Get ready to meet the up-and-coming U-18 South American Wonderkids of 2025! From Brazilian wonderkids emerging in the 2008-generation to Argentinian wonderkids that might be the next Franco Mastantuono, we have hand-picked a great selection of football talents from across South America that could be potential FM26 wonderkids!
South American football has always been a hotbed of talent, and in 2025, a new generation of wonderkids is ready to take the world by storm. From dazzling dribblers to future superstars, these young players are catching the eyes of top clubs across the globe.
Today we’ll explore the most promising U-18 South American wonderkids to watch in 2025, highlighting their incredible skills, potential, and the clubs that might be lucky enough to sign them.
Each of these South American wonderkids has all the potential to follow in the footsteps of Vinicius Junior, Claudio Echeverri and Estevão to become the next big thing in Football Manager as we have a new generation of Argentinian, Colombian and Brazilian wonderkids plying their way through the ranks to become those hot prospects we all love to sign on Football Manager.
Whether you’re a Football Manager fan looking for the next wonderkids to sign for Football Manager 26, or just looking for the next big thing, this list is your ultimate guide to South America’s rising stars!
In this article
Brazil’s Next Big Thing – The Future of Samba Football
Brazil has long been synonymous with flair, creativity, and unmatched technical ability, and the latest crop of wonderkids is no different. In 2025, Brazil continues to produce players capable of dominating the world’s biggest leagues. From agile forwards to defensive maestros, these young talents are set to carry on Brazil’s rich footballing legacy. In this chapter, we’ll highlight the Brazilian wonderkids whose skills are turning heads and whose futures look incredibly bright. With clubs in Europe and beyond eager to secure their services, these players are the next wave of Brazilian superstars.
Gabriel Carvalho / 17 / Internacional (Al-Qadsiah August 2025)
Labelled as the most promising talent at Internacional since Alexandre Pato, Gabriel Carvalho came into the spotlight when rumoured had it that Arsenal was interested in his service. The deal was never secured for the attacking midfielder but on the January 2nd, Saudi Pro-League’s Al-Quadsiah signed the player on a four-year deal. He will join them in August 2025.
Born in 2007, Gabriel Carvalho made his debut for Sport Club Internacional in the Brasileiro Serie A 2024 on 16 June 2024 against EC Vitória. Throughout last season he received 1301 minutes over 24 appearances – making 3 assists and scoring 1 goal.
In the 2024 Serie A season, he was used either on the right flank or as an attacking midfielder in Internacional’s 4-2-3-1 system.
After striking a deal with Al-Qadsiah he has suffered from a metatarsal fracture that has kept him out of play for a longer time. This season, he has only received 72 minutes.
The versatile midfielder is a technical gifted player who thrives between the lines. His great first touch enables him to receive the ball under pressure and the team often looks to him when desiring to reach the final third.
With the ball at his feet, he thrives when being able to carry the ball into the final third. His 3.36 progressive carries (according to FBRef), successful take-ons (2.28) and touches in the attacking penalty box paints a picture of a creative player who excels in 1on1 duels and can easily beat his marker with flair and close control.
As play progress towards the penalty area, the Brazilian wonderkid can use his quickness off the mark, finishing technique and off the ball movement to either offer an outlet to come to goalscoring opportunities or to move the opposition and thereby create space with quick passing combinations.
His quick feints and dribbling skills enable him to escape pressure and then look for that through ball that opens the entire defensive block.
Along with good balance, coordination and vision, he is a very unpredictable player. Capable of going inside our outside depending on what the situation requires, his ball control makes everything he does, look easy.
Apart from his attacking flair and creativity to create chances from the right half space, he’s a type of player who is not afraid to put in tackles or engage his opponents with the ball. Putting in 2.16 tackles per game and recording 2.41 blocks per game, Gabriel Carvalho could easily operate as a wide midfielder in a basic 4-4-2 formation or 3-4-3 system.
His skills and playing style are more like Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli, who has a high shot-creation action and great number of shots on target per game. His non-penalty expected goals and expected assists (0.47) is quite good considering his young age. Currently Gabriel Carvalho’s shot creating actions stands at a remarkable 4.19 which is just over the 70 percentiles for players in his position. Get complete overview of Gabriel Carvalho’s stats by visiting FBRef.com.
Anyway, Gabriel Carvalho is a highly interesting playmaker and creative wonderkid that Europe is unfortunate to not experience anytime soon.
