With the 2034 FIFA World Cup approaching, Saudi Arabia will host the prestigious event in the Middle East. The country is preparing for one of the most innovative World Cup editions ever, with futuristic stadiums generating excitement. While the architecture will be new, the faces on the pitch will represent the next generation of football greats.
By then, the legends who have defined modern football—Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Harry Kane, and Robert Lewandowski—will have either retired or be in the twilight of their careers. Even the current stars like Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland may be winding down their careers. This provides an opportunity for new prodigies to emerge, and we present five teenage players who are already making waves and are poised to shine by 2034. 
1. Geovany Quenda (Portugal) – 17
Quenda, already making his mark at Sporting CP, is one of the most exciting young players in Europe. Born in Guinea-Bissau, he joined Sporting after stints at Benfica, where his skills caught the attention of scouts. With a blend of creative flair, explosive pace, and tactical intelligence, Quenda’s performances have been impressive for both club and country. His remarkable debut in the Portuguese Super Cup made him Sporting’s youngest-ever goal scorer, earning him a call-up to the Portuguese national team. Chelsea has already secured his signature in a €52 million deal, signaling that Quenda is poised for greatness. By 2034, he will have gained nearly a decade of experience at the highest level.
2. Talal Haji (Saudi Arabia) – 17
Saudi Arabia’s own Talal Haji is a symbol of the rising football power within the kingdom. Haji became the youngest player in Saudi Pro League history when he debuted for Al Ittihad at just 16. His blend of physical strength, skill, and football IQ made him a natural fit for the national team, where he became the youngest player ever to feature in the AFC Asian Cup. In his first season with Al Ittihad, he scored two goals and provided three assists in just nine appearances. With Saudi Arabia hosting the 2034 World Cup, Haji is likely to play a pivotal role in the national team’s campaign.
3. Chido Obi-Martin (Denmark) – 17
Chido Obi-Martin, who joined Manchester United from Arsenal in 2024, is already attracting attention. A 6’2” forward, Obi-Martin has shown incredible promise, making his debut with the senior team at just 17. Born in Copenhagen to Nigerian parents, Obi-Martin’s journey has been full of high-scoring performances across various youth leagues. His physicality and clinical finishing make him a potential star, drawing comparisons to other elite strikers. With the support of Manchester United, Obi-Martin appears poised to take the lead for both his club and Denmark as he develops into a formidable player.
4. Estêvão Willian (Brazil) – 17
Estêvão Willian is quickly becoming Brazil’s next big football star. With his dazzling dribbling skills and playmaking ability, he has earned the nickname “Messinho” in his early days at Cruzeiro. Moving to Palmeiras, Estêvão helped secure multiple youth titles before making his senior debut. His first season in professional football was extraordinary, contributing to Palmeiras’ Brazilian Série A title. By 2025, Estêvão had already joined Brazil’s senior squad, making him a key player for the future. With Chelsea securing his €61.5 million transfer, he’s poised to make a massive impact in Europe.
5. Lamine Yamal (Spain) – 17
Lamine Yamal is already one of the most exciting young players in football today. Having made his senior debut for Barcelona at just 15, Yamal has become a key player for both club and country. His incredible vision, speed, and ability to score in critical moments have made him a standout performer in La Liga. In Euro 2024, Yamal’s performances helped Spain lift the trophy, and his goal against France became one of the tournament’s iconic moments. As a potential Ballon d’Or contender, Yamal is set to dominate the football world for years to come, with many expecting him to challenge Messi’s records.
The Future of Football
These five players will spearhead the next generation of football stars as the 2034 World Cup draws near. Whether it’s Quenda’s creativity, Haji’s raw talent, Obi-Martin’s physicality, Estêvo’s flair, or Yamal’s dazzling playmaking, each player contributes something unique to the team. These teenage prodigies are set to dominate the world stage and etch their names into football history. The 2034 World Cup will undoubtedly be their crowning moment, as they take their places among the greats of the game.
