A new wave of rising stars from Asia is preparing to capture the world’s attention. The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025™, to be held from 3 to 27 November, will not only serve as a proving ground for the next generation of global footballers, but also as a stage for Asia’s young stars to showcase their immense potential and exceptional quality.
Across the continent, a number of promising names have already displayed technical ability, vision and competitive character from a very young age. Now, they are ready to test themselves at the highest level of world youth football. Some have even experienced the atmosphere of professional competition with major clubs in their home countries, which is a sign of maturity that goes well beyond their age.
FIFA highlights the names who could become Asia’s next big stories, continuing the legacy of golden generations who once inspired the footballing world.
As a centre-forward with exceptional tactical intelligence and above-average technical ability, Faisal serves as the focal point of his team’s every attacking move. His fluid movement and sharp spatial awareness often draw opposing defenders out of position, which creates openings for team-mates to penetrate dangerous areas. Inside the area, he stands out as a clinical finisher who remains composed under pressure and combines a natural goalscoring instinct with near-perfect timing. His leadership on the pitch is equally evident – not only through the captain’s armband he wears, but also through his composure, communication and ability to lift his team’s spirit in crucial moments.
This talented young forward caught the eye at the AFC U-17 Asian Cup, where he led Japan’s attack with three goals in four matches. Two of those came at crucial moments against the United Arab Emirates, which secured the young Samurai Blue’s qualification for the World Cup. Known for his sharp goalscoring instinct and composure in front of goal, Yoshida displays a maturity well beyond his years. His standout moment came in April 2025, when he made history with Kashima Antlers, by making his professional debut at just 16 years and nine months old – becoming the youngest player ever to wear the shirt of the legendary club.
This strong and determined young striker has become a symbol of power and persistence at the heart of the UAE’s attack. With his stamina and physical strength that unsettle defenders, Adel shone at the U-17 Asian Cup, by opening the scoring in a crucial match against Australia – a goal that proved decisive in his team’s journey to Qatar 2025. Wearing the Al Nasr shirt, he continued to impress at the 2024 Gulf Youth Games, where he finished as the tournament’s top scorer thanks to a blend of strength, positioning and predatory instincts inside the box. Inspired by Ivorian legend Didier Drogba, Adel seeks to emulate his idol’s style of play – not only as a goalscorer, but also as a focal point and leader in attack.
A product of Daedong Taxation High School, Kim Eunseong stands out as a unique figure in Korea Republic’s U-17 squad, as the only player not developed within a K League club academy, yet one who still managed to shine on the continental stage. Armed with steely determination and a sharp attacking instinct, Kim made his mark at the U-17 Asian Cup by scoring twice against Afghanistan before netting the decisive goal in a 1-0 win over Yemen – the strike that sent the young Taeguk Warriors into the knockout stage. His composed and efficient performances have made Kim a symbol of relentless spirit and prove that true talent can flourish even outside the professional academy system.
As captain and spearhead of the Korea DPR U-17 team, Kim Yu-jin embodies his nation’s footballing philosophy – disciplined, intense and full of energy. Playing as part of a two-striker system in a 4-4-2 formation, he contributes not only in attack but also as a key figure in a relentless high-pressing setup that demands tireless work from the front line. Renowned for his outstanding mobility, Kim constantly moves to create space, press opponents and carve out chances from seemingly closed situations. The 17-year-old April 25 SC forward combines rare physical strength with sharp intelligence and is capable of breaking through defences with explosive runs and unleashing fierce shots that often make the difference in crucial matches.
Fadly Alberto’s impressive performances for Indonesia U-17 at the U-17 Asian Cup captured the attention of the national football scene. The Bhayangkara Presisi FC youngster emerged as a pivotal figure in Garuda Muda’s memorable victories over Korea Republic and Yemen – two monumental wins that secured their path to the World Cup. Under the tactical guidance of Nova Arianto, Fadly displayed maturity beyond his years – by combining sharp vision, composure in dangerous areas and uncompromising determination in every duel. He is not merely a young player with great potential, but also a symbol of a new Indonesian generation – one that dares to dream and is ready to write a new chapter in the nation’s football history on the world stage.
As the driving force in midfield, Mehrubon Odilzoda played a pivotal role in Tajikistan journey to Qatar. This creative midfielder possesses exceptional ability to dictate tempo and control the intensity of play, which makes him the fulcrum of the team’s transition between defence and attack. With sharp vision and a delicate first touch, Odilzoda can alter the flow of a match with a single intelligent pass or a perfectly timed change of rhythm. His dominant performances earned wider recognition when he was named Player of the Tournament at the CAFA U-17 Championship 2025, after leading Tajikistan to victory in May – a triumph that confirmed his status as one of Central Asia’s most promising young talents.
As a flamboyant winger, Sadriddin Khasanov stands as the embodiment of Uzbekistan’s attacking spirit. Primarily operating down the left flank yet just as dangerous when switching to the right, the young Bunyodkor talent is a constant menace with his pace, agility and superb ball control. His explosive playing style often unsettles opposition defences. His dribbling ability can open up space and create chances from even the toughest situations. Khasanov is not only a fearsome dribbler but also a lethal finisher – which was proven when he concluded the U-17 Asian Cup as the tournament’s second-highest scorer and Player of the Tournament, and led Uzbekistan to a dominant title win.
As captain of Saudi Arabia, Abdulaziz Al Fawaz embodies true leadership at the heart of the team. With his physical strength, strong discipline and tireless work ethic, he serves as both the stabilising anchor and the driving force in midfield. His role goes beyond maintaining team balance; he dictates the tempo and manages transitions with composure and refined tactical intelligence. His leadership was instrumental in guiding Saudi Arabia to the World Cup, which marked the peak of the young captain’s remarkable journey. At club level, the Al Fateh midfielder has also shown significant progress, by making his professional debut in the Saudi Pro League against Al Hazem last September – a major milestone that highlights his potential as one of Saudi Arabia’s midfielders of the future.
