A number of young players have made a name for themselves in Europe's premier club competition, and the latest batch could be the best yet
The Champions League is back, and with a brand new look. But whether you are in favour of, against or merely struggling to understand the 'Swiss Model', rest assured that plenty will stay the same about Europe's biggest and best club competition; Real Madrid will keep winning from impossible positions, Paris Saint-Germain will embarrass themselves in the knockout rounds, and those nights at Anfield will continue to be spine-tingling.
One other thing the new league format will not take away is the potential for young players to prove themselves on the biggest stage. A number of teenage talents have gone from relative unknowns to household names in the blink of an eye thanks to their Champions League performances in recent years, and the 2024-25 edition should be no different.
So who are the players to look out for over the next nine months? GOAL runs through the NXGN-eligible teenagers (born 2005 or later) who are set to light up the Champions League this time around…
Follow GOAL's official WhatsApp channel!Join nowGetty Images SportAdam Aznou (Bayern Munich)
Though Aznou is yet to make his first-team debut for Bayern, he is regarded as one of the top talents within the Allianz Arena, and is expected to be part of Vincent Kompany's plans as the campaign wears on.
Having joined from Barcelona in 2022, the 18-year-old left-back is being tipped to step into Alphonso Davies boots if the Real Madrid target leaves at the end of his contract next summer. In the meantime, he has already become a senior international after making his Morocco debut in the September international break.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesIsaac Babadi (PSV)
Capable of playing both in central midfield and on the left-hand side of the attack, Babadi made 22 appearances in all competitions for PSV last term, and continues to impress when given the opportunity by Peter Bosz.
Previously linked with Premier League clubs, the 19-year-old signed a new four-year deal towards the end of last season, and some strong showings in the Champions League could spark further interest in his services.
AFPEliesse Ben Seghir (Monaco)
Ben Seghir broke onto the scene in December 2022 when he stepped off the bench to make his Monaco debut against Auxerre and turned the game on its head, scoring twice to secure a 3-2 win. Though injuries have impacted his development since, the attacking midfielder is now established as a starter at Stade Louis II.
A four-time Morocco international, the 19-year-old is light on his feet and a bag of tricks with an eye for the spectacular, and if he can stay fit, this should be Ben Seghir's true breakout campaign.
Getty ImagesAyyoub Bouaddi (Lille)
Though he will not turn 17 until October, Bouaddi already has 20 first-team appearances to his name at Lille, where he was described as the best academy product since Eden Hazard even before he became the club's youngest-ever player just under a year ago.
A holding midfielder who has also spent time filling in at centre-back, the France youth international figures to be one of the youngest players in this season's Champions League, but also one of the most promising.