La Liga may be best known for its established stars, but it's often the youngsters who set the season on fire. Every year we see new names force their way into the starting eleven, see their market value explode – and make headlines with performances that make the world wide eye widen. It's not just about talent, it's about mentality, maturity and timing. And La Liga remains one of the best stages for that.
Some of the names on this list have already made their mark on the biggest stage, but as they are still teenagers or barely into their 20s, it is impossible to ignore them. Others are on the verge of their first big breakthrough. The common denominator? They have the level, and 2025/26 could be the season where it really hits the mark.
90mf has picked the most exciting players under the age of 22 in La Liga right now, based on expected playing time, role in the team, and where they fit in the club's long-term plans. These are the names you should be keeping an eye on – before everyone else does.
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona, 18 years old, wing)
It's simply impossible to make a list of young talents in La Liga without including Lamine Yamal. The 18-year-old has already established himself as Barcelona's main creative force, and last year he became the youngest player to provide double-digit assists in the league's history. He was also named La Liga Best Under-23 Player for 2024/25, recording nine goals and 13 assists - among the league's best in both categories.
With his combination of speed, precision and vision, Yamal is already a player who defines games. He plays like he's 28, with composure and determination, but constantly reminds us that he's still only 17. Barcelona are building their team around him, and everything suggests he'll dominate even more in 2025/26.
Pablo García (Real Betis, 18, wing)
Pablo is a classic Betis winger: low centre of gravity, quick in his stride and direct in his style – but what really sets him apart from the crowd is his ability to combine speed with quality in the final phase. He has a more developed final product than you normally see from 18-year-olds at this level, both in terms of finishing and assists. Pellegrini has signalled that he wants to use Pablo regularly in the A-squad next season, and with Betis in European competition, chances will naturally open up in both the Copa del Rey and league matches against weaker opposition.
An outsider to breakthrough – especially if he gains early confidence. A name to note before everyone else does.
Jon Martín (Real Sociedad, 19 years old, centre-back)
Real Sociedad continue to develop gold from behind, and Jon Martín is next in line. After having received a total of 14 first-team matches already in May–June 2025 and being a regular fixture in Spain U18/U19, he has been permanently included in the first-team squad this summer. That says a lot about how far he has already come in his development.
Martín is physically robust, quick in the back and comfortable with the ball at his feet – a typical Sociedad stopper who fits perfectly into the club's possession philosophy. With both La Liga and the Europa League on the agenda, and a coach in Francisco who is known for trusting his own products, it is expected that Jon will get more chances this season.
He's not a starter from day one, but he's already been used regularly - and with the right development, he could play his way into a permanent spot before Christmas. A real long-term investment.
Alejandro Balde (Barcelona, 21 years, left back)
A name that everyone knows, but who is still under 22 – and therefore with good reason on this list. Balde had a formidable 2023/24 year where he was seen as one of Europe's most exciting full-backs, but struggled more with form and some injury problems in 2024/25. Now he is reported back in full physical condition, and he has already shown that he fits perfectly into Hansi Flick's system.
Balde is explosive, aggressive and precise in his forward movement. He is making increasingly better defensive choices and is developing into a more complete left-back, not just an offensive threat. With his speed, ability to get around the wing and deliver crosses at high speed, he is a key part of Barcelona's width and depth.
He is not only a solid back, but potentially the best at his position in the entire league this season.
Franco Mastantuono (Real Madrid, 18 years old, winger)
Real Madrid won the race for perhaps the most sought-after teenager in South America when they paid close to €45 million to secure Mastantuono from River Plate in June 2025. The Argentine has already made his debut in the Primera División, been a key player for River, and made it into the senior national team before turning 18. He is left-footed, technically brilliant, and plays with a rare confidence and rhythm that often allows him to control the tempo of matches, despite his age.
Mastantuono is described as a hybrid between a classic number 10 and a modern inside-out runner. He has vision, a passing foot and a shot that makes him dangerous both in and around the box. Real Madrid see him as part of their long-term project – and the plan is to use him gradually in the Copa del Rey and some league matches.
