Tor-Kristian Karlsen May 6, 2026, 04:03 AM ET

For eighth straight years (read 2019 , 2020 , 2021 , 2022 , 2023 , 2024 , 2025 , 2026 here), our resident scout Tor-Kristian Karlsen has ranked the hottest young prospects in world football.

Chosen from an initial long list of 100 players, the final list started at 30 in 2019 and went up to 36 the next year (when we only ranked the top 10), and has been at 39 with a full rank since 2022, with those remaining best satisfying the main criteria: appearances at the highest level, consistent performance over a sustained period and the potential to develop into a top-level footballer.

Some stars, like Erling Haaland , Jamal Musiala , Jude Bellingham and Lamine Yamal have continued to shine. But, with the benefit of hindsight, does he regret any choices?…