As has become known with them, The Guardian released a list of 60 youngsters born in 2009 to look out for as future (or current) stars.
The publication managed to shed light on some of world football's most gifted talents before they become household names, and per Striver's youth-centric approach, we have distilled this 60-player list into an actionable tactical unit.
Our XI assembles a balanced 4-3-3 formation from the list of players, which includes Liverpool-bound Samuel Martinez, Cavan Sullivan, Andria Bartishvili, Eduardo Conceicao, and Mezian Mesloub, among others.
Goalkeeper- Ebenezer Harcourt (Nigeria/Sporting Lagos)
In modern football not many 15-year-olds can claim to have started playing top-flight games as goalkeepers, but Nigeria international Harcourt is an exception.
The son of a goalkeeper trainer, young Harcourt is the youngest player to ever represent the Nigeria senior team, keeping a clean sheet on his debut against Congo-Brazzaville in 2025.
The highly-rated youngster played at the U-20 FIFA World Cup last year and has continued to impress this season, playing for Sporting Lagos in the Nigerian top-flight.
Right-Back - David Boly (France/PSG)
Converted from central defence to a marauding right-back, Boly has already broken into PSG's senior squad under Luis Enrique after impressing in the UEFA Youth League.
The 17-year-old made his senior debut in a Coupe dè France game in December 2025 and made the matchday squad for multiple games in the 2025-26 season.
Centre-Back - Cassiano Kiala (Germany/Bayern Munich)
A fast, composed centre-back praised by Jonathan Tah, Kiala became Bayern's second-youngest Bundesliga debutant at age 16.
The teenager is being mentored by Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany, who was one of the finest defenders of his generation, and will benefit from playing under the Belgian.
Centre-Back - Iago Machado (Brazil/Corinthians)
Young centre-back Iago Machado has already shown enough to earn a place in Corinthians' senior squad this season, appearing twice against Flamengo and Fluminense and impressing with his composure and maturity.
He has been named in Brazil's squad for the FIFA U-17 World Cup later this year and will be closely monitored by Europe's leading sides, with Arsenal and Chelsea already credited with interest.
Left-Back - Jordi Pesquer (Spain/Barcelona)
A La Masia gem, Jordi Pesquer is the latest in a long line of Barcelona youngsters to have caught the eye straight from the academy.
The 17-year-old Spaniard is known for his intense, competitive nature, and is progressive with the ball, strong in duels, and excellent at crossing/line-breaking.
He was part of Hansi Flick's pre-season squad this summer, indicative of the fact that he could follow in the footsteps of Xavi Espart and Pau Cubarsi by entering into the first-team picture before long.
Defensive Midfield - Kennet Eichhorn (Germany/Bayer Leverkusen)
Widely described as the new Toni Kroos, Eichhorn was the subject of a transfer tug-of-war involving several leading European sides in the summer before he decided to join Bayer Leverkusen.
An elegant, calm, intelligent, efficient deep midfielder, Eichhorn holds the record for the youngest player to score in the DFB Pokal, doing so at 16 years and 128 days old in December 2025.
Central Midfield - Abdellah Ouazane (Morocco/Ajax)
Regarded as one of the most gifted youngsters out of the Ajax academy in recent years, Abdellah Ouazane has already become a first-team regular at Amsterdam.
The 17-year-old Morocco international is a press-resistant, gliding, two-footed “Rolls-Royce” midfielder who has been likened to Jude Bellingham for his ability to cycle through multiple roles on the pitch.
He came agonisingly close to joining Real Madrid a couple of years ago only for the deal to fall through, but he has been a key player for Ajax this season.
Attacking Midfield - Cavan Sullivan (USA/Philadelphia Union)
Bound for Manchester City in 2028, Cavan Sullivan already has a significantly packed CV at 17 years old.
The midfielder was 14 when he first appeared in a major North American professional league, making him the youngest to do so.
He became a regular for Philadelphia Union in the MLS this season, and has already set a record for goal contributions by a teenager in the league.
He became the youngest-ever scorer in the history of the USMNT earlier this month, and was the Player of the Month in the MLS last month.
Right Winger - Mezian Mesloub (Portugal/RC Lens)
Still only 16 years old, Mezian Mesloub has enjoyed a meteoric rise in French football with Lens, the club his father Walid played for.
His left-footed technique and style of play have drawn comparisons to Lamine Yamal, who is over two years his senior.
Mesloub is eligible to represent Portugal, Algeria, and France, and is already a Portugal U-21 international.
Left Winger - Joshua Nga Kana (Belgium/Anderlecht)
Able to play on either flank, Nga Kana has been at Anderlecht since he was seven years old, and rose to make his senior debut for the club last season.
The 17-year-old winger has impressed with his dribbling and speed, showing enough to prompt the Belgian outfit to hand him a contract until 2029.
He has scored once in nine outings this season for his club, and has played for Belgium up to U-19 level.
Striker - Christ Batola (France/Troyes)
A battering ram of a striker, 17-year-old French centre-forward Christ Batola is a quick player who has shown off an impressive ability to score goals throughout youth football.
He is part of the City Football Group network and has trained with Manchester City’s youth sides, pointing to the possibility of joining the Cityzens in the near future.
He has appeared once in Ligue 1 this season, as he works his way up the ranks in his native France.
