Discover Ligue 1’s top young football talents in 2025. These rising stars are reshaping the league and attracting global attention.
Ligue 1’s Rising Stars You Need to Watch This 2025 Season
Ligue 1 has long been recognized as a premier breeding ground for emerging football talent. While global superstars like Mbappé, Neymar, and Messi once dominated the headlines in France, a new generation of young players is now stepping into the spotlight—and reshaping the identity of the league.
From technically gifted midfielders to fearless teenage defenders, the 2024/25 season has seen a surge in breakout performances from under-23 talents. These players are not just filling gaps—they’re taking control, influencing games, and attracting the attention of top clubs across Europe.
In this article, we’ll introduce you to the rising stars of Ligue 1 you need to watch right now, and why they represent the exciting future of Habanero football.
🧨 1. Warren Zaïre-Emery (PSG)
Age: 18
Position: Central Midfielder
Club: Paris Saint-Germain
Warren Zaïre-Emery is the face of PSG’s youth revolution. Already a starter under Luis Enrique, the teenager plays with the maturity of a seasoned pro—dictating tempo, breaking lines, and defending aggressively.
Why He’s Special:
- Unshakable composure under pressure
- Great passing range and work rate
- Captain of France’s U21 team
- Already being touted as a future PSG captain
In a post-Mbappé era, Zaïre-Emery may well become the next big icon of the league.
⚡ 2. Désiré Doué (Stade Rennais)
Age: 19
Position: Attacking Midfielder / Winger
Club: Rennes
Rennes continues to produce world-class talent (think Camavinga, Doku), and Désiré Doué is the latest gem. Known for his creativity and flair, he’s already drawing comparisons to Riyad Mahrez.
Key Traits:
- Excellent dribbling and vision
- Comfortable playing in multiple attacking roles
- Consistently delivers in big matches
Clubs like Bayern Munich and Arsenal have already scouted him. Doué is a star Ligue 1 is lucky to have—at least for now.
🛡️ 3. Leny Yoro (Lille)
Age: 18
Position: Centre-back
Club: Lille OSC
Leny Yoro is the defensive phenom every top club wants. With elite anticipation and physicality, he’s already commanding Lille’s backline—and doing it with class.
What Sets Him Apart:
- Calm under pressure
- Excellent passing from the back
- Reads the game beyond his years
Linked with Real Madrid and Manchester United, Yoro could be the next elite French defender in the league’s long line of greats.
🚀 4. Rayan Cherki (Lyon)
Age: 21
Position: Attacking Midfielder
Club: Olympique Lyonnais
Long considered a wonderkid, Rayan Cherki is now stepping into the limelight. He’s added consistency to his dazzling technique and is becoming the creative heartbeat of Lyon.
Strengths:
- Vision and technical excellence
- Deadly from set-pieces
- Can operate as a 10 or inverted winger
If Cherki can improve his decision-making in the final third, he’ll become one of the best playmakers in the league.
🔥 5. Eli Junior Kroupi (Lorient)
Age: 18
Position: Forward
Club: FC Lorient
Eli Kroupi Jr. might just be the biggest breakout story of the season. Despite playing for a smaller club, his goal contributions and mature movement off the ball are catching eyes all over Europe.
Why He Stands Out:
- Quick decision-making
- Intelligent positioning
- Confident finisher
His rise has given Lorient hope, and the league a new young forward to rally behind.
🧠 6. Andy Diouf (RC Lens)
Age: 21
Position: Central Midfielder
Club: RC Lens
Signed from Basel, Andy Diouf has seamlessly slotted into Lens’ midfield, helping to replace the void left by Seko Fofana.
Strengths:
- Combines physicality with finesse
- Ball-winning ability
- Always looking to drive the game forward
He’s one of the most complete midfielders in the league under 23.
🔄 7. Saël Kumbedi (Lyon)
Age: 19
Position: Right-back
Club: Lyon
A modern full-back, Kumbedi is explosive going forward but also strong defensively. In a league filled with attacking threats, his ability to lock down flanks and contribute offensively makes him one to watch.
Highlights:
- Blistering pace
- Excellent crossing
- Tactical maturity
As Lyon rebuilds, Kumbedi is a cornerstone of the future.
🧬 Why Ligue 1 Is a Rising Star Factory
Ligue 1 isn’t just a developmental league—it’s a proving ground where players shine on their own terms. Young stars get:
- Regular first-team minutes
- Exposure to high-tempo, tactical football
- Opportunity to shine in both domestic and European competitions
And with clubs now focused more on smart recruitment and academy development, this trend is only going to grow stronger.
📊 The Impact on the League
The emergence of these rising stars is more than a trend—it’s a strategic shift in the league’s ecosystem.
Benefits:
- Increased global scouting attention
- Stronger competition across clubs
- Better balance between veteran experience and youthful energy
- More engaging matches for fans and media
This youth movement is revitalizing Ligue 1, making every match unpredictable and exciting.
🎯 Future Stars Still in the Shadows
Keep an eye on:
- Adama Bojang (Reims) – Physical striker with raw potential
- Noah Lemina (PSG) – Technically sound midfield gem
- Lucas Lavallée (PSG) – One of France’s top young goalkeepers
These players may not yet be household names, but Ligue 1 is the perfect platform for their explosion.
🙌 Support the League That Builds Football’s Future
As the world obsesses over transfer fees and brand names, Ligue 1 stays true to football’s roots—developing talent, nurturing potential, and letting the game shine.
The next Messi, Zidane, or Mbappé could be playing in France right now.
Support the league that shapes the stars of tomorrow.
Support smart football.
Support the future.
Support the league.