Passion4FM’s Potential Rating:
Nadson Juan / 16 / Santos
With the dream of following in the footsteps of Pele, Neymar and Rodrygo Goes to one day step onto Vila Belmiro as the next first-team debutant for Santos, Nadson Juan Maia da Silva de Souza, known simply as Nadson to his teammates, is the next young talent making waves in Brazilian football.
Born on January 24 2009, Nadson Juan has grown up in a world where football isn’t just a game, it is a way of life. Joining Santos at the age of 11, this new Brazilian wonderkid has taken his street football skills onto the grass – dazzling his opponents with remarkable flair, sublime technical abilities and a ball control only 5-a-side players get from enjoying playing football in an alley.
Often bring compared or labelled as the next Neymar, Nadson Juan has making headlines for several months for his magical dribbles and versatility – something that has alerted the attention of European scouts.
Capable of being used on either flank or as an attacking midfielder, Nadson started out with the U17 team of Santos for 2025 season before being called-up to represent Santos U20 in the Copinha 2025 where he ended up making 4 appearances.
Still only 16 years old and years to progress, Nadson Juan is a special talent with huge potential. His incredible ball control, agility, dribbling and vision makes him into a creative force. Often thriving in tight spaces with magical feints, he is capable of getting out of immense pressure before delivering a wonderful through ball that brings his team into a goalscoring opportunity in an instant.
His confidence in 1vs1 situations, footwork and incredible skills to get past his marker is as jaw-dropping as his long shots and finishing technique. Standing out for his progressive carries, key passes and sprints, he is the archetype of the new breed of Brazilian wonderkids.
Emerging as Brazil’s Lamine Yamal, Nadson Juan is the next world class potential star arising through Brazilian football. Still waiting on his first team debut, expectations are high to become Santos’ saviour who are back in Brasileiro Serie A after a short stint in Serie B for 2024 season.
Passion4FM’s Potential Rating:
Zé Lucas / 17 / Sport Recife
José Lucas Gomes da Silva, better known as Zé Lucas has been a revelation in the Brasileiro Serie A for 2025 season. Born on March 23 2008, the defensive midfielder has managed to make 15 appearances so far in 2025 for Sport Recife.
After making his debut on January 11 2025, Zé Lucas has combined precision in tackles and interception with passing and vision to provide the defensive stability required behind the success of Jogo Bonito. Deemed to become a future Brazilian international who follows in the footsteps of Dunga, Zé Lucas’ determination and ball winning abilities is what separates his abilities to the any other Brazilian wonderkids.
However, the 17-year-old midfielder brings great technique, vision and tactical intelligence to the game something that makes him able to play both as a #6, #8 or even on the flank.
His abilities to make through balls or use his technique to try to get past the pressure with a feint brings another layer to his game. Everything he does looks so easy for this special deep-lying playmaker. His awareness and composure both in or out of possession draws similarities in his playing style to Sergio Busquets.
Doing the simple thing both when trying to recover the ball or in his passing game in build up situations enables the team to seemingly dominate in possession.
Zé Lucas was one of the significant players in the Brazil U17 squad at the 2025 U17 CONMEBOL Championship and became the player of the match in the final according to SofaScore. In that match he stood out for his 14 out of 19 ground duels won, 3 out of 4 successful dribbles attempted, tackles and interceptions.
Averaging around 80% passes completed per game, the young defensive midfielder stands out for his ball recoveries and determination to regain possession.
After representing Brazil U17 in the 2025 U17 South American Championship, he helped his side to win the entire tournament and use his defensive capabilities to free up the duties for Dell and Ruan Pablo – being the team’s captain.
Often used in a double pivot where you got a more forward-thinking playmaker besides him, Zé Lucas work rate, aggression and mentality to do the dirty work is admirable.
Passion4FM’s Potential Rating:
Ryan Roberto / 17 / Flamengo
Flamengo’s flamboyant winger Ryan Roberto is one of the Brazilian talents that has caught my attention this year. Capable of playing on either wing, he has 8 goals in 19 appearances so far this season. Despite featuring mostly for Flamengo U17 with 15 appearances and 7 goals on his records, the forward is one to watch for the future despite fierce competition from Ruan Pablo, Wesley Natã and Dell for a place in the Brazilian national team he could develop into a great player.
Ryan Roberto is one of the current standouts at Flamengo’s renowned youth academy. The winger operates mostly on the left wing where he can cut inside onto his strongest foot and stands out for his quickness, agility and 1vs1 capabilities.
With excellent close control, flair and decent finishing, the inverted winger has everything possession hungry team’s desire.
