Rising Ballers

Outclassing Today’s Greats, One Era at a Time

E. Y. Nam

ALL GOOD THINGS COME TO AN END. Wow, not exactly the most uplifting way to start an article, but rest assured, you’ll feel better by the end. In fact, maybe the bliss actually lies in the ending, and it’s the understanding of short-lived joy that gives watching football any actual meaning, knowing that they’ll be gone soon.

However, with the end of an era comes an exciting phase. There has never been a more exciting time to witness up-and-coming talent progressing through the footballing ranks, as a new star seems to burst onto the scene every week. There was plenty of big spending across the globe over the summer, but only some arrivals have taken to life at their new clubs. So I’ve cooked up some of 2024’s greatest footballing prospects based on form, trophies collected and impact for club and country, with a sprinkling of some crucial stats.

Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen):
A devastating dribbler and prime passer, Florian Wirtz took German football by storm as a teenage sensation. The 20-year-old attacking midfielder currently has a 25 G+A in just 31 games, being Bayer Leverkusen’s main man in their title run.

Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid):
Flashy and daring midfielder Eduardo Camavinga is a commanding presence, with an ability to progress the ball by passing or running with it. A Champions League and La Liga winner, the 21-year-old’s knack for playing in a number of positions makes him a manager’s dream.



Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich):
Jamal Musiala was destined for the top after becoming the youngest player in Bayern Munich’s history to make his Bundesliga debut at the age of 17 years and 115 days. An attacking ace capable of playing as a No.10 or on the wing, the German’s extensive dribbling abilities allow him to drift between the lines to create and score goals. Musiala, 20, already has four Bundesliga titles on his resume.



Jeremy Doku (Manchester City):
Doku has been recognised as generational talent for some time, but even still, his summer move to Manchester City was slightly unexpected, considering he’d long been linked with West Ham and had an average season with Rennes FC.

But Pep Guardiola’s tutelage seems to have unlocked something special in the winger this season. Doku’s fearless directness has added a new element to City’s attack. He displayed phenomenal talent against Bournemouth, when he provided a staggering four assists as well as scoring the opener.

Dominik Szobozlai (Liverpool):
Following the departures of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho, Liverpool desperately needed marquee midfield signing Szoboszlai to hit the ground running at Anfield. The Hungarian has risen to the challenge admirably, playing every second of his new side’s first 10 Premier League games and earning plenty of plaudits for his all-action performances. Some onlookers even likened him to Reds legend Steven Gerrard. He’s looking like an extremely shrewd signing.

Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid):
This simply couldn’t be a rising ballers list without mentioning Jude, could it? England’s golden boy has enjoyed a dream start to life at Real Madrid, with a G+A of 28 in 29 games this season, and is likely to lift silverware with the Spanish club very soon.

While the 20-year-old is being played further forward by Carlo Ancelotti because of his attacking smarts, the fact that he boasts strong tackling skills, positional awareness and excellent fitness means he’s the complete package.