperate to open his international account in the Nations League.
Mika Baur, Germany
The 22 year-old deep-lying playmaker has been one of the bright lights for Celtic to start the season. Equally at home in a defensive or attacking midfield role, Baur's versatility has caught the eye of Jurgen Klopp.
Bambase Conte, Germany
At home in the midfield or in an attacking wide position, the diminutive Hoffenheim attacker likes to take on his opponents with a burst of speed and press high when defending. No surprises he's caught the eye of Klopp.
Ruben van Bommel, Netherlands
He carries a famous name, but Ruben van Bommel is rapidly stepping out of his father's illustrious shadow. The Netherlands winger is among the players hoping to make their senior debut under Xavi Hernandez. His physical style and pace make him a versatile addition to the forward line.
Gjivai Zechiel, Netherlands
The 21 year-old has developed through Feyenoord’s system and now has an opportunity to show Xavi what he can offer at international level. Known for his technical quality, especially in tight spaces between the lines, Zechiel's attributes bare striking similarities to those of the Dutch coach.
Mexx Meerdink, Netherlands
With in-form Roma striker Donyell Malen out injured, left-footed Meerdink has an opportunity to press his claims for a more regular spot in the national team set-up. Standing at just over 6ft, the imposing left-footer has found the net twice in six games for AZ this season, his pace and aggression a nightmare for opposing defenders.
Vasilije Kostov, Serbia
Kostov is the latest teenage wonder-kid to come out of the Red Star talent factory. The 17 year-old plays with intelligence beyond his years, with a fluid comfort in the centre of midfield that has drawn comparisons to the likes of Barcelona star Pedri.
Mihajlo Cvetkovic, Serbia
Exciting things are happening in the Serbia squad, as manager Veljko Paunovic ushers in a new generation of talent. None more so than Kostov and Anderlecht striker Cvetkovic. The 19 year-old is known for his hard running and close ball control.
Michael Kayode, Italy
One of the faces of Italy's new generation of young talent, athletic Brentford right back Kayode is no stranger to success at international level, having scored the goal in the final that sealed the 2023 under-19 Euros for his nation. He'll be hoping to make his senior debut against Belgium, Turkiye or France.
Mohamed Ali Zoma, Italy
One of the most intriguing selections in Mancini's Italy rebuild comes in the form of Zoma, who's spent the last two years lighting up the 2. Bundesliga. Fast, agile and with a penchant for taking on his marker, the 22 year-old has started the 26/27 season on fire, with six goals from as many game for second-placed Nurnberg. He was plucked from obscurity for the national team and his days in the German second tier are surely numbered.
Samuele Inacio, Italy
Capped by Italy at every age group since U15 level, 18 year-old Inacio - the son of Brazilian footballer Pia - made his senior debut in May under caretaker coach Silvio Baldini. The Borussia Dortmund rising star plays with a flair underlying his South American roots and he'll be desperate to impress Mancini during the Nations League.
Jeremy Jacquet, France
After an injury-plagued start to his Liverpool career, the 21 year-old France centre-back offered an early glimpse of his quality in Liverpool's 2-0 pre-season win over Como. He's established his place as starting centre back for the Reds and will be hoping to replicate that in the national colours.
Lucas Da Cunha, France
At 25 years-old, Como captain Da Cunha is one of the senior statesmen on our list. His eye-catching play-making performances, and eye for goal, under Cesc Fabregas have caught the eye of Zinedine Zidane, who has given Da Cunha an opportunity to make his senior debut. If he can replicate his club form, he may be in for a longer stay at the top echelon.
Esteban Lepaul, France
Another comparitive 'senior citizen' on our list, 26 year-old striker Lepaul has been rewarded for two blistering years in Ligue 1, in which he's fired home 23 goals in 37 games for Rennes, including three from five games to start this season. A classic poacher, Lepaul finished Ligue 1 as top-scorer last season, earning him a call-up to Zidane's first squad.
Roberto Fernandez, Spain
LaLiga's star-studded golden boot race has been all about the top three of Raphinha, Yamal and Mbappe so far this season. But nestled in fourth place, with six goals from as many matches, is Espanyol striker Fernandez, whose excellence in front of goal has earned him a debut call-up to a squad that just won the World Cup. Impressive.
Nico O’Reilly, England
O’Reilly has emerged from Manchester City’s academy into England’s senior picture and is one of the more interesting names in Thomas Tuchel’s squad. Comfortable in midfield or defence, his versatility could be extremely valuable. With several established England players unavailable, O'Reilly has another opportunity to impress the Three Lions manager.
20 Alex Scott, England
Scott has already been around the England setup without establishing himself internationally, making this Nations League window particularly important. The Bournemouth midfielder combines technical ability with energy and intelligent movement. With England entering a new post-World Cup cycle, this could be his chance to become a regular.
Rio Ngumoha, England
Ngumoha is one of the most exciting teenagers in England’s squad. The Liverpool attacker has been fast-tracked into senior consideration despite his age and limited first-team experience. If Tuchel gives him meaningful minutes, he could become one of the breakout stories of the Nations League.
Johan Manzambi, Switzerland
Manzambi was one of Switzerland’s standout performers at the 2026 World Cup, producing three goals and two assists in four matches. Now at Aston Villa, the attacking midfielder has already opened his account for his new club. The Nations League offers another stage for his rapid rise.
Robbie Ure, Scotland
Ure is a fascinating Scottish selection. The striker scored 15 goals in 15 matches in Sweden before earning a move to Sevilla, and now he has his first senior Scotland call-up. With new manager Sebastien Pocognoli rebuilding the squad, Ure has arrived at exactly the right moment.
Cian Ashford, Wales
Ashford is one of Wales’s newest attacking prospects and received his first senior call-up during a major international window. The Cardiff City forward is still only 22 and now gets the chance to test himself against Portugal, Denmark and Norway. He could be one of Wales’s next-generation attacking stars.
Denniss Cirkins, Latvia
Born in Ireland, the 24 year-old Queens Park Rangers defender, born in Ireland, has earned his first Latvia call-up after obtaining citizenship and previously training with the squad. His international debut would cap a fascinating ascent into senior football.