Ryan Roberto likes to stretch the width and receive the ball in wide positions and thereby beat the opposing marker through wonderful dribbling technique, quickness and unpredictability.
A significant threat when he can roam around the pitch looking for space to receive, the Brazilian inverted winger thrives when he can drift inside and run with the ball to draw opponents onto him as he makes progressive carries either on the inside or outside of his opponents by moving the ball at a high speed.
Ryan Roberto’s wide range of feints, artistic footwork when making dribbles and capabilities in tight spaces draw similarities to Kylian Mbappe, although his potential might not be comparable.
Possessing speed dribbling skills and goal-scoring ability he can be an attack on his own.
Whether it being movements off the shoulder of the fullback where he can receive the ball inside the penalty box and then place the ball comfortably at the back of the net, combine with his teammates with a quick one two or sprint with the ball at full speed before making a through ball to one of his teammates, Ryan Roberto offers something unique to the attacking line.
In front of the goal, his finishing technique and composure enables him to score goals both from long range and first time shots. His unpredictability, vision and artistry are definitely the future of Samba football!
Remember the name!
Passion4FM’s Potential Rating:
Denner Evangelista / 17 / Corinthians (Chelsea 2026)
Chelsea has made it into their quest to swoop up any South American wonderkids that has potential. Their latest Brazilian signing is Denner Evangelista – a 17-year-old wingback who enters Stamford Bridge in July 2026. With Estêvão Willian entering in July 2025, will the signing of Corinthians’ latest emerging talent become the fourth Brazilian Under-20 player in their ranks, after the sale of Angelo.
Denner Evangelista is an attacking wingback who’s playing style compares to Marc Cucurella.
Born in São Paulo and cousin to Gabriel Magalhães, the left back is currently part of Corinthians U20 after being promoted to the side in 2024. Having represented Brazil U15 and then being called-up for Brazil U17 for the 2025 U17 South American championship, which Brazil eventually won after beating Colombia on penalties, Denner quickly attracted Chelsea’s interest for his style of play and impressive performances on the international scene.
Although only making two appearances in the 2025 Under-17 CONMEBOL Championship, competing against Rafael Gonzaga for the left back position, Denner has made a huge impact in the Copinha 2025 and in the U20 Campeonato Brasileiro with an average rating of above 7.2 rating according to SofaScore.
So far this season, he has recorded 2 assists and 4 goals over 1596 minutes after making 13 shots, 19 key passes and 26 successful dribbles.
Denner is a left-footed fullback who excels in attacking situations rather than being known for his defensive solidity. Fitting the player role description as a Complete Wingback in Football Manager, his incredible ball control, dribbles and feints, agility and quickness could easily be something we desire in a winger.
Capable of getting forward as soon the opportunity arises and with an attacking mentality that fits the model and legacy of Brazilian wingbacks, Denner might be the next big thing!
Like Milos Kerkez, he offers overlapping situations and can use his acceleration and pace to overload the left flank. Often joining the attack as the fifth player, he offers both overlapping and underlapping opportunities. With the ball at his feet, he can beat his marker in 1vs1 duels and use technique and flair to get past his man.
Making runs behind the back of his marker as play advances into the final third, his off the ball movement results in goalscoring opportunities. Apart from other fullbacks, he has a very good finishing technique from long ranges and can convert chances from open play.
In possession of the ball, Denner is good at swapping between making quick one-two’s and carries to increase the tempo of the game. His forward-thinking mentality is also seen in his passing game. Often favouring to look for long-ball opportunities that skips the entire build-up he brings unpredictability to the game.
Comfortable with the ball at his feet, Denner could easily be converted into an inverted winger. With Denner arriving in Europe once he becomes 18, the young attacking fullback might head out on loan to Strasbourg before getting his Premier League debut.
Passion4FM’s Potential Rating:
João Gabriel Veneno / 15 / Atletico Mineiro
It’s easy to be blinded by dribbling skills, feints and excellent technique but in some circumstances, there are teenagers who has that special something that makes you pay notice!
This is the case with Atletico Mineiro’s latest wonderkid; João Gabriel Veneno.
Born on 17 July 2009 in Ilhéus, Bahia, the forward has been an internet phenomenon for nearly a year after signing a record deal with Adidas – becoming one of few 15-year-olds with a commercial deal with the brand.
Currently playing for the Under-17 side of Atletico Mineiro, Gabriel Veneno is one to watch in Brazilian football.
