Barcelona’s rising talents Lamine Yamal and Sydney Schertenleib have topped Goal’s NXGN 2026 rankings, spotlighting the best footballers born in 2007 or later.
Yamal claimed the NXGN award for the third consecutive year, becoming the only player in the list’s history to win multiple times. At just 18, he is already regarded as one of the best players globally, finishing second in the 2025 Ballon d’Or voting and playing a pivotal role for Barcelona in their pursuit of La Liga and Champions League glory.
On the women’s side, Switzerland’s Schertenleib advanced from third place last year to claim the top spot after a breakthrough Euro 2025 tournament on home soil and strong performances for Barcelona. She edged out top talents from the US and Europe, demonstrating the strength of Barcelona’s youth development on the women’s side as well.
Their achievements underscore Barcelona’s continued excellence in nurturing teenage talents, as the club again provides the world’s best young players across both men’s and women’s football. This success sets a strong platform for the club’s future and for shaping the next generation of global football stars.
