9 Best Young Football Talents in La Liga 2025
- Think Football Ideas
- Jan 28
- 5 min read
Updated: Feb 12
This season in La Liga has been filled with twists, surprises, and emerging stars, but the players who are truly stealing the spotlight are the young talents, making their mark on the pitch.
From breakout performances to impressive growth in the face of tough competition, these promising prospects are showcasing their skills and proving that the future of Spanish football is in good hands. Here are nine rising stars from La Liga who are set to shape the league for years to come.
Below Are The 9 Best Young Football Talents in La Liga 2025
1. Lamine Yamal
Lamine Yamal is widely regarded as the most exciting young talent in La Liga. The winger made headlines in April 2023 when he became the youngest player to debut for Barcelona in La Liga at just 15 years and 290 days.
Known for his dazzling dribbling, creative vision, and composure in front of goal, Yamal's performances have earned him comparisons to some of Barcelona's all-time greats. Already a key contributor to the first team, he continues to break records and solidify his status as one of the brightest prospects in world football.
2. Nico Williams
Nicholas Williams Arthuer has rapidly established himself as one of La Liga's brightest young talents. Since joining Athletic Bilbao’s youth academy in 2013, Williams has risen through the ranks to become a key player for the first team and a standout performer in Spain’s national squad.
Renowned for his blistering speed and exceptional dribbling ability, the winger made his senior debut for Spain in 2022 and was instrumental in their UEFA Euro 2024 triumph.
His decisive performances, including a goal and Player of the Match honours in the final, underscore his knack for thriving on the biggest stages. At the club level, Williams has been a consistent attacking force for Athletic, contributing vital goals and assists.
3. Raúl Moro
Raúl Moro Prescoli, known as Raúl Moro, is a promising Spanish winger born on December 5, 2002, in Abrera, Barcelona. He began his career at Lazio, making his Serie A debut in July 2020 against Juventus.
After brief loan spells at Ternana and Real Oviedo, Moro found more stability at Real Valladolid, initially joining on loan in July 2023.
His contributions played a crucial role in Valladolid's promotion to La Liga, leading to a permanent four-year contract in June 2024. Moro's pace and skill make him a standout talent as he continues to develop in Spain's top division.
4. Pablo Barrios
Pablo Barrios is a promising young talent who began his youth career at Real Madrid before joining Atlético Madrid in 2017. He quickly became a key player for Atleti's under-19 team, helping them reach the semi-finals of the UEFA Youth League for the first time in 2022.
Barrios made his professional debut for Atlético Madrid in October 2022 and scored his first goal for the club in December of the same year during a Copa del Rey match. By January 2023, he signed a contract extension until 2028 and was promoted to the first team.
Barrios inherited the iconic number 8 jersey after Saúl's departure and cemented his role as a starter for Diego Simeone's side in the 2024-25 season. On the international stage, Barrios has represented Spain at various youth levels, including being part of the under-23 team that won a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics.
5. Yeremy Pino
Yeremy Pino is a promising young talent who has rapidly made his mark in La Liga. After turning down an offer from FC Barcelona, he joined Villarreal CF's youth setup in 2017 and made his senior debut for the club in 2019.
His breakthrough came during the 2020-2021 season when he played a pivotal role in Villarreal’s Europa League triumph, becoming the youngest Spanish player to start a major European final.
Pino continued to impress, notably scoring four goals in a 5–1 victory against RCD Espanyol in February 2022, including a hat-trick in the first half—a first for La Liga. Internationally, Pino has represented Spain at various youth levels and made his senior debut in 2021.
6. Hugo Álvarez
Hugo Álvarez, a promising midfielder from Celta Vigo, is quickly making a name for himself in La Liga. Álvarez has been a product of Celta's youth system, joining the academy at just 8 years old after starting his career at Ourense CF. His dedication paid off when he made his professional debut for Celta in a 3–0 victory over Getafe in October 2021.
Standing at 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in), he’s a dynamic midfielder known for his dribbling, progressive carries, and successful take-ons. Although primarily used on the left of midfield, his versatility allows him to contribute effectively in various positions.
Having recently signed a new contract with Celta until 2028, Álvarez has already begun attracting attention for his potential to become a key player in Spain's future, with 2 caps for the U21 national team.
7. Unai Gómez
Unai Gómez has risen through the ranks of Athletic Bilbao's youth system. After initially joining the club in 2013, he spent some time with Danok Bat CF before returning to Lezama in 2019. He made his senior debut with the reserves in 2021, where he quickly made a mark by scoring his first goal in November 2021.
Gómez was promoted to the B team in 2022, and after impressing during the 2023 preseason, he was called up to the senior squad. His breakthrough season came in 2023 when he made his La Liga debut against Real Madrid and scored his first professional goal in a win over Real Betis.
8. Fermin López
Fermín López, a promising young talent at Barcelona, rose through the ranks after joining their youth academy in 2016. Following a successful loan at Linares Deportivo, where he scored 12 goals in 40 games, López made his first-team debut in 2023.
His standout performances, including a memorable Champions League goal, led to a contract extension with Barcelona in 2024. López also made his mark with Spain’s U-21s, featuring in their Euro 2024-winning squad and securing Olympic gold with the U-23 team. With his talent and potential, López is a player to watch in the years to come.
9. Pau Cubarsí
Pau Cubarsí is one of the brightest defensive prospects emerging from La Liga. A product of FC Barcelona's famed La Masia academy, the Girona-born defender joined the club in 2018 and has quickly risen through the ranks.
In January 2024, Cubarsí made his first-team debut in the Copa del Rey before earning his first La Liga start just days later. His standout moment came during the UEFA Champions League, where he set records as the youngest defender to start in a quarterfinal and the youngest player to debut in the knockout phase, displaying composure beyond his years.
Comments