Often operating as a right winger where he can drift inside onto his strongest left foot, the Inside Forward is naturally gifted with immense flair, low centre of gravity and outstanding technique.
Remarkable in 1vs1 situations, where he can surprise his opposing marker with eye-watering tricks, the talented youngster draws comparisons to Neymar, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo or Gabriel Mec.
João Gabriel Veneno likes to stick wide in order to isolate his marker. Then he uses his quickness and agility to bring the ball either to the byline or carry it towards the center – from where he can better finish off the attack with either a well-placed cross or long shots.
Like a magician he pulls out some amazing moves, rainbow dribbles and through balls that makes any pundits applaud. The creative winger’s potential is sky high and could easily become the next world class player from Brazil after Vinicius Jr and Estêvão.
At the tender age of 15 and a height of only 165cm, the winger has lots of physical development to do, to be ready for professional football. Anyway, he is one of the most exciting products and got the acceleration and pace to reach the highest levels. The question is whether we’ll be able to enjoy his tremendous skills at the FIFA U17 World Cup 2025 later in this year.
Passion4FM’s Potential Rating:
Dell / 17 / Bahia
Wenderson Wanderley Santos de Melo, or better known as Dell, is one of the new types of strikers making a name for themselves in Brazilian football. Compared to Norwegian Erling Haaland’s goal-scoring eye, 17-year-old striker Dell, has quickly erupted on the international scene for his performances for both Bahia and the Brazilian Under-17 squad.
So far this season, Dell has scored 11 goals in 17 appearances and made an impressive 4 goals in 6 apps in Copinha 2025. So far, he’s part of the Bahia U20 squad, in which he has recorded a tremendous 8 goals in 8 apps. In the 2025 U17 South American championship, he finished off the tournament by scoring only 1 goal as Ruan Pablo stole the show! However, that goal was crucial for Brazil to reach the final as he clinched the only goal against Chile after a lovely assist from Ruan Pablo.
Just like Haaland, Dell stands out for his wonderful finishing technique, physicality and determination. With a great body frame, strength and a lethal right foot, the striker converts chance after chance by finishing at the first opportunity. Often, without even taking the time to control the ball.
His finishing abilities and anticipation makes sure he can score goals from all ranges. Whether it being lobbing the goalkeeper from long range, place the ball via a ground shot or round the goalkeeper in 1on1 situations, he knows where the goal is.
Capable of dropping deep to hold up the ball, he’s the perfect target-man.
The power striker has a finishing technique other European strikers can only admire. Then, his strength and balance provide foundation for more creative players to thrive between the lines.
Apart from his finishing, Dell’s off the ball movement and speed enables the team to create chances from high turnovers. For a team looking to pass the ball into space and create counter-attacking opportunities, Dell’s style of play and skills is a perfect fit.
As a player already in the ranks of City Football Group, the owners of Manchester City might have the perfect replacement for Haaland already in reach.
Passion4FM’s Potential Rating:
Gabriel Mec / 17 / Gremio
Gabriel Mec is one of the sensational wonderkids in the renown 2008 generation. The attacking midfielder who can also operate on either flank, entered the headlines when Chelsea offered around €25mill last summer to secure a deal. Unfortunately for them, Gabriel Mec decided to stay put and pay tribute to the youth development project at Gremio surrounding the player.
Wanted by all the top teams throughout Europe, it’s only a question before Gabriel Mec heads overseas although not being able to sign a professional contract until turning 18-year-old.
Born in April 2008, the creative attacking midfielder who possess incredible acceleration, pace and flair follows the tradition of Brazilian wonderkids.
It might be wrong to compare all technical gifted Brazilian talents to Neymar or Ronaldinho, but Gabriel Mec is another player who excels in tight spaces and uses his dribbling skills, agility and footwork to come out advantageous in 1on1 duels.
What separates Gabriel Mec to other attacking midfielders apart from his versatility is his vision and movements. He has already been promoted to the first team of Gremio and was handed his professional debut in the Campeonato Gaúcho on January 30th, 2025.
Since then, Gabriel Mec has made one other appearance for the first team after receiving widespread applause for his performances in the Copinha 2025 where he scored 2 goals in 8 appearances.
You can read a more thorough scout report of Gabriel Mec here that delves into his strength and weaknesses as we examine his style of play.
Passion4FM’s Potential Rating:
Ruan Pablo / 16 / EC Bahia
As one of the highest valued players in the Brazilian U17 national team, Ruan Pablo Barbosa Sousa aka Ruan Pablo is one of the Brazilian wonderkids who have stood out in the last few months.
