The Guardian has unveiled its Next Generation 2026 list, selecting 60 of the most talented young footballers in the world, all born in 2009. The annual feature highlights emerging prospects across the globe, from a player dubbed 'the new Toni Kroos' to Cavan Sullivan, touted as the United States' next big hope.
Global Scouting Effort
The list covers a wide range of nations and clubs, showcasing the depth of young talent available worldwide. As in previous years, the selection process involved extensive scouting and reporting to identify players who could become future stars.
Historical Context and Comparisons
The Guardian has been running the Next Generation series since 2014, with each year's class tracking the progress of players born in a specific year. The 2026 edition follows the classes of 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, and 2021, with archives dating back to 2014.
Premier League and Past Highlights
In addition to the global list, the Guardian has published a dedicated Premier League class of 2026, focusing on the top young talents within England's top flight. The feature also recalls past editions, such as the 2017 list that included Vinicius Júnior, who had already signed for Real Madrid, and a player described as 'the Romanian Donnarumma'.
