Aksel Kryhlmand
With talent like this on display, the 2025 UEFA European Under-21 Championship promises not only drama and glory, but a glimpse into football’s future
The UEFA European Under-21 Championship kicks off this Wednesday 11th of June in Slovakia, with 16 teams vying for continental glory. Scouts, fans, and clubs alike are on the watch for the emergence of the next footballing icons.
In recent editions, the tournament has helped launch the careers of stars like Fabián Ruiz, Vitinha, Diogo Costa, Dani Olmo, and Jonathan Tah. This year, all eyes are on a new generation.
Here are six rising stars tipped to make a big impact in Slovakia.
🇪🇸 Javi Guerra (Spain)
The 21-year-old Valencia midfielder has already established himself as a key figure in La Liga, racking up 36 appearances over two seasons.
Guerra combines technical skill with tireless work rate and a keen eye for goal, making him central to Spain’s push for a record-extending sixth U21 title.
If Spain are to reclaim the trophy, for the first time since 2019, expect Guerra to be pulling the strings in midfield.
🇮🇹 Luca Koleosho (Italy)
Fresh from winning the U19 EURO in 2023, Koleosho brings flair, explosiveness, and winning pedigree to the Azzurrini.
The Burnley winger enjoyed a breakthrough season as the club returned to the Premier League and has impressed with his fearless dribbling and lightning pace.
At just 19, Koleosho has already set his sights on back-to-back international titles. “It’s an honour to wear this shirt,” he said.
🇵🇹 Geovany Quenda (Portugal)
Touted as one of Portugal’s most exciting attacking prospects, Quenda turned heads after a standout debut season at Sporting CP.
Having made a splash at U17 level, the 18-year-old continued his ascent with 54 appearances, helping Sporting clinch both the league title and Portuguese Cup.
A versatile winger with an eye for goal, Quenda is expected to be a gamechanger for Portugal.
🇫🇷 Kiliann Sildillia (France)
A dependable and dynamic full-back, Sildillia enters the tournament off the back of a solid season in the Bundesliga with Freiburg, where he scored his first two league goals.
The 23-year-old played a pivotal role in France’s qualifying campaign and was also part of the team that claimed silver at the 2024 Olympics.
🇺🇦 Vladyslav Vanat (Ukraine)
Ukraine’s go-to striker, Vanat has topped the domestic scoring charts for two seasons in a row.
After netting 17 goals and leading Dynamo Kyiv to a long-awaited league title, the 22-year-old arrives in Slovakia with confidence.
Having already featured and scored at UEFA EURO 2024, Vanat is expected to be a major threat and a potential tournament top scorer.
🇩🇪 Nick Woltemade (Germany)
At nearly two meters tall, Woltemade is a classic target man, but one with surprising agility and finesse.
The 23-year-old striker was instrumental in Stuttgart’s German Cup victory, contributing 20 goal involvements in 33 games.
After making his senior debut for Germany earlier this month in the UEFA Nations League semifinals, Woltemade now returns to captain the U21s in what could be a career-defining summer.
A Tournament of Stars in the Making
With talent like this on display, the 2025 UEFA European Under-21 Championship promises not only drama and glory, but a glimpse into football’s future.
Whether it’s Guerra’s control, Koleosho’s electricity, or Woltemade’s power, one thing is certain, the next generation has arrived and are here to stay