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Real Madrid, FC Barcelona and Atlético de Madrid are investing in emerging stars to lead their sporting projects in LaLiga. Pedri was the last Golden Boy and the favourites to win the next are Camavinga and Gavi. But there’s still much to come…
Many of LaLiga’s most established stars are talents of today and tomorrow. Players who are destined to be key individuals for more than a decade to come, and who hope to make history at their respective clubs. Some have already achieved this, such as Vini Jr., who scored the only goal in the last Champions League final and played a key role in winning the league title; or Joao Félix, who led Atlético de Madrid to their 11th LaLiga Santander title.
Many young international talents are playing in LaLiga. Camavinga (19), Koundé (23) and Tchouaméni (22) are three of France’s great hopes, while Vinicius Jr. (22), Rodrygo (21) and Cunha (23) are some of Brazil’s emerging talents. In addition, other players such as Uruguay’s Araujo and Portugal’s Joao Felix, both 23, are considered two of the best players in the world in their position.
But the competition doesn’t only draw on foreign talent. Spain’s promising young players also have a place in LaLiga where big names such as Pedri (19), Gavi (18), Ferran Torres (22) and Eric García (21), who, despite their youth, have already played an important role with the Spanish national team. Furthermore, striker Ansu Fati (19) is destined to be Spain’s attacking focal point, something he has not yet been able to prove due to injuries.
There are also players with enormous untapped potential. Valencia CF are confident in the development of Yunus Musah (19) and Hugo Guillamón (22), along with new additions Nico González (20) and Justin Kluivert (23), while Yeremi Pino (19) and Chukwueze (23) continue to develop as players at Villarreal CF.
Basque teams, known for the good work they do with their youth teams, also have several exciting football prospects: For Real Sociedad, Martín Zubimendi (23), Take Kubo (21) and Mohamed Ali-Cho (18) have an important role to play for Imanol; meanwhile,, at Athletic Club, Nico Williams (20), Unai Vencedor (21) and Oihan Sancet (22) are also well established in the first team dynamic.
So far this season, the revelation of the campaign 2022/23 already has a name and a surname: Aimar Oroz (20) of CA Osasuna. His appearance in the starting XI has become a regular occurrence due to his great performances, having scored two goals in the first four games. Other names that have stood out in the early stages of the season include Alejandro Balde (18), who has sparked debate about the starting left-back position at FC Barcelona; Álex Baena (21), who opened the season with a spectacular goal for Villarreal CF; and Gabri Veiga (20), who is taking on an important role at RC Celta.
This commitment to young talent is reflected in individual awards. In 2021, Pedri received the Golden Boy Award, presented by the Italian newspaper Tuttosport to the best European footballer under the age of 21. In 2022, the main favourites to win the award are Gavi, thanks to his emergence with FC Barcelona and the Spanish national team; and Camavinga, for his contribution to Real Madrid’s double-winning season.