Five years ago, The Guardian's prestigious 'Next Generation' list spotlighted football's most promising teenagers. Today, the diverging paths of two selected talents reveal the unpredictable nature of football development.
The German Prodigy: Florian Wirtz
When Florian Wirtz was named among the class of 2020, he was already turning heads at Bayer Leverkusen. Few could have predicted just how spectacularly the attacking midfielder would fulfil his potential.
Wirtz has transformed from promising teenager to genuine world-class talent, becoming the creative heartbeat for both his club and the German national team. His technical brilliance, vision, and maturity beyond his years have made him one of European football's most coveted assets.
Career Highlights:
- Became Bayer Leverkusen's youngest-ever Bundesliga goalscorer at 17
- Instrumental in Germany's recent international campaigns
- Developed into a complete attacking midfielder under Xabi Alonso's guidance
- Regularly linked with nine-figure moves to Europe's elite clubs
The Colombian Enigma: Jhon Durán
Meanwhile, Jhon Durán's journey has followed a more complex trajectory. The powerful Colombian striker showed immense potential at Chicago Fire before his high-profile move to Aston Villa.
While displaying flashes of the raw talent that earned him his initial recognition, Durán has found consistent opportunities harder to come by in the competitive Premier League environment. His development serves as a reminder that the path from wonderkid to established star is rarely linear.
Current Status:
- Shows explosive potential in cameo appearances for Aston Villa
- Physical attributes and powerful shooting remain standout qualities
- Faces fierce competition for starting positions at club level
- Represents Colombia's next generation of attacking talent
Lessons from the Class of 2020
The contrasting fortunes of Wirtz and Durán highlight football's fundamental truth: early recognition guarantees nothing. While some prodigies like Wirtz accelerate rapidly toward superstardom, others navigate a more challenging route to fulfilment of their potential.
What remains clear is that talent identification is only the beginning of the story. Development pathways, coaching, mentality, and opportunity all play crucial roles in determining which wonderkids ultimately become world-beaters.
As we look back on the 2020 cohort, Wirtz stands as the undeniable success story, while Durán's narrative continues to unfold—a testament to the beautiful game's endless capacity for surprise and redemption.