Along with Dell, EC Bahia is fortunate to have such a powerful attack where strength and quickness is combined with magnificent goal-scoring abilities. While Dell could be described as a tupical Pressing Forward or Deep-Lying Forward, Ruan Pablo can operate on either flank, or up front as an Advanced Forward. His versatility in the final third, has even seen him being used as a shadow striker in the #10 position.
However, Ruan Pablo is most often used on the left wing where he can cut inside onto his strongest foot, the right but he is comfortable using his left foot too.
In 2024 he was one of the standout players for the U15 Brazilian national team – scoring 2 goals in 4 matches. Then he was used both on the right and left wing – switching positions with Wesley Natã.
As an Inside Forward, Ruan Pablo is capable of using his excellent close control, quickness and dribbling skills to both create chances and score goals himself. He thrives when he can run at his man and make those progressive carries that enables the team to counter-attack in an instant.
His acceleration and pace with the ball at his feet, wonderful technique, agility and flair makes him a difficult player to come up against. Capable of using both feet, the defender may find it hard to predict where he will run and thereby stop him from moving the ball into the final third.
The speedy winger is very confident in one-on-one situations and thrives when giving the freedom to express himself. His ball control and ball manipulation makes him able to succeed in tight spaces and can take the defender on a spin that might make him shy away from closing him down.
Ruan Pablo enjoys sprinting with the ball down to the byline to find a teammate with a well-executed cross. His accuracy in crosses and vision in the final third has seen the player making quite a few key passes and assists. In match highlights I’ve seen, he often make cut backs towards the penalty arc rather than simply cross the ball towards the far post. This unpredictability is a trademark of his playing style.
Quite often, he seeks at setting up a teammate for a goalscoring chance rather than look for a chance to score. However, when he does shoot on target, he often relies at making powerful shots that are well placed.
Quite explosive and powerful in everything he does, Ruan Pablo’s physic and athleticism is above his age. His agility, natural fitness and quickness are all neccesary skills in the modern game – something that makes me believe he could reach the highest level of football with trust, support and more experience.
As a rather direct attacker, Ruan Pablo received his first debut for EC Bahia back in July 24th, 2024 against At. Goianense. He has since then made 7 more appearances in Serie A. His first professional goal for EC Bahia came in January 2025 against Jequié. In overall he has scored 7 goals in 29 appearances throughout his short career.
Described as the Brazilian Rafael Leão, Ruan Pablo is one of the most intriguing South American talents emerging. Don’t be suprised if Ajax or another European top club suddenly agrees to sign Ruan Pablo and make him into a future world-class player!
Passion4FM’s Potential Rating:
Part 2: Argentina’s Rising Stars – The Next Messi or Maradona?
Argentina has always been a breeding ground for footballing excellence, and its youth system is continuing to churn out exceptional talent. In this chapter, we dive into the Argentine wonderkids making waves in 2025. With a history of producing legends like Messi and Maradona, it’s no surprise that the next generation is drawing comparisons to these icons.
We’ll take a closer look at the emerging stars ready to make their mark on the global stage, from skillful wingers to composed playmakers, and explore how they’re destined to carry Argentina’s footballing tradition into the future.
Part 2 is Coming soon…
Part 3: Colombia’s Future Stars – A New Era of Talent from the Coffee Region
Colombia has long been known for producing electrifying footballing talents, and the next generation is set to carry on this proud tradition. In 2025, a new group of Colombian wonderkids is emerging, showcasing the same creativity, flair, and passion that has made Colombian football globally recognized.
These young players are turning heads with their exceptional technical abilities and work rate and are poised to follow in the footsteps of past icons like Falcao, James Rodríguez, and Juan Cuadrado.
From agile forwards with incredible dribbling skills to midfield maestros with vision and beyond their years, Colombia’s footballing future looks bright. In this chapter, we’ll delve into the most promising Colombian wonderkids, analyzing their potential and the exciting journey ahead as they prepare to make their mark on both the domestic and international scenes.
Part 3 is Coming soon….
Get all the future wonderkids in Football Manager 2024
Explore the best talents of the 2008, 2009 and 2010 generation by downloading the Passion4FM FM25 NextGen Wonderkids database. Here, we give all the potential future wonderkids of Football Manager 2026 and beyond! Develop Gabriel Mec on Football Manager 2024, or hunt for the next Neymar in our extensive youth database.
PS! All screenshots of player profiles are taken from the latest edition of the FM25 NextGen Wonderkids database. Attributes may vary from save to save.
