Top five players to watch out for at FIFA U20 World Cup

These young talent will be looking to make their mark in the tournament

The FIFA U20 World Cup is set to kick off on May 20, 2023. Football fans around the world are anticipating a rise of youngsters on the big stage, these rising stars possess the perfect combination of youth and talent with sharp minds.

As the world watches, there will be a spotlight shining on five individuals who can capture the eyes of scouts, these five players are poised to leave an indelible mark on the FIFA U20 World Cup.

5. Marcos Leonardo-20

The 20-year-old hails from Brazil, a country that has produced world-class talents. Marcos Leonardo has scored eight goals for Brazil U20 national team. He plays for the Brazilian club, Santos, the former club of the legend Pele, Neymar was also introduced by Santos.

This season, the right-footed forward has played four games this season, scoring one goal and assisting one. He has a contract with Santos which keeps him in Brazil's club till 2026; however, his performances have impressed "The Chosen One" Mourinho, who is keen in signing him for AS Roma.

4. Quinn Sullivan-19

Sullivan is an American football player who plays as an attacking midfielder for Major League Soccer club Philadelphia Union. He has represented the United States U20 team in thirteen occasions, he has scored 10 goals and assisted five in those appearances. He scored a hat trick as a substitute against the River Plate's reserve team.

Regarded as one of the top young talents in Major League Soccer, he has a great potential to play for top European clubs under world class managers.

3. Luka Romero-18

Luka Romero, is an Argentinian footballer who plays for Serie A team, Lazio as an attacking midfielder. This season, he has appeared in 14 matches this season. On 17 October, Romero was included in The Guardian's 60 best young talents in world football born in 2004.

He scored his first goal for Lazio on 10 November, the winner against Monza, becoming first player to born in 2004 to score in Serie A. Romero received his first-ever cup call up to Argentina's senior team by manager Lionel Scaloni, he has been called "The New Messi", he will aim to shine just like the legend did in U20 FIFA World Cup, 2005.

2. Alex Scott: 19

Alex Scott was born in England, the 2003 born English footballer plays for the Championship team, Bristol City, he has appeared in 42 matches this season for the club. His performances this season did not go unnoticed, Premier League clubs have shown interest in signing him. Pep Guardiola described him as an "unbelievable player" and "top talent" by Jack Grealish.

In April 2023, Scott was named as the Championship Young Player of the Season. He debuted for England U20 in September 2022 and with an impressive season he was called for the England's World Cup squad.

1. Kendry Paez: 16

Mega prospect Kendry Paez comes from Ecuador, the Ecuadorian is going to be the youngest player at the U20 FIFA World Cup. He plays for Independiente del Valle, a club based in Ecuador, plays in the Ecuadorian Serie A.

He has already caught the eyes of those outside of his home nation, when he travelled to Salzburg with his club for the Next Generation Trophy. Due to his efforts, his team reached the final, and he was named the player of the tournament. The attacking midfielder, has been likened to Lionel Messi and will reportedly join Chelsea in 2025, and he will be 16 years and 16 days old when the tournament kicks off.