Next Gen 2021: Early Success Doesn't Guarantee Longevity

Every year, AF Sport identifies 80 promising players with potential to make it in world football - 20 from the Premier League and 60 from the rest of the world. The Next Generation series then tracks these talented individuals over five years, showing that predicting their trajectories remains challenging despite early indicators. musojam.blog

As our 2021 class demonstrates, rapid ascents don't always translate to sustained careers. The article notes that while some players like Lamine Yamal show exceptional promise, others may struggle to maintain their early momentum. Yamal has already made history as the youngest Bundesliga player at 16 years and one day, followed by youngest Champions League appearance, youngest Bundesliga goal scorer, and youngest player and scorer for Germany Under-21 team before turning 17.