He's not ready for the starting eleven yet, but few teenagers in the world have a higher ceiling. A name we'll be hearing a lot more about beyond 2025/26.
Pablo Barrios (Atlético Madrid, 20 years old, central midfielder)
One of La Liga's most solid young names, and already well established under Simeone, Barrios made 44 appearances for Atlético in the 2024/25 season, including key fixtures in La Liga, the Champions League and the Copa del Rey. He is known for combining work capacity and intensity with technical finesse and a good understanding of the game - a rare package in an Atlético midfielder.
Simeone has stated that Barrios will have an even bigger role in 2025/26, and that he sees him as part of the backbone of the next generation. Barrios is set to become one of the pillars of the team – both defensively and up front.
He is already an important player for the team, but this could be the season where he truly rises to stardom. A complete midfielder in development, and a natural leader in the making.
Arda Güler (Real Madrid, 20 years old, attacking midfield)
One of the greatest technical talents in European football, and Real Madrid know it. Güler arrived from Fenerbahçe in 2023 with massive expectations, but injuries ruined much of his debut season. Yet he still managed nine goals in under 500 minutes last season, a staggering stat that proved he doesn't need much time to make an impact.
Güler has a composure on the ball, a set-piece foot and an overview reminiscent of Ødegaard in prime form – but with a more direct goal threat. He competes with the likes of Bellingham and Brahim for minutes, but Real Madrid have been clear: they believe in him, and he will get his chances in 2025/26. With both the Copa del Rey and La Liga on the agenda, there will be plenty of opportunities to show off.
When he gets to play, he delivers. Not a permanent fixture yet, but an explosive joker who can quickly play into bigger roles throughout the season.
Gonzalo Garcia (Real Madrid, 21 years old, striker)
A classic number nine with modern skills, and a player who took a huge step forward during the Club World Cup in the summer of 2025. Gonzalo García started all five matches for Real Madrid in the tournament and delivered four goals and one assist – several of them in crucial moments. He scored against Al-Hilal, Pachuca, Salzburg and Juventus, among others, and was highlighted by both the Spanish and international press as one of the team's best players throughout the tournament.
Physically strong, good in the box and with a surprisingly accurate first touch, García is increasingly looking like a complete Real Madrid striker in the mould of Raúl or Morata, and after what he delivered in the Club World Cup it is hard to imagine him not getting significant minutes in the 2025/26 season. Xabi Alonso has shown great confidence in him throughout pre-season and seems ready to give him real chances behind Endrick and Mbappé.
One of the big breakthroughs of the summer. Whether he stays at the club or goes on loan, Gonzalo García will be a name we hear a lot about this season.
Marc Bernal (Barcelona, 18, defensive midfield)
Marc Bernal is perhaps the greatest midfielder talent in La Masía right now, and if it weren't for a serious knee injury in the fall of 2024, he could have been on his way into Barcelona's first team already. He made his La Liga debut against Valencia as a 17-year-old and delivered a rock-solid performance with over 90% pass accuracy – and that after being a regular at Barcelona Atlètic all of last season.
Bernal is a physically strong, left-footed ball-winner with composure, vision and a style of play that is reminiscent of a young Sergio Busquets. He has already signed a new long-term contract, and Barcelona set a buyout clause of €500 million – a clear signal of how highly the club values him. He is now back in full training and is expected to be part of the first-team squad during the autumn.
When he is injury-free, he is one of the most complete young sixes in Spain. A name that could quickly become established if he gets minutes in the Copa del Rey or easier league matches before the New Year.
That said, the list could go on and on. La Liga is teeming with talent, and every season there are players who come out of nowhere and take the league by storm. But right now, these are the names that stand out – either because they've already shown something big, or because everything is in place for 2025/26 to be their breakthrough season. Keep an eye on them, as several of them could be worthy of both headlines and fantasy teams before the year is out.
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This text is part of our La Liga season start series.
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