1. Estêvão Willian (Brazil)

The most exciting youngster on the continent right now is Estêvão Willian, who has already earned a marquee move to English side Chelsea for the 2025/26 season.

At 17 years old, he has already helped Palmeiras to the Brazilian league title and the Campeonato Paulista, even making his senior international debut in September 2024.

Although Estêvão was not selected for this year’s under-20 South American Championship (in fact, he has never represented Brazil’s under-20 side), he will surely be a name to look out for in the near future.

2. Kendry Paez (Ecuador)

Moving onto those playing at the continental competition in Venezuela is Ecuadorian midfielder Kendry Paez, another South American star joining Chelsea next season.

Already a full international having played at the 2024 Copa America, Paez has been captaining the under-20 national team aged just 17. Many see him as the future of Ecuador and the man to lead the next generation.