Discover the Best Youngsters in Football Set to Dominate the Global Stage

I remember watching Aidric Chan’s performance during the Asian Tour earlier this year, and thinking—this kid is different. It’s not just that he shot a 68 on Friday and followed it up with a solid 71 to join a 12-man group sitting at 139, tied with seasoned names like Delos Santos and Eric Gallardo. It’s the way he carries himself under pressure, the maturity in his shot selection, the quiet confidence that reminds me of a young Tiger Woods just starting to make waves. That’s the thing about rising talents in football—or in any sport, really. You don’t just notice them because of the stats. You notice them because they seem to belong on that stage, even before they’ve fully arrived.

Let’s talk about that number—139. In a field crowded with experienced players, finishing in that 12-man pack is no small feat, especially for a rookie. I’ve followed the Asian Tour for years, and what strikes me about Chan isn’t just his technical skill, but his consistency. Shooting 68 and then 71 back-to-back shows a level of control that many veterans spend years trying to master. And while golf isn’t football, the principle is the same: the best youngsters don’t just have one great game. They deliver, again and again, under different conditions, against different kinds of opposition. In football, we’ve seen it with players like Pedri or Jude Bellingham—young athletes who don’t just fill a slot in the lineup, but reshape it.

What’s fascinating about this new generation is how they’re redefining what it means to be “young and promising.” It used to be that prodigies were flashy but inconsistent. Now, the ones who truly stand out—whether in golf, like Chan, or in football—combine raw talent with an almost eerie composure. I’ve spoken with scouts and coaches who say the same thing: the mental game has evolved. These kids aren’t just physically gifted; they’re smarter. They read plays faster, adapt quicker, and perhaps most importantly, they don’t seem overwhelmed by the spotlight. When I look at Aidric Chan holding his own alongside Delos Santos and Gallardo—two players with far more tour experience—it tells me everything I need to know about the next wave of football stars. They aren’t waiting their turn. They’re taking it.

Of course, raw numbers only tell part of the story. Chan’s 71 in the second round, for instance, might not sound as flashy as his opening 68, but in many ways, it’s more impressive. Why? Because it came after a high-pressure performance. That’s where you separate the real deals from the one-hit wonders. In football, we see parallels all the time. A young striker might score a hat-trick one week, but it’s the following match—where the defense is tighter, the pressure is higher—that shows whether they’re built for the long haul. Players like Kylian Mbappé didn’t just burst onto the scene with one great tournament; they backed it up, season after season. Chan, at just 19, seems to be on that trajectory. And while golf and football are different beasts, the mindset is what connects them.

I’ll be honest—I have a soft spot for athletes who excel without fanfare. There’s something compelling about the quiet grinders, the ones who let their performance do the talking. Delos Santos and Eric Gallardo are established names, no doubt, but seeing a rookie like Chan share the stage with them? That’s the kind of thing that gets me excited about the future of sports. In football, we’re seeing a similar shift. The era of the solo superstar is giving way to a new model—versatile, team-oriented players who might not always grab headlines but consistently influence outcomes. Chan’s ability to stay in the mix, round after round, mirrors what we’re seeing with young midfielders in top European leagues. They might not score every game, but they control the tempo, they disrupt opponents, and they elevate everyone around them.

Now, let’s zoom out a bit. The global stage in football is more competitive than ever. With emerging talents from South America, Africa, and Europe all vying for attention, what does it take for a youngster to truly dominate? From what I’ve observed, it’s a blend of technical skill, mental resilience, and opportunity. Take Aidric Chan’s situation—he didn’t just stumble into that 12-man group at 139. He earned his place through qualifying rounds, through hours of practice, through a support system that believed in him early. In football, it’s no different. Scouts are now looking beyond the highlight reels, focusing on things like decision-making under pressure and adaptability to different leagues and styles. The youngsters who will dominate aren’t just the fastest or the strongest; they’re the ones who can think on their feet.

I’ve always believed that the most exciting part of sports is the unpredictability. Who would’ve thought, a few years ago, that a rookie like Chan would be rubbing shoulders with tour veterans? Or that a 17-year-old from Monaco would be leading a Champions League charge? That’s the beauty of it. The next global superstar might be playing in a youth league right now, unnoticed by most but already showing those subtle signs of greatness. When I see performances like Chan’s—consistent, composed, and increasingly confident—I’m reminded why I love following rising talents. They represent not just the future of their sport, but its present, reshaping our expectations with every game, every round, every shot.

So, where does that leave us? If I had to bet on the youngsters set to dominate football’s global stage, I’d look for the Aidric Chans of the world—the ones who aren’t just talented, but relentless. The ones who back up a standout performance with another solid one, who thrive in the company of giants, and who make it look easy even when it’s not. Football, like golf, is a game of moments. But it’s also a game of momentum. And right now, the momentum is with the next generation. They’re here, they’re hungry, and if Chan’s trajectory is any indication, they’re only getting started.