00:00An array of young gems traveled to Chile looking for World Cup glory.
00:04Strong performances in the U-20 World Cup could raise the stock of young players
00:08who could potentially feature as well in next summer's 2026 FIFA World Cup.
00:13Players such as Lionel Messi, Diego Mardona, Paul Pogba, Erling Haaland, and Sergio Aguero
00:18have shined in past editions of the competition
00:21before blossoming into some of the best players in the world.
00:24Here are five players that we should keep an eye on.
00:27Alvaro Montoro Club, Botafogo, Brazil
00:29At just 18 years old, Alvaro Montoro is already a key player for Brazilian club Botafogo,
00:36so important that the team almost didn't let him go play for Argentina at the U-20 World Cup.
00:41Montoro made his pro debut for Vélez Sarsfield in 2024,
00:45helped them win their first league title in over a decade,
00:49and has already played 50-plus professional matches, including in the Copa Libertadores.
00:53Unfortunately, he suffered a clavicle fracture during Argentina's 4-0 win over Nigeria,
01:00but his versatility and leadership made him one of law all the Celesties' brightest hopes.
01:05This kid is the real deal.
01:07Gilberto Mora, club.
01:08Zolo's Mexico, Mexico's wonder kid.
01:11Gilberto Mora, just 16 years old and already a champion.
01:15He's the youngest player ever to win a senior international trophy
01:18and was the youngest goal scorer in Liga MX history.
01:22A midfield maestro for Zolo's, Mora has incredible vision and composure far beyond his years.
01:28He can build play, find impossible passes, and score goals himself.
01:33No surprise that Real Madrid and other European giants are already watching him closely.
01:38Nacer Villarreal, club.
01:40Milenarios Colombia.
01:41When Colombia shocked Spain at the U-20 World Cup,
01:45Nacer Villarreal became an instant hero.
01:47The 19-year-old striker scored a hat trick to knock out one of the tournament favorites.
01:52Born in Tamaco, Villarreal's story is one of hard work in heart.
01:56He rose from humble beginnings in Zapotl to debuting for Milenarios in 2023,
02:01and his pace and deadly finishing have drawn comparisons to Luis Diaz and Falcao.
02:07His nickname, Ney, even comes from his idol, Neymar Jr.
02:10And yes, he celebrates just like him.
02:13Mateo Silvetti.
02:14Club.
02:14Inter-Miami, United States.
02:16Mateo Silvetti.
02:17The Argentine forward who went from Newell's old boys to playing alongside Lionel Messi at Inter-Miami.
02:23Silvetti signed with the MLS club through 20-29 and has already made over 30 appearances,
02:29scoring six goals and adding two assists.
02:32On the international stage, he's represented Argentina's U-20s under Javier Moscarano.
02:38And with Messi mentoring him in Miami, the sky's the limit for this Rosario-born talent.
02:42Elias Montiel.
02:44Elias Montiel is a 19-year-old midfielder already battle-tested at the top level.
02:50After facing Real Madrid twice in the Club World Cup, even Xabi Alonso praised him, saying,
02:55he's young, but he plays like a veteran.
02:57O'Neill has nearly 80 professional matches with Pachuca, scoring in the Club World Cup
03:02and helping his team win the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup.
03:06He also won the bronze ball at the 2024 FIFA Intercontinental Cup and is known for his composure,
03:11intelligence, and thunderous long-range shots.
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